Esco EPA Prep Week - Core Section

Introduction

• Hosted by: John Stone Supply
• Event: Part of CO-19 relief project
• Duration: Through at least May
• Focus: Preparation for the EPA Section 608 certification exam
• Materials: Extensive; practice exams available
• Contact: Email/call for questions (not during presentation)
• Schedule: Core today and tomorrow

Purpose of the Course

• Prepares technicians for handling refrigerants
• Not a formal refrigeration training course
• Emphasis on understanding regulations and staying updated

EPA Section 608 Certification

• Requirement: Mandatory for those working with regulated refrigerants
• Responsibility: Technicians must stay up to date with current regulations
• Content: Covers Clean Air Act regulations, refrigerant handling techniques, etc.

Importance of Certification

• Necessary for compliance with Clean Air Act
• Prevents illegal release of refrigerants
• Technicians cannot work under someone else's certification in the field (except in classrooms under instruction)

Examination Overview

• Sections: Core, Type I, Type II, Type III (25 questions each, 70% passing score)
• Universal Certification: Achieved upon passing all four sections
• Practice Exams: Available at escogroup.org/practice
• Proctoring: Closed book exam, either video-proctored or in-person
• Materials Allowed: TP chart, calculator (no phones)
• Identification: Required (driver’s license/ID, Social Security, etc.)

Certification Types

Type I

• Focus: Small appliances (pre-built assembly, factory charge ≤5 lbs)

Type II

• Focus: Appliances >5 lbs of refrigerant or require charging on-site

Type III

• Focus: Low-pressure appliances (centrifugal chillers, low temp systems)

Universal

• Goal: Cover all types to achieve universal certification

Core Section Content

Topics Covered

• Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Impact of refrigerants on ozone
• Global Warming Potential: Effects of refrigerants on global warming
• Pressure Systems: Low, medium, high, very high-pressure systems
• Recovery/Recycling/Reclaim Techniques: Proper handling of refrigerants

Basic Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

• Components: Compressor, condenser, receiver, metering device, evaporator, accumulator
• Cycle: Low pressure side & high pressure side
• Types of Compressors: Different mechanisms but similar functions
• Key Concepts: Superheat, subcooling

Regulations and Requirements

• Clean Air Act Section 608: Governs refrigerant handling
• Technician Responsibility: Stay updated with regulations
• Record Keeping: Important for compliance

Understanding Refrigerants and Standards

Types of Refrigerants

• CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons, high ozone-depleting
• HCFCs: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, moderate ozone-depleting
• HFCs: Hydrofluorocarbons, low ozone-depleting but high GWP
• HFOs: Hydrofluoroolefins, low GWP and ozone impact
• Natural Refrigerants: Propane (R290), CO2 (low GWP)

Refrigerant Management

• Montreal Protocol: International treaty addressing ozone-depletion
• Clean Air Act: US regulations, Section 608 and 609
• Compliance: Technician's responsibility to follow
• GWP (Global Warming Potential): Comparisons against CO2 baseline
• Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): Effects on stratospheric ozone

System Evacuation and Leak Detection

• Evacuation: Required to pull systems down to ≤500 microns
• Leak Detection: Importance of identifying and fixing leaks
• Recovery Equipment: Specific requirements based on refrigerant type

Key Takeaways

• Invest in Education: Stay current with practices and regulations
• Proper Refrigerant Handling: Critical for compliance and environmental protection
• Utilize Resources: Manuals, practice exams, and courses for better preparation

Conclusion

• Next Session: Continuation of core section
• Encouragement: Self-study and practice for thorough preparation