An Evaluation of Flammable Refrigerants

An Evaluation of Flammable Refrigerants

Scott G. Davis, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI

Dr. Davis will discuss his recent Fire Protection Research Foundation report, "Evaluation of the Fire Hazard of ASHRAE Class A3 Refrigerants in Commercial Refrigeration Applications".  The specific objectives of the study were to: (1) assess the flammability risk versus charge size; and (2) develop recommendations on how to prevent or mitigate the risks when using R-290 in commercial retail and kitchen applications. The study was needed to establish a technical basis for any changes to the current charge limits and to help determine whether A3 (hydrocarbon) refrigerants can replace non-flammable refrigerants in a broader range of refrigeration applications that require larger charges than currently allowed by standards.  To read the full report, visit the FPRF website.

Dr. Scott Davis specializes in mechanical and aerospace engineering, and the engineering analysis and testing of combustion, thermal, and fluid processes. Dr. Davis applies his expertise to the investigation, prevention, and risk assessment of fires, explosions, and dispersion hazards such as flammable vapors and carbon monoxide exposures. He is responsible for fire and explosion related consulting activities, which include post-incident investigative work as well as performing risk assessments and safety studies for offshore Oil & Gas installations, petrochemical facilities, and various other industries. These studies include explosion risk assessment, blast and venting analyses, assessment of combustible dust explosions and ignition, toxic and flammable gas releases and dispersion, hydrogen safety, ventilation, detector placement, and carbon monoxide dispersion with the assistance of the world-leading FLACS software developed by GexCon.