What is the R600A Refrigerant Change for Watercoolers?

According to upcoming EU Regulation 217/2014, it is prohibited to use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) > 150 in new watercoolers from January 2022. Please be aware that R134a will still be available for servicing coolers that were put on the market prior to that date.

What is the change?
OASIS was currently using Refrigerant R134a. (GWP1430) and we are now changing to R600a. (GWP 3)

Why R600a?
R600a is refrigerant-grade Isobutane, a natural refrigerant suitable for use in a range of refrigeration applications. R600a is now the refrigerant gas of choice in domestic and small commercial refrigerators due to its low environmental impact and excellent thermodynamics. It is non-toxic with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and very low GWP (Global Warming Potential)

What are the benefits of R600a?
1. Environmental impact – Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) & low GWP of 3.
2. 15% increase in cooling performance
3. 25% reduction in energy consumption
4. 50% reduction in the quantity of refrigerant

When is the change?
As there is extensive developmental work involved in changing refrigeration, it is necessary to introduce this change on a phased basis to ensure our entire range of coolers comply by Jan 2022. Therefore the implementation will be as follows:
– Bottle coolers & related POU coolers will change with immediate effect
– Kalix POU coolers will change in 2021

Safety Concerns?

The main concern regarding the use of HC refrigerants such as R600a is the flammability of the gas. This is a valid concern, however, stringent European safety standards for the use of HC refrigerants have been in place for several years now. OASIS has independently and successfully tested the R600a refrigerant cooler range against all European safety standards (EN/IEC 60335-2-24) related to the use of flammable refrigerants. The following standard precautions should be observed:

• DURING TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND INSTALLATION, CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE REFRIGERATION CIRCUIT
• IF REFRIGERANT DAMAGE OCCURS, THEN AVOID ANY OPEN FLAMES OR POTENTIAL SOURCES OF IGNITION, AND VENTILATE THE ROOM WHERE THE APPLIANCE IS LOCATED FOR THIRTY MINUTES
• SERVICING OF THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
• END-OF-LIFE UNITS MUST BE DISPOSED OF SAFELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS. CONTACT YOUR MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY ABOUT THE DISPOSAL OF WEEE IN YOUR LOCALITY