EPA 608 CORE FLASHCARDS

EPA 608 Study Guide

The molecule found in CFCs and HCFCs that depletes ozone is:

Chlorine is a reactive element that, when released from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the atmosphere, can catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to ozone layer depletion.

R-600a has an ASHRAE Standard 34 safety classification of:

Think of the safest letter paired with the highest fire risk. In ASHRAE Standard 34, the letter 'A' stands for lower toxicity (the safest rating), while the number '3' represents the highest flammability class because isobutane is an easily combustible fuel.

A single chlorine atom can destroy how many ozone molecules?

A single chlorine atom can destroy up to 100,000 ozone (O₃) molecules before it is removed from the ozone-depletion cycle. In the stratosphere, chlorine acts as a catalyst in a repetitive breakdown cycle: it reacts with an ozone molecule without being permanently consumed, allowing it to repeatedly break apart ozone molecules for up to two years before finally binding into a stable compound and being removed from the atmosphere.

The chlorine in CFCs and HCFCs;

The chlorine contained in CFCs and HCFCs does not readily dissolve in water.

HCFCs contain:

Hydrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, and Carbon

Which of the following refrigerants is an HFO?

R-1234ze is a newer-generation refrigerant designed to have a very low global warming potential (GWP)

How much can a person be fined per day per violation for knowingly releasing a regulated substance that violates the Clean Air Act?

More than $40,000 per day per violation

The dew point temperature of R-454B at 107 psig is approximately:

40°F

The saturation temperature of R-32 at 121 psig is approximately:

According to the R-32 pressure-temperature chart, 121 psig corresponds to a saturation temperature of about 40°F

Which international Treaty regulated the production and use of CFCs, HCFCs, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride?

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including:

• CFCs — Chlorofluorocarbons

• HCFCs — Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

• Halons

• Methyl chloroform

• Carbon tetrachloride

Clean refrigerant for reuse by separating the oil from the refrigerant and removing moisture from the refrigerant by passing it through one or more filter driers is the definition of:

Refrigerant recycling is the process of cleaning refrigerant for reuse by separating the oil and removing moisture, acidity, and other contaminants by passing it through devices such as filter-driers.

• Recover: Remove refrigerant from a system and store it in an external container without necessarily processing it.

• Recycle: Clean refrigerant for reuse, typically by removing oil and filtering out contaminants.

• Reclaim: Reprocess refrigerant to meet the purity standards of new refrigerant, as verified by laboratory testing.

To process refrigerant to a level equal to new (virgin) product specifications as determined by chemical analysis defines

Refrigerant reclamation is the process of reprocessing used refrigerant to meet the purity specifications of new (virgin) refrigerant, as verified by chemical analysis.

What are the environmental impacts of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?

HFCs do not deplete stratospheric ozone but have a high global warming potential (GWP).

Which ASHRAE classification indicates slightly flammable?

A2L.

ASHRAE refrigerant safety classifications indicate both toxicity and flammability.

• A = Lower toxicity.

• B = Higher toxicity.

• 1 = No flame propagation.

• 2L = Lower flammability with a low burning velocity (slightly flammable).

• 2 = Flammable.

• 3 = Higher flammability.

When a chlorine atom encounters an ozone molecule, it takes one of the ozone's 3 oxygen atoms, forming a compound called:

Chlorine monoxide (ClO). When a chlorine atom (Cl) reacts with an ozone molecule (O₃), it removes one oxygen atom, forming chlorine monoxide (ClO) and leaving behind an oxygen molecule (O₂).

What does the compressor do in a refrigeration system?

Changes a low-pressure vapor to a high-pressure vapor. The compressor draws in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compresses it, increasing its pressure and temperature. The high-pressure vapor then moves to the condenser, where it releases heat and condenses into a liquid.

An ozone molecule contains how many oxygen atoms?

3 Oxygen Atoms

What is the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program?

EPA's program that identifies refrigerants with lower overall risks to human health and the environment.

Which type of refrigerant contains no chlorine?

Hydrofluorocarbons. HFC refrigerants contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon, but no chlorine. Therefore, they do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer

Which of the following refrigerant has a GWP of "1"?

R-744. Carbon dioxide has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1 by definition. GWP compares how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere relative to CO₂ over a specified period. Other refrigerants often have much higher GWP values.

A refrigerant cylinder designed to hold recovered refrigerant has a body and top color of:

Grey Body Yellow Top. Refrigerant recovery cylinders are traditionally identified by a gray body and a yellow top or shoulder. They are designed to safely hold recovered refrigerant for recycling, reclamation, or disposal.

Reusable refrigerant containers under high-pressure must be hydrostatically tested how often?

Every 5 Years. Reusable refrigerant containers holding refrigerants under high pressure (above 15 psig at normal ambient temperature) must be hydrostatically tested and date-stamped every five years to verify their safety and structural integrity.

The low-side test-pressure data-plate value should be used by a technician to determine a safe pressure for:

Leak Testing. The low-side test-pressure value on the equipment data plate tells a technician the maximum safe pressure to use when checking a refrigeration system for leaks. This helps prevent over-pressurization and equipment damage.

Silicone elastomers, for use in seals and gaskets, are not compatible with which refrigerants?

Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are a newer family of refrigerants developed as alternatives to older refrigerants with high global warming potential.

Before shipping any used refrigerant cylinders, check that the cylinder meets what standards?

Department of Transportation. Cylinders meet DOT safety requirements. This includes checking that the cylinders are approved, properly labeled with the refrigerant type and amount, within their required inspection period, and filled within safe limits. Shipping paperwork must also be completed, and cylinders must be transported upright.

The molecule found in CFCs and HCFCs that depletes ozone is