7.4. ICESR 04-08-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ELK RIVER ICE ARENA—ICE SYSTEM EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Before the system options are discussed in more detail, a general discussions of six (6) major factors or considerations that Stevens feels are most important to consider when evaluating ice system options is presented below. A general understanding of these factors, we believe, will aid the City in making the best possible selection for improving or replacing the existing ice system. In a historically slowly-changing industry; recent breakthroughs in new technology and cutting-edge design applications, and changing environmental regulations have generated a laundry list of design considerations for the City to evaluate when renovating or replacing its direct ice systems. In general, this list includes: • Type of Refrigerant: R-22 has been the most popular refrigerant, used in ice rink applications, in recent history. However, with the signing of the Montreal Protocol, the United States Environmental Protection Agency implemented the final rule of Section 604 of the Clean Air Act, in July 1992 limiting the production and consumption of a set of chemicals known to deplete the stratospheric ozone layer as measured by their ozone depleting potential (ODP). R-22 refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon or HCFC, is the next refrigerant on the list to be phased out. Starting this year, R-22 can no longer be produced and imported in to new packaged type refrigeration equipment and will be banned from installing in existing equipment in 2020. The EPA is also proposing to significantly reduce allowances to produce and/or import R-22 in the U.S. ranging from 11-17% per year from 2012-2014. These regulations are certainly affecting the price of R-22 as it has risen from $7 per pound to $13 per pound since mid March. Replacement or "drop-in" refrigerants for R-22 are starting to be manufactured and currently cost around $15 per pound. 14