R-134a leak comparison in atmospheric pressure
Project Description
In Europe, the control of refrigerant equipment leak tightness is nowadays the identified mean to reduce greenhouse gases. Therefore, the leak detection is a developing area which needs the development of leak calibration means. Indeed, according to the European standard EN 14624 to qualify refrigerant leak detectors, refrigerant leak artefacts are necessary. Their leak flow rates (downstream pressure about the atmospheric pressure) are between 1 and 50 g/yr and they must be calibrated with a relative uncertainty of 15 % at 20 °C.
In Europe, some standards can calibrate R-134a leak flow rate. Therefore, the comparison project consists in performing a comparison of the flow rates of two R-134a leak artefacts (rates to be chosen between 1 and 50 g/yr) into the atmosphere pressure to test the calibration measurement capabilities for leak rates and to compare the standards.
Final Report 2022-02.03
The project has been completed and the report can be downloaded here>>.
Progress Report 2021-08-02
Measurements are finished. Draft A was agreed. Draft B in progress. Final report expected in this year.
Progress Report 2018-04-09
A simplified comparison is in progress, as one of the transfer standard behaviour was erratic.
INRIM no longer participates in this project.
Progress Report 2016-05-04
Measurements and calculations are performed; a draft B v1 was distributed to participants. INRIM wished to withdraw its results so the report has to be revised.
Progress Report 2011-03-08
The comparison is carried out with two transfer leaks of R-134a: 1g/yr and 3 g/yr. The temperature coefficients of the leaks were previously measured by the LNE. According to the protocol that have been agreed by all participants, the measurements have begun in October 2009 by the LNE. Measurements have been performed. A draft C report has been submitted to the participants.
Progress Report 2010-04-07
The comparison is carried out with two transfer leaks of R-134a: 1 g/yr and 3 g/yr. the temperature coefficients of the leaks were previously measured by the LNE. According to the protocol that has been agreed by all participants, the measurements have begun in october 2009 by the LNE. Measurements from the PTB and the INRIM have been performed. The leak have just been delivered to CMI for calibration. The measurements of the CMI will take 5 weeks before returning to the LNE. The NMIs results are expected for the end of April.