Removing refrigerant traces from air

[quark]

The refrigerant (R134a, probably), in question, is used as a propellant for aerosol canisters. The filling is done in a closed cabinet (isolator kind of thing). There refrigerant may go into the cabinet during gassing operation or during spray checking. Is there any adsorbant or absorbant or any other method by which this refrigerant can be recovered and disposed in a safe manner? Though R134a doesn't pose much problem to atmosphere, safe disposal is preferred to dilution.

 

[ash9144]

Carbon may be one possibility, although it might have an exotherm with the refrig and pose a fire hazard.

Another possibility would be some type of catalytic decomposition.

Maybe check with some of the mfgs to see how they recover/decompose trace quantities.

 

[quark]

ash,

Thanks for the reply. The refrigerant quantity will be very less and there will be no problem of fire hazard with R134a (even with naked flame) as far as I know. When you say manufacturers, do you mean the refrigerant manufacturers or activated carbon manufacturers?

To all,

I am actually confused by the poor response to this thread. Is that I am asking too much, is it a badly phrased question, is there any problem with my english or the process I mentioned is vague? I anticipate some pointers, atleast . You guys never disappointed anybody in the past! There is no dearth for stalwarts in this forum.

 

[BenThayer]

you are upset to the response rate after only 3 days?

you might try the HVAC section under the Mechanical Engineers section since they are likely more familiar with both the use of refrigerants and ventilation systems.