Developed Refrigerant Detection System for Highly Flammable Refrigerants (R290) – Achieving Safe and High-Precision Leak Detection in a Standalone System

Senseair, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM), has developed the "RDS R290" refrigerant detection system compatible with the highly flammable refrigerant R290 (propane).

Amid the rapid transition to alternative refrigerants, particularly in the European market driven by the tightening of PFAS and F-Gas regulations, the "RDS R290" has been developed by designing it as a refrigerant detection solution that balances safety and efficiency while mitigating the flammability risks of R290.

This product incorporates the NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) sensor core "Sunlight R290." It complies with the international standard "IEC 60335-2-40," which defines the safety of HVAC equipment, and achieves high precision in detecting even minor refrigerant leaks.

Additionally, this product features a robust protective housing with waterproof and dustproof performance that meets IP66 and IP67 standards. This ensures stable operation in harsh indoor and outdoor environments, supporting a wide range of applications such as HVAC systems.

Furthermore, this product can operate as a standalone unit and is equipped with flexible connectivity, including digital data transfer via the Modbus protocol and support for analog connections.

The "RDS R290" was developed to address the needs of markets requiring compliance with regulations, such as HVAC manufacturers, enabling streamlined installation and operation, cost reduction, and rapid regulatory compliance. Its mass production will commence in April 2025, positioning the product as a trusted solution in the field of refrigerant detection, meeting diverse market needs.