Proposal for a Regional Training Center on Hydrocarbons

Co-funded by the European Union

Implemented by: Proposal for a Regional Training Center on Hydrocarbons

Preparado por: Ignacio Vázquez Ramírez

Dirección General de Gestión de la Calidad del Aire y Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes Unidad Protocolo de Montreal

February 2021

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Its contents are the sole responsibility of Ignacio Vázquez Ramírez and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The project Sustainable and climate-friendly Phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances (SPODS) assists selected Latin American and Caribbean countries with their transformation processes in fulfilling their obligations under the Montreal Protocol related to the phase-out of ozone depleting substances and current HFC mitigation. Photos provided by the project, if not stated otherwise. Acronyms

AC Air Conditioning HPMP Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out ANCE Association for Standardization and Management Plan Certification IPN Instituto Politécnico Nacional ANDIRA National Association of Manufacturers LFL Lower Flammability Limits of the Refrigeration Industry NOU National Ozone Unit CBTIS Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico ODSs Ozone Depleting Substances Industrial y de Servicios OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer CEDETEC Technical Development Center RAC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning CETIS Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico RTC Regional Training Center Industrial y de Servicios SEMARNAT Ministry of Environment and Natural CETMAR Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Resources Mar SEP Ministry of Education CONALEP Colegio de Educación Profesional Técnica SISSAO Information and Monitoring System for Substances that Deplete the Ozone CONOCER National Council for Standardization Layer and Certification of Labor Skills SPODS Sustainable and climate-friendly phase- ESIME Escuela Superior de Ingeniería out of ozone-depleting substances Mecánica y Eléctrica UPIS Polytechnic Unit of Social Integration EU European Union RAC Refrigeration and Air Conditioning GWP Global Warming Potential VRF Variable Refrigerant Flow HCs Hydrocarbons VRV Variable Refrigerant Volume HCFCs Hydrochlorofluorocarbons HFCs Hydrofluorocarbons

3 Table of Contents Executive summary...... 5 1. Current training infrastructure in Mexico...... 6 1.1 Training centers in public institutions...... 6 1.1.1 ESIME Azcapotzalco...... 9 1.1.2 Instituto Tecnológico de León...... 9 1.1.3 Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Mar 03...... 10 1.1.4 Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico industrial y de Servicios 120...... 11 1.2 OEM training centers and courses...... 11 1.2.1 Mabe...... 11 1.2.2 Emerson...... 13 1.2.3 Daikin...... 13 1.2.4 Lennox...... 14 2. Regional Training Center proposal...... 15 2.2 ESIME Azcapotzalco is the best option...... 15 2.3 ESIME’s current collaboration agreements...... 15 2.4 Strengthening of ESIME...... 17 3. Training center equipment...... 18 4. Opportunities for the model expansion, other regional training poles and strengthening of OEM training centers...... 31 4.1 Expansion of the model...... 31 4.2 Collaboration opportunities with OEMs...... 33 5. Initial steps for technician’s certification on. HCs ...... 34 6. Final remarks...... 36 References...... 37

4 Executive summary Historically, the Government of Mexico has always offer courses in good refrigeration and air conditioning complied with its obligations under the Montreal practices should be strengthened in the coming years. Protocol and training activities have played a funda- Furthermore, the development of a specialized re- mental role in this mission. Since 2011, when the Hy- gional center dedicated to courses and certification drochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan in the safe use of hydrocarbon refrigerants becomes (HPMP) was approved in its first stage, which included very relevant. training activities for technicians and customs officers. Partnerships with academic institutions and the Likewise, at the end of 2014, the Executive Committee industry are a key element in getting the necessary of the Montreal Protocol approved the second stage requirements to achieve the successful establishment of the HPMP, continuing to train technicians in good of a regional training center. practices in maintenance of air conditioning and -re frigeration equipment, development of standards for Therefore, the purpose of this publication is not only the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants and continu- to collate much of the existing information related ing training for customs officers for the prevention of to current infrastructure for technicians’ training in illegal Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) traffic. Mexico, but also to provide an attractive proposal for a regional training center that takes advantage of the With the entry into force of the Kigali Amendment to capacities developed over the years and the existing the Montreal Protocol, Mexico should reduce 80 % of strategic alliances between schools and companies in hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) consumption in the next the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector. three decades. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to have enough human, financial and material resources In the first section of the study, the current existing in line with the adoption of new alternatives with a RAC training infrastructure created in Mexico through lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). In this sense, the implementation of the HPMP is reviewed. A re- one of the main objectives of the Sustainable and cli- view of some training centers from private manufac- mate-friendly phase-out of ozone-depleting substanc- turing companies has also been carried out. es (SPODS) project is to foster the adoption of these The second part comprises the main proposal for the climate-friendly replacement technologies, exploring creation of a Regional Training Center, including an and promoting the creation of new market opportuni- analysis of existing facilities that can be leveraged, as ties for companies in green technology products that well as capabilities in terms of the number of techni- represent climate-friendly alternatives to substances cians that could be trained. that deplete the ozone layer. Subsequently, in the third section, the necessary equip- Currently in Mexico, domestic and commercial refrig- ment, tools and accessories for the Regional Center eration equipment that uses flammable refrigerants are reviewed. A detailed list of materials is included, such as R-290 and R-600a are manufactured. The this is not intended to be extensive nevertheless, and use of these equipment and refrigerants has grown it is an initial analysis to equip the training center. in recent years, so it is necessary to have trained and certified technicians in the use and handling of these Section four takes up the opportunities for new train- refrigerants in RAC systems. ing poles that could be developed in the coming years taking this proposal as base, also the possibilities to The increased application of this technology will bring make strategic alliances between schools and HC with it many technical and safety issues. People work- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have been ing in this industry have relatively little practical or the- evaluated. oretical knowledge about hydrocarbon refrigerants. It Finally, section five presents a proposal of initial steps is therefore in the interests of the industry to make to incorporate technicians’ certification schemes on available as much technical and safety information as HC use as part of the training center activities. All these possible. efforts are directed to allow a greater penetration of Thus, the demand for technicians trained on hydro- the hydrocarbon-based RAC equipment and a correct carbons (HCs) becomes a main need for the country, handling by the technicians in charge of installing and so the network of public education institutions that providing service within the country.

