Dawlance and UNIDO’s Safety-Training on HFC R-32 Refrigerant & Equipment

         

Dawlance is the leading manufacturer of high-quality refrigerators, Air-Conditioners and other Home-appliances in Pakistan. Recently, a professional training program on “Safe Handling Practices of HFC R- 32 Refrigerant and Equipment” was organized by the ‘National Ozone Unit’ with the ‘Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination’ (MoCC&EC), Government of Pakistan. The ‘United Nations Industrial Development Organization’ (UNIDO) and its RRR (Recover, Recycle & Reclaim) project (for proper end-of-life disposal of refrigerants) also contributed to make this program successful, in collaboration with Dawlance.

This training program is developed under HCFC’s (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), Stage-II in Pakistan. These sessions were conducted at Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Islamabad. It engaged more than 850 participants (dealer installers, authorized workshops, service branches network) all over Pakistan.

It comprised various training activities including: compressor-changing procedures, application of flammable- refrigerants, system design-differences, best-practices on tube-work & leak-detection, R32 RAC installation demonstrations, Best-practices on R32 air-conditioners services & recovery from RAC.

As a socially responsible enterprise, Dawlance has changed its Refrigerant gas usage from R-410-A to R-32 in its appliances, which is a much safer gas, and it is also recycled for environmental sustainability. Being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arcelik, the 2nd largest manufacturer in Europe, Dawlance is implementing global best-practices with continuous investments in innovative technologies and professional training for the workforce. It offers unmatched value and benefits for the consumers and the public at large.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance – Umar Ahsan Khan stated: “We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the community and our consumers. Modern R-32 Service equipment has also been installed at the Dawlance Service Centers for recovery, because releasing it in the air causes pollution & depletion of the Ozone layer - a fragile shield of gas, protecting the Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

The 7-hour practical training taught safety measures for: Switching to R-32 from R-410A anticipates R-410A's phase- out, involving design adaptations for electrical/mechanical components and differing gas weights. The R-32 refrigerant offers improved cooling efficiency, energy-conservation and lower flammability. Skilled personnel using appropriate tools, with pre-site preparation can ensure safety of customer premises.

Technical personnel were taught to ensure safety and performance by adhering to: maximum piping and gas-charge limits, considering height differences between indoor & outdoor units, AC room standards and correct flaring practices. Importance of post-installation checks, diagnosing leaks, addressing blockages, evacuating gas, brazing, and utilizing vacuum pumps, is critical for system integrity.

The participants learned cautious maintenance of pressure, functional testing besides storage of cylinders in temperature-controlled environments above 50 degrees. The experts also informed the audience about safety- standards for transportation of cylinders in vehicles.