User:Wrgj

Dr. W. R. G. James

• President, Geo Direct S.A.S., France
• PhD (Mathematical Physcis), University of Melbourne
• Associate of the Institue of Actuaries Australia

Geothermal Discussions

From: Pieter Smit.

Good question. Appearantly DX systems using older coolants are not allowed in most European countries because R22 and Freons etc getting banned (also for existing systems per 2015), and there is concern about many of the older ones leaking unrepairable. But four years back a new DX system (maybe on propane or CO2) was installed in Zeeland, west Netherlands. ( www.zeeland.nl/digitaalarchief/ZEE0900679 sheet 19 )

Dutch rules are different per 12 provinces, some prohibit the use of other anti freeze then MPG in ground loop brine, but also that doesn't rule out DX. I can't find any regulation on DX yet.

I try to find out more and let you know.Pieter Felix Smit (talk) 07:54, 22 June 2012 (UTC)

From: W James

Yes, looking at German and Swiss regulations, it appears to depend on the local region / canton respectively. In France, there is no problem, and drilling does not require authorisation for <100m, just a declaration. Local water authorities may intervene at a local level.

Yes, R22 was phased out a number of years ago, but most geothermal systems moved to R407C. The systems available today are in R407C and R410A. Development is moving next generation models towards Propane and CO2, but the regulations and compressor technology need to catch-up.

The problem with leaking systems has changed in France since the introduction of mandatory qualifications for refrigeration installations. Plumbers can no longer buy refrigerant.