5 1. Current training infrastructure in Mexico Given the current commercial and environmental FIGURE 1: Example of equipment and tools acquired panorama that implies theoretical and practical for training centers under HPMP implementation knowledge of processes in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), it is necessary and vitally important that technicians can access competitive training schemes, which can lead to a successful path to professionalization. For this purpose, it is also necessary to have the adequate infrastructure so that technicians can carry out their professional training practices and corresponding exams. With the entry of flammable refrigerants such as hydrocarbons (HCs), especially now that the global warming impact of refrigerants is becoming an increasingly important aspect for the RAC industry, training becomes even more relevant. To date, Mexico has a successful path in terms of training technicians, mainly trained in the framework Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020a) of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Man- Likewise, there are some Original Equipment Man- agement Plan (HPMP), with courses held in different ufacturers (OEM) that have dedicated a significant public schools throughout the country. These schools part of their efforts to train their technicians, several are incorporated into the network of the Ministry of them have developed specialized training centers of Education (SEP), with which the Ministry of but there are few cases in the case of HC refrigerants. Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the United Nations Industrial Development In the following points, the current infrastructure Organization(UNIDO) have established collaboration of training centers in Mexico is analyzed as a first agreements. step to evaluate the proposal of a regional center dedicated to HC training. These schools have been equipped to offer courses on good practices in refrigeration and conditioned air, mainly for the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) however, training and equipping for HC refrigerants practices is still a pending subject.

1.1 Training centers in public institutions Since 2006, under the National Ozone Unit training The last major update on RAC training activities in activities, 360 training courses have been held and Mexico began with the elaboration of the manual more than 7500 technicians have been trained in “Good Practices in the Use of Alternative Substances good practices in RAC systems. The trained techni- to Hydrochlorofluorocarbons”. A training program cians have acquired knowledge about the damage to in line with the manual was developed, with this the ozone layer and global warming that is generated course, refrigeration technicians were trained to by releasing refrigerant gases to the atmosphere, the avoid the use of HCFC as a cleaning agent in the application of good practices to detect and repair maintenance of RAC equipment, and in the use of leaks of refrigerants (CFC, HCFC and HFC), and the alternative refrigerants. promotion of the culture of the recovery and recy- cling of refrigerants and replacement of refrigerants that do not affect the ozone layer.

6 Statistics on the courses and trained technicians are FIGURE 3: Donation of equipment to outstanding compiled through the Information and Monitoring trained technicians System for Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (SISSAO, as per its acronym in Spanish)), which is managed by SEMARNAT. FIGURE 2: Courses in RAC good practices with a gender equity approach

Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020a)

Currently, 11 schools are equipped to carry out training practices and 40 teachers have been trained as course instructors. 209 courses have been carried out with almost 4,044 trained technicians. Also, a total of 330 equipment sets and tools have been delivered to the most outstanding trained technicians. Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020a)

During the 2021-2022 period, as part of the second For the training of instructors and technicians in the stage of the HPMP, nine new campuses will be application of good practices in the use of alterna- equipped to have a total of 20 schools and around tives to HCFCs, SEMARNAT has signed four collabora- 40 new teachers will be trained to have a total of 80. tion agreements with schools incorporated into the 220 new courses will be given to train approximately Ministry of Public Education (SEP), to provide training 4,400 additional technicians. In addition, 1,650 sets in 19 schools. In addition, an agreement is planned of equipment and tools will be acquired, of which 54 with the Instituto Tecnológico León, which has pre- will be to equip the 9 new schools and 1,596 will be viously participated in the training of technicians, so donated to outstanding trained technicians. its conclusion would add a total of 20 schools for the Furthermore, in line with Goal 5: Achieve gender training of technicians (Table 1). equality and empower all women and girls of the The course contains topics on environmental Sustainable Development Goals, in Mexico gender damage generated by the release of refrigerant equality has been gradually incorporated into the gases, techniques to detect and eliminate leaks, best training sector and good practices in RAC. More and practices and servicing techniques for equipment more women are attending the courses that are maintenance and repair, as well as for gas recovery taught, many of them standing out for their good and handling refrigerants, mainly HCFCs and their results. Women in RAC sector not only buck the alternatives, HFCs. To date, none of these schools has concept of the stereotypical male-dominated profes- the necessary equipment for training with flammable sion, it ultimately results in innovative solutions and refrigerants. more work being accomplished quicker.

7 TABLE 1: Current public infrastructure for technician’s training

TYPE OF INSTITUTION INSTITUTION LOCATION

CETMAR No. 02 Campeche, Campeche

CETMAR No. 03 Guaymas, Sonora

CETMAR No. 04 La Paz, Baja California Sur

CETMAR No. 08 Mazatlán, Sinaloa Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos CETMAR No. 11 Ensenada, Baja California del Mar (CETMAR) CETMAR No. 16 Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán

CETMAR No. 20 Tuxpan, Veracruz

CETMAR No. 24 Puerto Madero, Chiapas

CETMAR No. 31 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

CBTIS No. 53 Apodaca, Nuevo León

CBTIS No. 63 Huatabampo, Sonora Centro de Bachillerato Tec- nológico Industrial y de Servicios CBTIS No. 120 Mérida, Yucatán (CBTIS) CBTIS No. 123 Santa Lucía del Camino, Oaxaca.

CBTIS No. 128 Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua

Colegio de Educación Profesional CONALEP Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Técnica (CONALEP)

CETIS No. 14 Zapopan, Jalisco. Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos CETIS No. 39 Xochimilco, Mexico City industrial y de servicios (CETIS) CETIS No. 47 Gómez Palacio, Durango

Instituto Tecnológico Instituto Tecnológico de León León, Guanajuato

Escuela Superior de Inge- Instituto Politécnico Nacional niería Mecánica y Eléctrica Azcapotzalco, Mexico City (ESIME) Azcapotzalco Unit

Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020a).

