Pipe Connections
Flanged joints are preferred to flared, screwed or compression type joints. For non-
detachable joints soldering, welding or brazing shall be used.
Other System Components
Other system mechanical components such as pressure vessels, compressors, heat
exchangers, piping and fittings should conform to the requirements of the relevant
standards.
2.6 INSTALLATION
2.6.1 General
Minimum Room Volume
Systems, or part of a system should not be located within a space or room where its
volume is such that an entire refrigerant leak would cause a refrigerant/air mixture of a
concentration higher than one-fifth (20%) of the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) of the
refrigerant. If this is not possible and the installation is in a machinery room then the use
of a refrigerant leak detector and mechanical ventilation should be employed.
Floor Voids
If equipment that could release its charge is installed in a room with a floor void, certain
precautions should be taken. Where sources of ignition exist within the floor void, then it
should either be sealed or the space ventilated. In particular, precautions should be
made against refrigerant collecting in drains.
Maximum Charge Below Ground Level
Refrigeration systems containing more than 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) should not be located in
spaces below ground level.
Systems on Roofs
In the case of installations on the roof of a building, precautions should be taken to
ensure that in the event of a leak refrigerant would not enter the building.
2.6.2 Refrigerant Piping
Refrigerant Piping
Depending on the system charge size some systems cannot have piping passing through
rooms that do not contain machinery as a part of the same refrigeration system. Where
impractical this requirement can be overcome by using a sheath around the pipe work,
with each end vented to the rooms containing the refrigerating machinery or the outside.
The European Standard EN 378 should be consulted to identify the size of systems where
relevant Provincial, Municipal or State Standards have not been legislated in your region.
Piping Duct Services
Piping ducts must not contain any other pipe work or electrical wires or cables unless
protection is provided to prevent damage due to interaction between services. Piping
through ducts shall not contain any mechanical connections or other line components.
Any ducts through which refrigerant piping passes must be vented to the atmosphere.
Piping Through Walls, Floors, Ceiling and Roof Spaces
Piping passing through fire resisting walls and ceilings shall be so sealed as not to allow
spreading of fire to neighboring rooms. Pipe ducts and shafts shall be shut off from other
rooms in such a way as to resist the spread of fire. Piping through false ceilings is
permitted provided that a false ceiling is not completely sealed.
Pipe work Routing Arrangements
The route of the pipe work between the evaporator and the condensing unit or
compressor, and remote condenser should be as direct and as short a distance as
possible.
Duracool Refrigerants Inc. 14
