With the rising demand for cooling solutions due to urbanization and economic growth, the environmental impact of traditional refrigerants has become a pressing concern. Addressing this, a five-day training program took place in May 2024 at the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Centre (BKTTC) in Dhaka.
The workshop, organized by GIZ Proklima as part of the Green Cooling Initiative, aimed to train local RAC sector trainers on the safe use of eco-friendly refrigerants. "Training on eco-friendly refrigerants plays a crucial role in transitioning to sustainable cooling systems. This is vital for achieving global environmental standards and promoting eco-friendly practices within the industry," said Sadid Hossain, Senior Assistant Director of Walton Hi Tech Industries Ltd.
Participants were given both theoretical and practical training on natural refrigerants such as R-290 (propane), R-717 (ammonia), and R-744 (CO2). Handling these substances safely is critical to prevent hazards and avoid leakages.
The hands-on sessions covered various tasks including brazing under inert gas protection, cutting and cleaning pipes, manufacturing test specimens, and performing pressure strength and pressure tightness tests. A significant focus was also on the proper installation of air conditioners using Oxygen Flow Distribution Networks (OFDN) to ensure safe and efficient oxygen distribution.
In addition, the training emphasized the importance of refrigerant recovery and leak detection to prevent environmental harm. By the end of the program, participants were equipped to teach others, fostering further promotion of natural refrigerants.
Participants received certificates from the Director General of the Manpower and Training Bureau, who underscored the importance of empowering technical training schools with knowledge of eco-friendly refrigeration technologies.
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