The public education institutions that will offer technicians, such as Chihuahua, Durango, Veracruz or courses for RAC technicians will offer a good cover- Tabasco, and also to sites where there are clusters of age throughout the country (Figure 4). However, it RAC OEM companies, with which educational allianc- is important to point out that it is desirable that this es could be strengthened. network be strengthened and expanded, in particular, near cities and regions with high demand for

8 FIGURE 4: Schools where HPMP training courses in RAC will be held.

Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020a)

Undoubtedly, the new challenges that training in FIGURE 5: Laboratory of Thermal Machines at ESIME flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants represents for Azcapotzalco RAC technicians are also an excellent opportunity to strengthen and equip existing centers. The regional training center model is therefore a fundamental starting point for all the new courses that are developed in Mexico. In the following points, relevant data on the most important public training institutions is presented:

1.1.1 ESIME Azcapotzalco The Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica (ESIME) Azcapotzalco Unit, belongs to the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). It is located in Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020b) Mexico City, it has forged thousands of engineers In 2017, the school undertook a comprehensive through the years and it is considered one of the project to equip this laboratory with state-of-the-art strongest pillars of the IPN, participating in the indus- technology, given the identified needs for highly trial development of Mexico in a prominent way. qualified human resources in the refrigeration and This campus has approximately eight groups that are air conditioning industries. involved with refrigeration and air conditioning, each group consists of approximately 40 students. In the 1.1.2 Instituto Tecnológico de León Laboratory of Thermal Machines of this institution, In 2013, the Instituto Tecnológico de León (ITL) training is provided on refrigeration and air condi- and SEMARNAT signed collaboration bases to carry tioning systems, internal combustion engines, ther- out training courses for technicians. Under this mal turbines, steam generators and thermal plants. agreement, a campus laboratory was equipped with The laboratory is made up of square and triangular tools so that the courses in good practices of HCFC duct installations, as well as ventilation systems, air substitutes could be carried out. The equipping had conditioning and a refrigeration equipment for tests the objective not only to train technicians but also and failures adapted by interface to a PC, so that for the ITL to include the contents of the manual in students can monitor their operation, detect and the didactic strategies of the study programs of the maintain common anomalies. refrigeration and air conditioning courses.

9 The equipped laboratory has, among other things, After the ESIME, the ITL has the most extensive vacuum pumps, cleaning machines, digital analyzers, facilities to receive technicians, in addition to being clamp vacuum gauges and thermometers so that located near to the great industrial corridor of the technicians receive a relevant technical education. Bajío region, where there are several companies that manufacture hydrocarbon-based RAC equipment, such as self-contained commercial refrigeration equipment or domestic refrigerators. FIGURE 6: Donation of equipment to ITL for courses in good practices for RAC

Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020a)

1.1.3 Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Mar 03 the techniques modern systems to perform service work on RAC systems using the refrigerant recovery CETMAR 03 is located in Guaymas, Sonora. Thanks to tools. the agreement signed between SEMARNAT, UNIDO and SEP, the campus was equipped with modern Leakage detection practices are carried out, deter- equipment and tools to train technicians. mining the status of a system, recovery, evacuation and loading of the system according to the manu- The equipping of the campus has not only bene- facturer’s specifications. At the end of the course, fited technical specialists in the field and teachers the technicians take an exam on general aspects of assigned to the school, but also to the students, the course. This evaluation allows them to receive since practice is integrated into the study plans and a recognition that endorses this training and that programs of the career of RAC Technician. certifies them in this activity. During trainings, the instructor teaches the students CETMAR 03 is one of the campuses that are currently the environmental damage caused by refrigerants to actively participating in organizing courses, reaffirm- the ozone layer and its impact with global warming. ing their commitment to the protection of the ozone Students are subsequently provided with necessary layer. In December 2020, it was announced that it information about the effect of refrigerants and the will be one of the institutions that will be equipped benefit of new alternative refrigerants that cause less to start with the new courses on hydrocarbon refrig- damage to the environment; then they are taught erants.

FIGURE 7: Example of equipment and tools donated for training courses to CETMAR institutions

Source: (Pacífico TV, 2017)

10 1.1.4 Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico other southern states are also attending to take the industrial y de Servicios 120 training. Also in the scope of collaboration agreements under All the technicians are evaluated and based on their the HPMP, CBTIS 120, located in Mérida, Yucatán in knowledge, qualifications and results, the best ones southeastern Mexico, was equipped to train compa- are selected so that they can get equipment and ny personnel and refrigeration technicians so that adequate tools to perform their jobs. they know how to service equipment and eradicate the HCFC consumption in the Country. The organization of courses in RAC good practices have had very good results to sensitize the techni- Since 2014, that has the recognition and autho- cians so that they do their work as it should be for rization to offer these courses and people from the benefit of the environment.

FIGURE 8: Equipment and training courses on HCFC alternatives at CBTIS 120

Source: (Diario de Yucatán, 2018)

1.2 OEM training centers and courses Just as there is a well-established network of public Chinese ownership. The enterprise has production institutions that collaborates with SEMARNAT to and commercial operations in many Latin-American train technicians, several OEMs in the RAC sector countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Central have also established training centers and courses America, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexi- for internal personnel. Likewise, others have opened co, Peru and Venezuela. their doors to external technicians so that they can In 2020, Mabe finalized the conversion of the man- specialize in various RAC equipment and technol- ufacturing of domestic refrigerators in Mexico, from ogies. Most of these training centers and courses HFC-134a to isobutane (R-600a) as a refrigerant and focus on technologies with conventional refrigerants, conversion of a compressor manufacturing facility although it is expected that eventually, more courses from compressors using HFC-134a to R-600a. will appear for new alternative technologies Given the flammability of R-600a, changes were Some of the main cases are described below, high- required in the production process but also for all lighting the case of Mabe, a Mexican company that topics regarding technicians’ training in the safe use manufactures domestic refrigerators, which already and handling of hydrocarbons for servicing. offers training and certification courses in HC with excellent results. Based on the above, Mabe has established a dedicated strategy for raising awareness and safe handling 1.2.1 Mabe of hydrocarbon refrigerants which not only applies in Mexico but is being carried out on a continental level Mabe is one of the largest producers of domestic in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile refrigerators in the world and it has Mexican and and Venezuela (Servicio Mabe, 2021).

