Equipementier HVAC Automotive
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The first generation of refrigerant fluids (1850s) included “natural” fluids: ammonia, CO2, sulphur dioxide. These are toxic and/or flammable substances that pose numerous safety issues.
Despite their attractive thermodynamic properties (as well as their availability), their physical properties made them potentially dangerous in cases of misuse or accidents. They were progressively abandoned in favour of a new generation of refrigerants, considered risk-free for people.
The second generation of fluid contained synthetic fluids (1930s) and halogens. These included chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like R12, then Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) such as R22. They are not flammable, toxic and hazard-free. However, they do contain chlorine which attacks the ozone layer.
Later, the members of the United Nations at the time (24 countries) reached a multi-lateral agreement to protect the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol was agreed upon in 1987 and prohibited the use of CFCs and HCFCs and obliged member states to gradually eliminate SDOLs (Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer).
The third generation concerns hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like R404a or R134a, which were largely used until 2015. They do not pose a risk to the ozone layer but they do contribute towards global warming. The Kigali agreement in 2016 (ratified by 99 states and the European Union in 2020) signalled the progressive phasing-out of these refrigerants.
In fact. R134a, from 2013 was no longer used in new vehicle models and in 2017 it was banned from new vehicles. R134a was then replaced by a fourth-generation fluid, 1234yf.
However, garages and workshops will continue to use them until the old vehicle fleet has been completely renewed.
Hydrofluoroolefins make up the fourth generation of refrigerant fluids. They have been in use since 2010. They do not pose a risk to the ozone layer and have the advantage of having a very short life of just 10 to 15 years. However, they are lightly flammable and cannot be used in public-access buildings.
SNDC designs and supplies air conditioning, heating, filtration and pressurisation systems for vehicle cabins
ECOCLIM charging units enable recycling and recharging in a single operation.
The next edition of the EQUIP AUTO exhibition will be held from 18 to 22 October 2022 in rooms 1, 2.2 and 3 of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The after-sales and mobility services event is held every two years and takes place in the autumn.
SNDC is delighted to announce that it will be taking part in EQUIP’AUTO ON TOUR 2021, which will take place at MEETT in TOULOUSE. We hope you can attend too!
Haute-Garonne-based company SNDC, owner of Ecoclim, is planning to modernise its facilities to triple its production capacity over the next two years and consolidate its position as a leading French specialist in refrigerant handling and treatment.
