Refrigerant leakage in the refrigerated transport sector.

Leakage of refrigerant, especially hydrofluorocarbons, has a direct and major impact on global warming due to their high global warming potential.
Within the refrigerated transport sector, more than 90% of the refrigerating units are still using R404A as a refrigerant, a Hydrofluorocarbon which has a very high GWP (3940). Moreover, on-board equipment are subjected to vibrations, large ambient temperature variations and obvious accidentology increasing the risk of leakage.
Cemafroid was involved in 2015 in a research program1 in order to develop a guidance document to help final users or maintenance companies to minimize refrigerant leaks for all kind of refrigerating equipment and sectors (Transport, storage, commercial refrigeration, Food industry and Air conditioning). Cemafroid deeply analyzed refrigerant leakages in the refrigerated transport sector with the help of one of the key European player.
The occurrences and the sources of leakage strongly depend on the technology used. Leaky components have been systematically identified for each transport refrigerating unit technology. Driven-belt units are much more susceptible to leakage than independent units. The main reasons are that mechanical stresses are more important and also because of the location of the compressor near the vehicle engine.
The authors also present the recommendations which aims at raising awareness among different stakeholders such as TRU manufacturers, installers, maintainers in order to reinforce containment for the entire life cycle of the equipment.