11 The strategy consists of 3 main points (Servicio logistical arrangements for the transfers, accommo- Mabe, 2021): dation and meals of the staff and assistants. During 1. Awareness and safe handling of hydrocarbon the training sessions, documentary (attendance refrigerants. records), audiovisual (videos and photographic 2. Guided Training based on a booklet for the safe memory) and testimonial (perception and feedback use of R-600a (one book per technician is deliv- surveys) evidence are recorded by those attending ered), for the acquisition of theoretical servicing the training sessions (Mabe, 2021). knowledge (material is provided by technical During the courses, each technical instructor has an support companies and / or Mabe facilities). R-600a training kit consisting of: pressure gauges, 3. Training reinforcement piercing plier, vacuum pump, can valve, electronic This strategy aims to develop professional techni- scale, safety equipment, pressure gauge hoses, cians in the handling of R-600 refrigerant gas through pinch-off plier, in addition to supplies such as cans of Theoretical-Practical training sessions to provide a R-600a, welding and Turner. Attendees are responsi- quality service to all Mabe customers. ble for bringing their tool kits and taking them at the end of the training (Mabe, 2021). The main topics covered by the training course (Ser- vicio Mabe, 2021) in the use of R-600a are: FIGURE 11: Mabe training courses during 2020 • Characteristics of R-600a gas and its handling • Tool use and precautions for R-600a gas • Refrigeration systems diagnostics • Mabe safety protocol for R-600a gas charge • Use of welding and precautions Mabe has developed a teaching system for its technicians that consists of the application of 8 steps, which are shown in the following diagram (Servicio Mabe, 2021). Source: (Servicio Mabe, 2021).

FIGURE 9: Mabe 8-step protocol for servicing practices

Source: (Servicio Mabe, 2021).

Based on these processes, Mabe organizes courses At the end of the course, an evaluation is made to the in different locations, the participants of the courses technicians that consists of 5 parts: general knowl- are Mabe servicing specialists, technicians from edge of R-600a gas, necessary protection and safety authorized service and support centers, as well as equipment, diagnostics, repair and R-600a service personnel from authorized brand retailers (Mabe, protocol. 2021). In 2020, Mabe trained 589 technicians in 18 locations Mabe is in charge of completing the corresponding in the country, including Mexico City, Puebla, Villaher- reservations at the venues and carries out all the mosa, Tampico, Acapulco, Guadalajara and Monterrey

12 among others (Mabe, 2021). in real time on the R-600a refrigerant gas management protocol through online groups to provide a Mabe also has a Technical Development Center (CE- safe and quality service to its customers. DETEC, as per its acronym in Spanish), which was developed specifically for white goods training, it has gas, water (hot and cold, as well as pressurizers) and 1.2.2 Emerson electrical facilities (127 V and 220 V). It is located in In 2018 Emerson inaugurated its new Learning Lomas Verdes, state of Mexico (Mabe, 2021). Center in Mexico City (Emerson, 2021). The learning center consists of a space where the aim is to simu- FIGURE 10: Mabe’s CEDETEC late for educational purposes all the commercial and industrial RAC applications in the Mexican market. In addition to this, there is a fully dynamic classroom where assistants can write on all the walls to hold dynamic meetings. The learning center has the pecu- liarity that everything is mobile, giving total flexibility to be able to have dynamic trainings. Among the activities that people will find, various trainings will be offered, among which the following stand out: Refrigeration Principles, Compressor

Source: (Servicio Mabe, 2021). Failure Analysis, Electronic Controllers Programming, Supermarket Certification, Industrial Refrigeration as Servicio Mabe is certified by the Mexican Association well as a Certification for Counter Sellers. for Standardization and Certification (ANCE for its 2 acronym in Spanish) as an evaluation center for the The Learning Center has a space of just over 125 m standard of competence EC0443 “Perform installa- where there are: Refrigeration Simulators, Virtual tion and maintenance of air conditioning systems Reality Compressor Analysis System, Compressor and refrigeration”, but applied to R-600a. Servicio Analysis Tables and a Climatic Chamber that can Mabe is planning to execute a plan for the techni- regulate any temperature of +4 °C to -40 °C (ACR cian’s certification in the period 2021-2022 (Mabe, Latinoamérica, 2018). 2021). The Learning Center of Mexico City was the second Additionally, regarding the use of technologies to of its kind in Latin America and joins the ones located complement the support for technicians, Mabe has in Brazil, Argentina and Puerto Rico (Emerson, 2021). developed the Real Wear tool (Mabe, 2021), which allows training and support in real time with practical FIGURE 12: Emerson Learning Center in Mexico City exercises for a better understanding of the refrigeration process. Mabe is planning continental level training using this tool. The advantages of this tool are that it allows: • First-person transmission of video with voice monitoring • Live recording of sessions for reinforcement • Response to hypotheses with live execution, • Wireless transmission for the development of activities • Generate confidence and security in diagnostics and repairs Source: (ACR Latinoamérica, 2018). Finally, the company also has online support with a social communication network for the Servicio Mabe network. Through this network, support is provided

13 1.2.3 Daikin 1.2.4 Lennox In 2015 Daikin announced the opening of its Training Specifically designed for AC equipment, in 2017, Center in Mexico City, which provides service to all Lennox presented its Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) professionals in the Heating, ventilation, and air Training Center, which is located in the city of Guada- conditioning (HVAC) industry for all regions of Latin lajara, Jalisco in Western Mexico. This center is run America (Daikin, 2021). by TYP Refrigeración (Authorised Retailer / Reseller in Mexico) (ACR Latinoamérica, 2017). This training center is the first of its kind in Latin America and it features technical and certification The center offers different courses throughout the courses, a Daikin technology and equipment show- year, divided into modules and at no cost to partici- room, continuous training on relevant HVAC and new pants. This training is aimed at installers, contractors technologies topics (ACR Latinoamérica, 2015). and their technicians, final users, purchasing, engineering and maintenance personnel for air Originally, one of the main objectives was to pro- conditioning systems, as well as anyone interested mote the diffusion of Variable Refrigerant Volume in learning and becoming more technologically (VRV) technology so that all the advantages of these advanced in these processes. All participants receive solutions were known in the region. a diploma of completion and approval. FIGURE 13: Daikin Training Center in Mexico City Lennox’s goals with this new training center are: • Ensure proper training of your contractors and clients • Support project development • Sales resource / tool for contractors • Resource for continuous internal and external training • Expand to all Lennox product lines • Complete or modular training program

FIGURE 14: Lennox VRF Training Center in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Source: (Daikin, 2019).

More recently, in 2018 ESIME Azcapotzalco, signed a collaboration agreement with Daikin to work with R-32 and inverter technology, so that students and technicians can work in real projects for better academic quality (Mundo HVAC, 2018). As part of the agreement, Daikin made the donation of an air conditioning system that works with R-32 and has inverter technology, with the purpose that students who aspire to perform in this industry can compare efficiency, energy savings and impact compared to equipment that currently use R-22 and R-410A refrigerants. Source: (ACR Latinoamérica, 2017). The collaboration agreement will also open the opportunity for future engineers to carry out professional practices, social service or participate as interns within the Japanese company, with the aim of reinforcing their knowledge with work in the field.

