This book aims to help professionals operate heat pumps and refrigeration systems safely with flammable refrigerants. The focus is on propane (R-290) – representative of all hydrocarbons – because it is currently the most widely used natural refrigerant for refrigeration, air conditioning and heating technology.
 
The move away from fluorinated synthetic refrigerants requires a clear change in technology. Propane has excellent thermodynamic properties and is climate-friendly, but it also poses a serious fire and explosion hazard. The aim of this book is therefore to protect people and property from the risks posed by explosive atmospheres – from planning and construction to daily operation.
 
What this book offers
Focus on European regulations – only EU-wide regulations, standards and directives are discussed; special national regulations are not covered
Practical safety knowledge – from risk analysis and explosion protection documents to typical protective measures in everyday service
Concrete guidance – checklists, examples and tips for operators, manufacturers, project managers,
specialist companies and installation companies
Current status 2025 – takes into account the latest regulations, standards and market developments
 
 
How to use the book
 
It is not necessary to read every page. Depending on your role, the chapters lead you directly to the relevant topics:
Operators – obligations, risk assessment, explosion protection documents
Manufacturers – risk assessment, conformity, CE marking
Specialist companies (installers/constructors) – assembly, risk analysis
Refrigeration engineers – maintenance, inspection, repair, leak detection
 
At the same time, you can also find specific information on system types:
Heat pumps and refrigeration machines in ventilated enclosures
Separate machine rooms
Air/water heat pumps and air-cooled chillers
Air/air heat pumps and split air conditioning systems
Brine/water heat pumps
Exhaust air heat pumps
 
 
To ensure that each chapter contains all the information relevant to its target audience, certain topics are deliberately covered several times.
 
Which questions are answered:
Is there a difference between heat pumps for businesses (‘commercial use’) and for residential buildings?
What is the difference between risk assessment, hazard analysis and hazard evaluation?
Is a hazard analysis not required for small filling quantities?
Is an explosion protection document not required for heat pumps?
Does a hermetically sealed refrigerant circuit mean that no Ex-marked devices are required?
Are no Ex-marked devices required for ventilation?
Why is it problematic to use semi-hermetic compressors without Ex marking – even if they are ‘tight’?
Are possible and potential ignition sources exactly the same?
Are there no legal requirements for the ventilation of the cargo area of service vehicles?
 
 
‘Lykke til’ and ‘Good luck’
Stig Rath and Harald Erös