This is the fourth jointly sponsored refrigerants conference sponsored by ASHRAE and NIST. Past conferences provided information and updates on the phaseout of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, which were implicated in destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer.

The conference provides the latest information on alternative refrigerants, likely time schedules, transition requirements, environmental effects of refrigerants, new refrigerant performance considerations, and what will be required to phase out the use of high-GWP refrigerants.

All those involved in the different aspects of refrigerants and refrigeration technology — policymakers, manufacturers, researchers, and government officials — will receive an opportunity to learn about the latest developments and directions going forward.

The conference will feature invited papers from leading global experts who will cover a broad range of topics, including status of current environmental, scientific, and regulatory activities; potential applications of natural refrigerants; technical developments on new low-GWP flourochemical refrigerants; equipment applications using low-GWP alternatives; the opportunities for reducing refrigerant emissions; and panel discussions by industry experts at the end of each day.

The focus of the conference is on technical issues and the longer term opportunities for success from a global perspective. Experts of every facet of the issues to be covered in the conference are going to be available during the two days of the sessions for an information exchange with an evening dinner on Monday for more informal discussions.

Registration is slated to open this month. The cost is $390 ($340 for ASHRAE members). For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/refrigerants2012.

Publication date: 6/11/2012