What should be done if leaking industrial process refrigeration exceeds the threshold leak rate?

When the leak rate of an industrial process refrigeration system exceeds the threshold limit, it is crucial to take action to mitigate the environmental and regulatory implications associated with refrigerant leakage. Repairing, retrofitting, or retiring the refrigeration system is the appropriate response because it directly addresses the issue of harmful refrigerant emissions, ensuring compliance with regulations set forth by the EPA.

Addressing leaks through repair helps to maintain the efficiency and performance of the system while reducing the risk of environmental harm. Retrofitting might involve upgrading components to prevent leaks in the future, and if the system is beyond repair, retiring it ensures that future emissions are eliminated completely. This proactive approach not only protects the environment but also aligns with legal obligations under the Clean Air Act regarding refrigerant management.

Options that involve ignoring the leak rate or simply increasing the refrigerant level do not resolve the core problem and could lead to more significant penalties and environmental damage. Switching to a different refrigerant without addressing the leak may also not effectively resolve the leak issue and could risk transitioning to another system that is still prone to similar problems. Thus, the most responsible and effective choice is to repair, retrofit, or retire the refrigeration system to prevent ongoing leaks.