EU F-gas regulation 2024

Weiss Technik introduces new CO₂ refrigeration systems with GWP 1

The new European regulation on F-gases is in force since March 11, 2024. Environmental simulation systems are affected by new refrigerant bans, service guidelines and documentation requirements. All weisstechnik devices in operation are still permitted, but new devices of many types must be converted to more environmentally friendly refrigerants by 2025.

F-gases and environmental protection

Use of new refrigerants

Many refrigerants used in environmental simulation systems (so-called F-gases, e.g. R404A or R23) have a high global warming potential. Since 2015, they have been replaced by more environmentally friendly variants in the EU. At WeissTechnik, we aim to build high-performance yet environmentally friendly climate chambers.

We were therefore the first supplier to deliver our appliances with R-449A from January 2018. R-469A is used for ultra-low-temperatures since 2020. Alternative refrigerants are also available. From 2025, many devices will be available with pure CO₂ refrigeration technology.

GWP 150 from 2025

EU Regulation with new limit and new device classification

The EU Parliament has adopted the revision of the F-Gas Regulation by a large majority. The new EU Regulation 2024/573 is in force and contains the new equipment category of "self-contained refrigeration systems", for which a GWP limit of 150 for the refrigerant will apply from 2025. Chillers and devices for which no safe substitute-refrigerant is available are excluded ("compliance with safety requirements").

Synthetic refrigerants with a GWP below 150 are not available for environmental simulation systems. Only natural refrigerants can be considered now. For safety reasons, they must not be flammable.

Refrigeration technology for climate chambers and temperature test chambers

CO₂ down to -50°C, R23/R469A down to -70°C

Devices and systems for environmental simulation tests typically cool and heat in temperature ranges from -40°C or -70°C to over 100°C.

Only safe refrigerants and reliable components enable the precise control and conduct of various test specifications and standards. CO₂ can now be used as a refrigerant down to -50°C thanks to the increasing availability of pressure-resistant components.

Lower temperatures can only be safely achieved with cascade systems using R-449A/R-469A/R23.

Advantages of the new refrigeration technology

The performance spectrum of CO₂ as a refrigerant

Single-stage refrigeration systems with R449A reach a minimum temperature of -40°C, but cooling slows down from approx. -25°C. Our CO₂-(R744)-systems can cool down to -50°C powerfully with the same or higher heat compensation.

This has many advantages:

The need for a -70°C cascade refrigeration system can often be avoided and there is no need for an additional refrigerant.
This also eliminates the need for mandatory leakage tests.
The cooling machine runs more quietly.
The unit consumes less energy.
Less GWP is not possible, ensuring a very future-proof machine.

The test procedures remain the same

No changes to the requirements at the installation site

The new refrigeration technology is installed in our devices without the need for design changes.

Dimensions and connections remain exactly the same
Operating conditions such as cooling water temperature or room temperature do not change.
Our devices continue to be CE-certified, including the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
The rules of DIN EN 378 continue to apply to the installation conditions.
Test programs such as IEC 60068-2-38 or IEC 60068-2-14 Nb will run as usual
Our service team is appropriately trained and has the right tools and certifications on hand

Service rules in the EU regulation

Deferred leakage test required

The EU F-Gas Regulation already contained regulations on refrigerant use, documentation, quotas and recycling. The operation, maintenance and repair of all Weiss Technik devices remains permitted for an unlimited period of time.

New: After repairs of the refrigeration system, there must be a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 30 days between completion of the repair and a leak test. This applies to all devices that were previously subject to mandatory leak testing.

The existing ban on the use of new refrigerants with GWP >750 from January 2032 only applies to devices in the -40°C class. Here, reclaimed or recycled refrigerants must be used. All refrigerants remain legal for systems that can cool below -50°C.

Availability of refrigerants

Quota system tightened

The new quotas for the import of refrigerants into the EU set out in Regulation 2024/573 are lower than in the previous regulation. Weiss Technik already procured and stored refrigerants with its own quota in 2019. The annual quota is sufficient to continue filling all our systems with refrigerant.

The reductions in the refrigerant quota in 2027 and 2030 are likely to make high-GWP refrigerants such as R23 more expensive. Weiss Technik can convert refrigeration circuits with the drop-in refrigerant WT77. The performance of the devices and systems remains the same.