F gases
Fluorinated gases (F gases) are used as refrigerants in buildings, for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to provide cooling for refrigeration or to provide cooling for industrial processes.
F gases are not ozone depleting and they are often used as substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However they are powerful greenhouse gases (up to 20,000 times more powerful than CO2) and are listed as part of the Kyoto Protocol basket of greenhouse gases.
As emissions of F gases increase, so their use is coming under greater scrutiny.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are F gases. HFCs are commonly used in buildings and include refrigerants such as R134a, R404A, R407C and R507C.
Other F gases include SF6, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air conditioning.
- Air conditioning inspection.
- Cooling systems for buildings.
- Greenhouse gas.
- HVAC.
- Ozone depleting substance.
- R22 phase out.
- R404A phase out.
- Refrigerants.
- Refrigerant selection.
- SF6.
[edit] External references
- Gov.uk Managing fluorinated gases and ozone-depleting substances. 2013
- European Commission, Fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.