LR issues alert re Explosion of refrigerated container compression units
Recommendations for recharging LR issues safety alert regarding Explosion of refrigerated container compression units and recommendations for recharging applicable to Container ship operators and crew, container terminals and stevedores, road haulage firms, maintenance fitters and end users/leasers of refrigerated containers, as follows:There have recently been a number of incidents, some fatal, involving explosion of the compressor units fitted to refrigerated (reefer) containers. The cause of the explosions is still under investigation but it appears that the servicing of the refrigeration system is a common factor in each case. It has been reported to Lloyd's Register that refrigerant gas in refrigeration and air conditioning plants is being recharged or 'topped up' with different types of gas. This may have been a contributing factor to the explosions.The international community is phasing-out the use of HCFC R-22 refrigerant. This refrigerant is becoming increasingly difficult and costly to obtain. As a result, it has been reported that some service contractors are mixing dissimilar refrigerants in air conditioning and/or refrigeration systems. This practice carries the following significant risks:1. It may violate several European and national standards, and may be illegal in some countries.2. The unknown composition of the resultant refrigerant mixture may change system performance ...
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