14 2. Regional Training Center proposal The Regional Training Center (RTC) will be aimed air conditioning, refrigeration, and electrical services to the safe use of HC-based technologies and their industries. The RTC should provide education and servicing and maintenance, it must comply the ob- training to motivate and technicians helping them jective of helping individuals develop knowledge and improve their income and promote the national skills to engage the most challenging problems in the well-being.

2.1 Institutional framework for the training center As mentioned above, in Mexico, for the establish- is has to be signed. The general steps that govern the ment of a training center, a collaboration agreement elaboration of these agreements are described next. between SEMARNAT and an educational institution FIGURE 15: Steps for the elaboration of a collaboration agreement.

Source: NOU, 2021

For this RTC proposal, it is highly desirable that the prepare students for technical service jobs also help- center realistically meets the occupational demands ing lead some students into programs of advanced of the center’s market area. Training programs vocational and technical education and business orientated toward a cluster of related occupations, enterprise. prepares student graduates with marketable skills at the time of course completion. The RTC must help

2.2 ESIME Azcapotzalco is the best option According to the characteristics that the RTC must ESIME Azcapotzalco has been selected since it is a have, and with the intention of taking advantage well-established training center, it is internationally of all the infrastructure that has been created so recognized and it complies with two important selec- successfully, for this proposal, ESIME Azcapotzalco tion criteria: has been selected as the educational institution that 1. The high educational level status of the center and could serve as the campus for the RTC. 2. The number of past and future trainings.

15 FIGURE 16: ESIME Azcapotzalco QS World Universities Ranking by Subject 2019

Source: (QS, 2019)

This institution has cooperated with the Secretariat FIGURE 17: ESIME Azcapotzalco campus of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) in different projects and is an established training institute for RAC technicians that can provide part of the required tools and equipment. 100 trainers and more than 1,200 technicians from the RAC sector have already been trained in the application of good practices and more trainings will be taking place in the institution in the framework of different projects coordinated by the NOU. In addition to this, the Institution has a strategic alliance and cooperation agreements with the most important companies in the RAC sector such as Rheem, Daikin, LG, SAMSUNG and the National Association of Manufacturers of the Source: IPN, 2015. Refrigeration Industry (ANDIRA, as per its acronym in Spanish) and important achievements have been ESIME laboratories have all the electricity and water achieved: equipping of their laboratories with new facilities, ventilation systems and other security technologies; training of more than 5,000 technicians measures to develop the training center, minimal and engineers from the companies that are part of adjustments would be necessary, which would op- this alliance. timize the efficiency of resources destined to equip the center. Its facilities are available to all new engineers and the clients of its partners throughout Latin America. All The RTC proposal is therefore confident to have a these achievements will facilitate the dissemination significant impact on raising end-user awareness and and training of companies and technicians in new increasing technical expertise in handling natural technologies with HC. refrigerant technologies. Since the technology is available in Mexico, the RTC could be an important component for the national deployment of HC technology through awareness raising and capacity building measures.

16 2.3 ESIME’s current collaboration agreements A search for strategic alliances with leading manu- The companies assign certified technicians to train facturers in the field of air conditioning, water con- teachers, provide equipment maintenance and ditioning and refrigeration was undertaken by a joint constantly deliver equipment with the latest technol- initiative between teachers, researchers and alumni. ogy. In addition, according to the social spirit of the Through the support of the Polytechnic Unit of Social institution, an “open door” policy is implemented, Integration (UPIS), alliances with the companies with which other schools can have access to the Samsung, LG, Rheem and Daikin were materialized, laboratory. To date, 30 teachers have been trained, which were integrated to the facilities for good while at the same time they serve 300 students on practices on refrigeration donated by SEMARNAT and average. UNIDO more than one decade ago. Also, there is an ongoing work to develop a joint Through these cooperation agreements, companies diploma certification between ESIME Azcapotzalco have donated equipment with state-of-the-art tech- and each of the manufacturers that make up the nology, as well as facilities to carry out internships project, which may be taken either by students or for students and training of professors and technical technicians. professionals of the companies themselves, and of the general public.

FIGURE 18: ESIME Laboratories and classrooms

Source: (IPN-ESIME, 2020)

2.4 Strengthening of ESIME So far, conventional HFC refrigerants are handled Providing an institution such as ESIME with state- in the laboratory of thermal machines: HFC-134a, of-the-art equipment in HC is essential to have RAC R-410A, R-404A, as well as HFC-32; the latter technicians with better training and knowledge and an alternative of lower GWP in air conditioning advance to consolidated certification schemes. applications. It is intended that in the short term, Finally, it is also worth highlighting the geographical capabilities to handle other alternatives, such as location of the ESIME, since being located in Mexico hydrocarbons, can be developed in the laboratory. City, the most populated metropolitan area in the With the RTC proposal, it is pretended to provide country, it is accessible to a large number of interest- ESIME with all the necessary equipment and tools to ed technicians and engineers be able to train technicians in the safe handling of ESIME is a training institution that provides a signif- flammable refrigerants (Chapter 3), both in applica- icant amount of trainings to RAC technicians, this tions of small charges, such as domestic or commer- will ensure that a maximum number of technicians cial self-contained refrigerators, as well as eventually working on HC-based RAC appliances will be trained. in RAC systems of higher capacities and charges.

17 3. Training center equipment It is very important that the RTC has all the tools and The safe handling and use of hydrocarbon refriger- instruments for the technician’s learning of servicing ants during training requires equipment specially and maintenance of HC-based RAC equipment and designed for these substances. This section presents its components. Also, available audio-visual mate- the type of tools, instruments, accessories and their rials, design and maintenance manuals, workbooks correspondent specifications, which the RTC must and software are highly desirable. have to be able to carry out successful trainings.

