New Refrigerant Rules in Australia: What They Mean for Environmental Test Chambers

Are refrigerant rules changing in Australia? Yes. Australia is progressively phasing down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants as part of its commitment to reduce high-global-warming-potential gases. For laboratories, manufacturers, universities and R&D facilities using environmental test chambers, this makes refrigerant selection an increasingly important consideration when purchasing new equipment.

What is the HFC phase-down in Australia?

Australia’s HFC phase-down is reducing the amount of HFC refrigerants that can be imported into Australia. The phase-down began in 2018 and is progressively reducing HFC imports through to 2036.

This transition is encouraging equipment manufacturers to move towards lower-GWP refrigerants and alternative refrigeration technologies.

What does this mean for environmental test chambers?

Environmental test chambers rely on refrigeration systems to achieve and maintain controlled temperatures. Depending on the required temperature range, chambers may use different refrigerants or refrigeration system configurations.

For customers purchasing a new temperature, humidity or environmental test chamber, the refrigerant should therefore be considered alongside temperature range, chamber size, cooling performance and electrical requirements.

Lower-GWP refrigerants are becoming increasingly important as manufacturers adapt their products to changing environmental regulations in Australia and overseas.

What should you ask before buying a test chamber?

When specifying a new environmental test chamber, ask the manufacturer or supplier:

• Which refrigerant is used?
• What is the refrigerant’s GWP?
• Is the refrigerant readily available for servicing in Australia?
• Are there any ventilation or safety requirements?
• What are the long-term servicing implications?
• Is the refrigeration system suitable for the expected operating life of the chamber?

For very low-temperature applications, such as freezers, freeze dryers and chambers operating below -80°C, refrigerant selection and refrigeration-system design can be particularly important.

Are European F-Gas rules relevant to Australian buyers?

European F-Gas regulations are also influencing the international environmental chamber market. Many manufacturers supply equipment globally, so changes to refrigerant requirements in Europe are contributing to the development and adoption of lower-GWP refrigeration technologies.

Australian customers may therefore encounter new refrigerant options as manufacturers update their international product ranges.

Choosing the right environmental test chamber

When purchasing an environmental test chamber, it is worth looking beyond the headline temperature range. Refrigerant type, GWP, serviceability, ambient operating conditions and future availability can all affect the suitability of a system over its working life.

Hylec Controls supplies environmental and temperature testing equipment for research, education, life sciences, manufacturing and R&D applications. We can help identify the appropriate chamber configuration based on your temperature range, application, sample size and operating environment.

Looking for an environmental test chamber in Australia? Contact Hylec Controls to discuss your testing requirements.