PRACTICAL TESTS WITH R290 USED IN REEFER CONTAINER REFRIGERATION LEAKAGE TESTING

The option of using flammable refrigerants in the reefer container has already been studied and reported by Konig (2013, 2014) in various publications. In the present paper, the results of experiments are presented, related to the investigation of the potential fire and explosions risks by R290 leaks in refrigerated containers. A safety concept for reefer containers operating with R290 as refrigerant has been tested and validated. In addition, there were extensive leakage simulations, the results have been evaluated for the comparison with the practical tests. Both experiments and the simulations were done at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Further tests are carried out by the manufacturer with the support of the firefighting service and the Danish institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI). The results from practical tests and the leakage simulations allow for first generalization and more precise studies with respect to potential risks of refrigerant leaks. Potentially explosive atmospheres situations can be evaluated much easier and appropriate measures can be derived. It turns out that dangerous situations for small, medium and rupture of pipe leaks are manageable. The results of the practical testing of leaking R290 inside and outside of a reefer container showed that the risk is being commonly overestimated.