TABLE 2: Required equipment for the RTC

DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Refrigerant recovery unit suitable for the use with classification A3 (EN378-1) flammable refrigerants, such as R290 and most common other refrigerants (HCHCs and HFCs). Flammable refrigerant is recovered from systems in vapor or liquid state and up to 8 kg/h (not push / pull method). The unit must comprise of a build-in vapor liquefaction heat-exchanger. Power consumption 450 Watt. All wirings and function- al parts are from high electrical specifications with encapsulated components. Hard wired mains lead with molded plug and a length of 5 m. The unit must be CE certificated and manufactured in accordance with European Council Directives 89-393EEC (Machinery), 89-336EEC (EMC) 2004/108/EC 6/1/2005, 97/23/EC Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 93/68/EEC and Low Voltage Directive. Power Supply 120 V / 1 Ph / 60 Hz, plug NEMA 5 – 15 three poles

Portable air blower with capacity of 700 m³ / h. Power consumption 25 Watt, weight 6,5 kg, sound level 68 (dB(A)), housing, motor and accessory ATEX approved. Power Supply 120 V / 1 Ph / 60 Hz, plug NEMA 5-15 three poles

Combustible Gas detector (Leak finding instrument), sensitive to most common HC gases. Unit shall consist of the combustible gas detector, two D-size batteries and a hard plastic carrying case. Sensitivity of the detector is 5 ppm and with rugged flexible probe; variable audible signal as well as multiple LEDs to indicate leaks; automatic adjustment (zeroing) to combustible gas in leak test area for greater stability; weight 0.7 kg. CE confirmation; intrinsically safe for class I, Division I; Groups A-D; T4 and rated II 3G Ex

Sensor tip replacement for each unit of item 3

18 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Sensitivity check device for electronic gas detectors (leak finding instruments); Refrigerant Propane R290; 5 grams per year flow rate

Sensitivity check device for electronic gas detectors (leak finding instruments); HFCs & HCFC refrigerants; 5 grams per year flow rate

Vacuum pump for flammable HC gases (R290), two stage, 46 L / min; ulti- mate vacuum 1x 10-2 mbar; Power Supply option (a) 120 V / 1 Ph / 60 HZ; (b) also 220 V / 1 Ph / 60 Hz if option (a) is not possible and (b) is techni- cally feasible; plug NEMA 5-15 three poles; Power consumption 120W; Protection classification IP54; Oil charge 300 cc; CE confirmation and according II3GD nA tD 4T IP55 (zone 2-22 ATEX); 3/8” and ¼” SAE / UNF connection; Gas ballast valve; Exhaust port with hose adapter (venting hose)

Digital Vacuum Gauge for Refrigeration Systems. This instrument is intended to measure pressures below atmospheric pressure, that is, what it does is analyze how much pressure falls in a certain environment. The digital vacuum gauge has a range from 0 to 25 thousand microns, from 3,330 Pa, 33.3 mBar, 25 mmHg and a resolution of 1 micron (<1,000 microns), 1 Pa, 001 mBar.001 mmHg. In addition, it is made to work in different environments, since it can work from -12 to 50 °C “

Oil mist exhaust filter for vacuum pump assembly. Filter to be mounted on the exhaust port of the vacuum pump. Vent line connection on the outlet of the Filter. Oil filtering rate 99,97 %

Filter cartridge for oil mist exhaust filter (vacuum pump)

Vacuum hose 3/8” SAE, 1.5 m long, straight connections

19 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Access Valve with Teflon seal for easy attachment oft HC AC units stop valve; efficient tightness and no refrigerant leaks during hose and valve connection (Schrader valve); connections 1/4” SAE

SM480 V Digital Manifold with Micron Gauge and Set of 4 Premium 60” Ball Valve Hoses, TC24 Wired Type-K Pipe Clamp Thermocouple, Auto Power Off: 30 minutes of inactivity (adjustable) Maximum Manifold Pressure: 800 Psig (5500 kPa) Battery Type: 6 × AA alkaline Battery Life: 350 hours typical (without vacuum, backlight, and wireless) Radio Frequency: 2.4 GHz Wireless Range: 350 feet (106 meters) line of sight Distance decreases through obstructions Data Port: Micro USB (for extracting logged data or updating firmware) Operating Environment: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at < 75 % RH Storage Environment: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) at < 80 % RH (With battery removed) Temperature Coefficient: 0.1 × (specified accuracy) per °C (0°C to 18°C, 28°C to 50°??) 0.1 × per 1.8°F (32°F to 64°F, 82°F to 122°F) Weight: 4.03 lbs (1.83 kg) Water Resistant: Designed to IP54 Refrigerants: R11, R12, R13, R22, R23,, R32, R113, R114, R115, R116, R123, R124, R125, R134A, R236FA, R245FA, R290, R401A, R401B, R402A, R402B, R403B, R404A, R406A, R407A, R407C, R407F, R408A, R409A, R410A, R413A, R414A, R414B, R416A, R417A, R417C, R420A, R421A, R421B, R422A, R422B, R422C, R422D, R424A, R427A R428A R434A R438A R448A R449A R450A R452A, R452B, R453A, R454B, R458A, R500, R501, R502, R503, R507A, R508B, R513A, R600, R600A, R601, R601A, R744, R1233ZD, R1234YF, R1234ZE ANC11 Padded Drawstring Case

Four (4) ways piston manifold gauge set; refrigerants R600a, R290, R1270, pressure gauges class 1, 80 mm diameter; pulse free and with regulation screw. Connections 3x 1/4” SAE / UNF and 1x 3/8” SAE / UNF and hoses.

Refrigerant transfer hose 1500 mm long, with ball valve; 1/4” SAE / UNF connections; homes straight × straight with core depressor; including one set spare gaskets and core depressor

20 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Electronic refrigerant charging scale; capacity 100 kg; 2 gram accuracy; scale platform dimension 270 × 270 mm; Battery powered (9 V); display in kg, lb, lb-oz; weight 2,5 kg including plastic carrying case; CE certification

Valve core removal tool used to remove a valve core from a 1/4” SAE male flare access fitting. Tool designed for removing and replacing a “Schrad- er” type core without venting or recovery of refrigerant. All brass construction. Add or remove refrigerant more efficiently and quicker. Better results during evacuation process. All brass construction. Not applicable for HFC refrigerant R410A, Ammonia and CO2

Portable Nitrogen blowing equipment , with brass piston designed diaphragm Nitrogen (OFDN) pressure regulator with a delivery pressure 0-500 PSI (0-35 bar) for purging and pressure testing air conditioning and refrigeration systems (if applicable PS × 1,1). Regulator with CGA580 inlet (male) connection, 1/4” male flare SAE / UNF outlet connection, self-re-seating relief valve and easy to read pressure gauges. Adjustment knob or large brass T handle for smooth accurate delivery pressure adjustment. Hose: 1/4” SAE and length of at least 3 meters. Including cylinder carrying trolley and Nitrogen cylinder with capacity of 13.4 liters and valve CGA-580.

