Page 26 - Climate Control News Magazine July 2021
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                 Building Services
   Johnson Controls corporate headquarters.
Preparing for phase out of R-410A
R454B has the lowest EPA SNAP-approved GWP for unitary applications of all ASHRAE classified A2L (low-toxicity, mild flammabil- ity) refrigerants on the market today, coming in at 466. This is one-fifth the GWP of R- 410A, far lower than the pending 750 GWP limits being proposed and offering the long- est-term viability.
Johnson Controls executive director of regula- tory, codes and environmental affairs for ducted systems, Chris Forth, said utilizing R-454B was a clear decision, but one that took years of in- depth research, testing and evaluation.
“As the AIM Act phase-down schedule pro- gresses, higher-GWP fluids such as R-32, while viable today, have the potential to be eliminat- ed as an option due to their high-GWP values. Johnson Controls will continue to evaluate lower-GWP alternatives for future possibili- ties,” he said.
Forth said the similar operating characteristics with R410A will make for a smoother transition for distributors, wholesalers and contractors.
He said bodies like the EPA are scheduled to begin their formal rule-making processes this year, which will determine how long of a servic- ing period will be granted for R410A equipment.
Bacharach CEO, Matthew Toone, said MSA’s global reach will play a significant role in driving future growth for Bacharach.
“With complementary technology, similar missions and a like-minded stance on sustaina- bility and the environment, we see this acquisi- tion as a great match for both Bacharach and for MSA,” he said.
The transaction is expected to close in early July.
AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, testing and evaluation, Johnson Controls has selected R- 454B, a lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, to replace R-410A in its ducted resi- dential and commercial unitary products as well as air-cooled scroll chillers.
Systems using the new refrigerant will be avail- able for Johnson Controls, YORK, Luxaire, Cole- man, Champion, TempMaster, Fraser-Johnston, Guardian, Evcon and Quantech branded prod- ucts in North America, as well as specific interna- tional markets where codes are in alignment.
This decision was made as the HVAC industry is preparing to phase out high-GWP refrigerants,
such as R-410A, which are now being formally addressed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the recently passed Amer- ican Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act.
The AIM Act directs the US-based EPA to phase down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) produc- tion and use by approximately 85 per cent over the next 15 years.
After evaluating several low-GWP alterna- tives on a variety of performance and market metrics, such as safety, capacity, efficiency, reli- ability, availability and longevity, Johnson Con- trols has determined R-454B to be the best-in- class replacement refrigerant.
 A safe buyout for MSA
SAFETY EQUIPMENT COMPANY MSA Safety Incorporated is set to acquire leak detec- tion company, Bacharach, in a deal worth $AUD436.53 million.
Founded in 1909 and headquartered in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, Bacharach is a major supplier of gas detection technologies for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrig- eration markets. The company employs 200 peo- ple across four locations in the US, Canada and Ireland and has an annual revenue of approxi- mately $AUD 90.67 million.
MSA is also based in the greater Pittsburgh area and was founded in 1914. It provides safety equipment including gas monitoring and detec- tion instruments, filter-type respirators, gas masks, and firefighter and military protection products. MSA is best known in the refrigeration industry for its Chillgard range of refrigerant leak detectors.
MSA chair, president and CEO, Nish Vartani- an, said the acquisition accelerates the compa- ny’s long-term growth strategy.
“With a leading detection portfolio and strong brand, Bacharach provides access to attractive end markets while aligning excep- tionally well with MSA’s prod-
uct and manufacturing exper- tise,” he said.
MSA senior vice president and chief financial officer Ken Krause, who will oversee the Bacharach integration process, said Bacha- rach’s complementary technology and manufacturing processes also provide an opportunity to en- hance productivity across a num- ber of areas.
Bacharach CEO, Matthew Toone.
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