The separation technology for a full cycle of refrigerants reuse

PROZON is implementing the "Refrigerant life cycle" project, co-financed by the LIFE program, which will allow for completion of the full cycle for re-use of refrigerants. The main goal of the project is to reduce the amount of fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions through the development of the recovery and reclamation of refrigerants network (3R network) and implementation of a demonstration installation for separation of waste refrigerant mixtures.

The innovative technology combines the processes of rectification and adsorption, which will allow for complete separation of the mixtures. Until now, these mixtures could not be managed properly and had to be incinerated. Thanks to the installation, these mixtures can be separated and processed into proper quality refrigerants ready to be returned to the market.

The installation will be operational by the end of 2022 and the results of its operation will be available to companies from all over Europe. It is assumed that, at the end of the project, an HFC emission reduction of 74,000 t CO₂ equivalent/year will be achieved. It is assumed that the technology will be replicated to use in other countries and also transferred to different industries such as the automotive, fire protection and energy sectors.

In parallel to the implementation of an installation, a network for collection of waste refrigerant is also being developed. Collecting refrigerants for reclamation and separation of mixtures will allow for the processing of even more waste into a quality product. The project aims to raise environmental awareness and encourage pro-climate activities in HVACR companies.