In the hot summer, air conditioners, freezers and other refrigeration equipment have undoubtedly become the "life-saving magic weapon" for efficient operation of factories, comfortable shopping in shopping malls, and comfortable family life. However, few people know that when there is a slight abnormal sound from the air conditioner outdoor unit, or frost quietly forms in the corner of the supermarket freezer, a disaster that may cause explosion, poisoning or even life-threatening is quietly brewing, just like a lurking "invisible killer".

    Refrigerant leakage is like an invisible time bomb. Relevant data show that 80% of major safety accidents are caused by the initial small leakage that was not detected and handled in time. Today, let us take a deeper look at this hidden safety hazard around us.

Danger signal: These abnormalities are the "warning lights" of leakage

    When the refrigeration system shows the following symptoms, you must be vigilant immediately:

    Refrigeration efficiency plummets: Even if the temperature is adjusted to the lowest, the room does not feel significantly cool, and the refrigeration equipment continues to operate at high load, eventually causing the electricity bill to soar by more than 30%. This "false cooling" phenomenon is likely a signal of refrigerant leakage.

    Abnormal frosting of pipes: Once liquid refrigerant leaks, it will quickly vaporize and absorb heat, causing abnormal icing on the surface of the copper pipe. This feature is especially obvious when high-pressure refrigerants such as R410A leak.

    Abnormal noise and oil stains: When refrigerant leaks, it usually sprays out with refrigeration oil, leaving oily stains at the pipe joints. In a quiet environment at night, you can even hear the "hissing" sound of gas escaping.

    Odor hidden danger: When ammonia refrigerant leaks, it will emit a strong and pungent odor, which is very easy to detect; but flammable refrigerants such as R32 are more dangerous. When they reach an explosive concentration, they will not produce any odor, silently threatening people's lives.

Fatal threat: invisible "invisible killer"

    Explosion risk: The lower explosion limit of flammable refrigerants such as R32 and R290 is extremely low, only 0.3%-1.7%. Take a standard 50-cubic-meter conference room as an example. If 1.5 kg of such refrigerants leak, the concentration will reach a dangerous level. If you are not careful, it may cause a violent explosion.

    Suffocation crisis: Although Freon refrigerants are not flammable, their density is 2-4 times that of air. Once leaked, they will quickly settle near the ground, occupying the air space and causing a sharp drop in oxygen concentration. When the human body inhales such air, it is easy to suffocate due to lack of oxygen or even lose the ability to move.

    Poisoning hazard: Ammonia refrigerant (R717) can be called a "chemical weapon". When the concentration in the air reaches 50ppm, it will cause strong irritation to the respiratory tract; and when the concentration reaches 500ppm, the human body will face fatal danger if exposed for 30 minutes. What is more worthy of attention is that long-term exposure to low doses of chlorofluorocarbons will also cause irreversible damage to liver and kidney function.

Emergency treatment: Self-help guide at critical moments

    Cut off the source of danger: Once a refrigerant leak is found, all ignition sources should be cut off immediately and the power of the equipment should be turned off. At the same time, it is forbidden to use mobile phones, metal tools and other items that may produce sparks to eliminate explosion hazards from the source.Scientific ventilation: quickly open doors and windows to form air convection and speed up indoor air circulation. However, it should be noted that the motor of ordinary exhaust fans may produce sparks, which poses a safety risk, so it is forbidden to use them. In industrial scenarios, explosion-proof ventilation equipment should be used; in home environments, fans can be used to blow air toward the outdoors to help discharge leaked refrigerants.

    Professional rescue and help: Call the emergency number as soon as possible and provide key information, including the type of refrigerant (which can be checked on the equipment nameplate), the estimated amount of leakage (which can be judged with the help of a pressure gauge), and whether anyone has symptoms of discomfort. Remember, do not try to repair the leak by yourself to avoid more serious consequences caused by improper operation.

Prevent trouble before it happens: Use technology to build a safe line of defense

    The traditional soapy water detection method can only detect cracks larger than 0.5mm, which has certain limitations. With the development of science and technology, modern detection technology has been able to achieve second-level warning. By integrating refrigerant leakage detection sensors, the leakage of new environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R290, R32, and R454B can be accurately captured. With the help of Internet of Things technology, the detection equipment is linked with the sound and light alarm and automatic exhaust system, which can greatly improve the efficiency of emergency response and escort safety.

GRT510 Refrigerant detection module

    Statistics from professional institutions show that 90% of refrigerant leakage accidents can be avoided through regular testing. While enjoying the coolness and comfort brought by modern refrigeration technology, we should pay more attention to the hidden safety hazards behind it, and integrate safety awareness into daily use and maintenance, so that every coolness is accompanied by peace of mind.