Universal valve core remover tool; brass material; inside compartment for spare valves.

Recovery Cylinders. 11.9 kg capacity refillable cylinders for recovery refrigerants R-290 and R-600a, with Y valve for liquid / vapor, Connection 1/4 flare in compliance with DOT or a similar standard, with Over-Fill Protection. Minimum capacity (water) 11.9 kg (26.2 lb.) According to DOT-4BA-400 or ADR P200 “

LOKRING complete kit. Includes LOKRING mounting tools for pipes with an external diameter from 6 to 35 mm (1/4 “ to 1 3/8 “) and all components described in the site: https://www.vulkan.com/en-us/lokring/products/ refrigeration-appliances/starter-kits/complete-kit

21 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Tube cutter for cupper tubes OD 4-28 mm (1/8” – 1 1/8”)

Tube reamer, pen styled, with blade container and a set of three spare blades

Tube expander set complete consisting of 9 pieces, expander-plier tool, carrying case and 7 heads for 1/2” to 1 1/8” copper tubes

Tube bender 6 mm (1/4”), chrome vanadium steel; for radius up to 180°; Calibrated to show angle of bend; for bending of copper, brass, aluminum, steel, stainless steel and other thin metals; slip-resistant bi-material handle

Tube bender 10 mm (3/8”), chrome vanadium steel; for radius up to 180°; Calibrated to show angle of bend; for bending of copper, brass, aluminum, steel, stainless steel and other thin metals; slip-resistant bi-material handle

Quick process tube connector 6 mm / or ¼”; consisting one quick connector 1/4 NPT (6 mm), one female quick coupling 1/4” NPT, one female quick coupling 1/4” NPT

Pinch-off plier; heavy duty; deforms and close copper tubes

Pinch off piercing pliers 1/4” SAE connection

Telescopic Inspection Mirror. Tool for weld inspectors who want to inspect welds within hard-to-reach pipes or closed spaces. Holds firmly in place at all angles. It has a power- ful, long-lasting magnet to catch screws or burrs.

22 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Copper Tube Flaring Toolkit Tool that expands copper / iron / aluminum pipes with a diameter between 6 and 19 mm.

Sets of adjustable wrenches, 3 different sizes, size 200 mm (8”), size 250 mm (10”), size 300 mm (12”); Built-in tension spring stabilizes movable jaw; forged chrome vanadium steel; slip-resistant bi-material handle

Allen key set, seven keys; ball head 3/32 to 3/8 Inch; set foldable with holder

Set of torque wrenches for about up to 200Nm; torque wrench heads 17, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29; possibility to modify the torque value with spaces of 1 Nm; tool set in sturdy carrying case

Steel rule / Folding rule, stainless steel; photo-etched metric and imperial graduations; handy measurement conversion tables; 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mm metric graduations; 1”, 1/2”, 1/4”, 1/8”, 1/16”, 1/32”, 1/64” imperial graduations

AAA battery powered, handheld current clamp with LCD display that measures AC amps, ohms, AC volts and DC volts (322 only).

Electronic Insulation testers in compact, rugged, reliable design, for multiple test voltages, for troubleshooting, commissioning, and pre- ventative maintenance applications. Equipped with remote probes and sturdy carrying box. Manual in Spanish language. Insulation test range; 0.01 MW to 10 GW; Insulation test voltages: 50 V, 100 V, 250 V, 500 V, 1000 V; Live circuit detection prevents insulation test if voltage > 30 V is detected; auto-discharge of capacitive voltage for added user protection; AC / DC voltage: 0.1 V to 600 V; 200 mA Continuity; Resistance: 0.01 W to 20.00 KW

Energy monitoring device for separate installation of control base, data sender and wire clamp. Low voltage operated.

23 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Set of 6 STANLEY screwdrivers Phillips & Cabinet Screwdriver Set Blade Sizes: Width 3/16 & 1/4, Bit Sizes: Philips #1 & #2

Set of 4 pliers, includes: 8-inch slip joint, 7-inch diagonal, .8-inch line- man, and 8-inch long nose.

Crimping plier tool set with cable connectors’ assortment. Set provided with a solid plastic box; opening mechanism when connected; fast and simple access to content without disconnecting; box with two stackable plastic inserts with 6 trays each for connectors; with an assortment of standard cable connectors

Toolbox; foldable, five piece; high strength steel sheet, with handle and padlock; dimensions minimum 530 × 200 × 250 mm

Cederroth Burn Station consisting of: 1x Cederroth 4-in-1 Blood stoppers (REF 1910); 3x Cederroth 4-in-1 Mini Blood stoppers (REF 1911); 2x (x 2) Cederroth Burn Gel Dressings (REF 901900); 2x Cederroth Burn Gel Sprays, 50 ml (REF 901901); 1x Cederroth Soft Foam Dispenser including Soft Foam Blue; 2 meters × 6 cm (REF 676100); 1x Salve quick Plaster Dispenser including Blue Detectable Plasters

Cederroth Eye Wash Station consisting of: 2xCederroth Eye Wash Bot- tles, 500 ml in each; 1x Salve quick Plaster Dispenser including 40 Textile and 45 Plastic Plasters; 1x Eye Wash Instructions; 1x Key

Grounding set, wrist strap, adjustable and coil cord, 4 mm and 10,3 mm stud

24 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Earth bonding plug with 3x 10.3 mm studs. Earth bonding plugs and boxes (all equipped with a 1 MOhm resistor) for an easy and inexpensive ESD-grounding using the main earth.

Coil cord, length 1.8 m, with 10.3 mm stud and banana plug

Portable gas detector as PPE; 0-100 % LFL – Propane (C3H8); ATEX II 2G; Ex ia IIC T4 Gb – BASEEFA04ATEX0383; rechargeable lithium-ion- accu- mulator; calibrated and including charging station (110 V / 230 V)

Gas test kit for portable gas detector; for testing bevor use or calibration. Gas Test Kit Includes – Trigger regulator with 1 m gas supply tube, flow cap, magnet and 2 m gas vent tube.

