Flammable Gas / Flammable Refrigerant Detection

In air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants and natural refrigerants is increasing as part of efforts to reduce environmental impact. At the same time, some refrigerants such as R32, R454A/B/C, and R290 are flammable, making early leak detection important.

Detecting flammable gases and flammable refrigerants leak can support measures such as safety control, alarms, ventilation, and shutdown. In air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration equipment, and HVAC equipment, gas detection is becoming increasingly important for improving safety and reliability.

Equipment using flammable gases or flammable refrigerants requires early leak detection and safety control measures such as alarms, ventilation, and system shutdown.
Safety design and regulatory compliance for equipment using flammable gases or flammable refrigerants must be considered in combination with the design and evaluation of the entire equipment system, not by the sensor alone.

Key points to consider include the following.

• Compatibility with the target gas or refrigerant
• Early leak detection
• Stability for long-term use
• Suitability for the installation environment
• Ease of integration into equipment
• Compliance with applicable standards and safety requirements

R32

A mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerant used in air conditioners, heat pumps, and other equipment. Leak detection can be used for equipment safety control and alarms.

R454A / R454B / R454C

Refrigerants increasingly adopted for their low GWP. They are considered targets for leak detection in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

R290

A natural refrigerant mainly composed of propane. While it is expected to offer strong environmental performance, its flammability makes leak detection and safety design important.

Other Flammable Gases

Depending on the application and characteristics of the target gas, the detection method and design conditions must be considered.

Air Conditioning Equipment

Detects leaks of flammable refrigerants and can be used for equipment control and alarms.

Heat Pumps

Can be used in the safety design of heat pump equipment using low-GWP refrigerants or natural refrigerants.

Refrigeration Equipment

Contributes to improved equipment reliability through refrigerant leak detection and safety monitoring.

HVAC Equipment

Can be used for flammable refrigerant leak detection and safety control in air conditioning and refrigeration applications.

Detecting leaks of flammable gases and flammable refrigerants enables early recognition of abnormalities and supports safety control. When combined with equipment-side control systems, it can help implement safety measures such as alarms, ventilation, and shutdown.