Cylinder Calibration Gas with 60 Liter -1.1 % Propane C3H8

Breathing protection mask for protection against dusts and mists found in a wide variety of industrial applications and other work situations requiring FFP3 protection. Flat fold disposable P3 respirator for reliable, effective protection against higher levels of fine dust, mists and metal fume. Low breathing resistance; and reduce of fogging of eyewear. Flow valve reduces heat build-up; maximum usage level: Up to 50 × TLV

Leak detection spray; non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive; for surfaces temperatures-6°C to 97°C; 400 ml aerosol can; weight 400 grams

25 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

AC Air- conditioner operational with HC refrigerant R-290; cooling capacity 1,5 ton (18,000 BTU); power input 1380 Watt; refrigerant charge about 360 grams

Mounting rack for installation of AC

Refrigerator freezer with automatic defrosting and freezer mounted on the top, with Refrigerant R-600a, capacity of 12 cubic feet and Nominal Voltage 127 Volts

Brazing unit oxygen / acetylene. Acetylene pressure regulator and oxygen pressure regulator kit complete with gauges, check valve, handle with one 160 Lt LP lance and hoses.

Heavy duty metal hack saw with spare blades (about 300 mm length)

Center punch with 4” length and 1/8” diameter tapered point makes a starter dimple to guide a drill bit; hardened and tempered steel; round shank is knurled for grip

Steel brush, stainless steel bristle brush, with a strong long wooden handle for removal of rust and scale, paint, burrs and welds from surfaces

Flint-stone lighter complete with five (5) replacement flint-stones

26 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

ABC Class 5-Lb Portable Fire Extinguisher. (ANSI / UL 711 Reference) They use a dry, specially fluidized and siliconized ammonia monophos- phate chemical powder. Chemically isolates Class A fires by melting at approximately 350o F and covering the entire surface to which it was applied; suffocates and breaks the chain reaction of fires

Venting hose with adapter for vacuum pump described with item 10 (15 mm inner diameter) min 15 meter long (gardening hose possible) length as necessary for safe HC R290 venting during evacuation process away from the workplace area

Replacement vacuum pump oil; one liter canister; viscosity 46 mm²/s; Mineral Oil

Adapter female to male flare; 1/4” female flare SAE × 3/8” male flare SAE

Safety brazing gloves; highest heat resistant; CE certificated; long cuff, glove made from leather;

Form-fitting and comfortable work gloves for mechanics; thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR) closure with hook and loop for a secure fit; machine washable

Safety brazing goggles with elastic headband for user comfort; flip-up front for convenience; rigid 50 mm dual-cup goggles; shade grade for safe copper tube brazing (not welding); compact design

Safety glasses for mechanical works; fits over most prescription lenses; vented temples keep user cool; clear lenses for indoor or outdoor work

27 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Flux powder or paste for silver containing brazing alloys, joining copper to copper and copper to brass; 0,25 kg container

One (1) kg copper brazing alloy with 15 % silver and 5 % phosphorus B-Cu80PAg (L-Ag15P, DIN 8513) Cu+Cu without flux

One (1) kg. copper brazing alloy with 5 % silver and 6 % phosphorus; B-Cu89PAg(L-Ag5P,DIN8513) ; Cu+Cu without flux; Cu+Ms, Cu+red brass with flux 531/00/01

Cleaning fleece for all metallic components before brazing; metal free fleece in package of ten (10) pieces 60 x 130 × 100 mm

HC R-290 refrigerant cylinder with at least 5 kg charge refrigeration quality (99.5 % purity) together with cylinder adapter for refrigerant hose connection ¼” SAE

HC R-600a refrigerant cylinder with at least 5 kg charge refrigeration quality (99.5 % purity) together with cylinder adapter for refrigerant hose connection ¼” SAE

One (1) m Copper tube soft / annealed 6 × 1 mm or 1/4” (for test speci- men)

One (1) m Copper tube soft / annealed 10 × 1 mm or 3/8” (for test speci- men)

28 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

One (1) m Copper tube soft / annealed 18 × 1 mm or 3/4” (for test speci- men)

Reducing flare union SAE 1/4” × 3/8”

Flare nut 3/8” (10 mm) SAE

Flare nut ¼” (6 mm) SAE

Copper Tee 18 × 18 × 18 mm (or ¾”)

Copper caps 18 mm (3/4”)

ab Coats of different sizes: 25 small size, 25 medium size; 25 plus size and 25 plus size

Xerox Eco-Friendly Recycled Paper Pack ECO002 / 500 sheets / Letter / White / 75 gr

Bic Diamond Pens / Medium Dot / Black ink / 12 pcs

FOLDER CARD OFFICE DEPOT (MANILA, 100 PZS.)

29 DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

Material: polyurethane Printing process: Silkscreen / Laser Engraving Measurements: 21 × 14.8 × 1.5 cm Packaging: 64 pcs. Printing area: 5 × 8 cm Rigid paste notebook covered in textured leather. 80 lined sheets A5 vertical notebook made of rigid paste covered in textured leather.

Backpack type backpack with headphone outlet on the front and zip- pered mesh bag to store the cell phone or device. With padded shoul- der straps, adjustable straps, top handle and side mesh bags to carry the cylinder or personal items.

Aluminum Portable Battery with two side USB inputs. Depending on the charge, it supplies power to smartphones, iPads, tablets, digital camer- as, games, digital readers, mp3s, mp4s, and other digital devices. Direct charging and discharging is done at the touch of a button, LED charge status indicator light, DC 5v-1000 mAh, 2200 mAh capacity, micro USB to USB cable. Includes box.

USB memory on wooden keychain capacity: 4 GB

Source: Own elaboration based on NOU data.

The above list presents the minimum tools and accessories, it may not be exhaustive and should be reviewed periodically to ensure that the RTC has the most modern HC technology. Additionally, newer and higher capacity equipment

(e.g. CO2 / propane cascade systems) or higher capacity air conditioning (AC) equipment can be incorporated into the RTC, once these are allowed to be installed in the country.

30 4. Opportunities for the model expansion, other regional training poles and strengthening of OEM training centers Under the SPODS project, a manual on the safe use FIGURE 19: SEP and SEMARNAT sign an agreement of hydrocarbon refrigerants has been elaborated and to train CETMAR students and teachers it will be published soon. With this new manual, the next step in the national training of technicians will be taken, in addition to the fact that as part of the HPMP schools will be equipped with the necessary material for safe practices with HCs. In December 2020, SEP and SEMARNAT signed a collaboration agreement to provide these training courses on hydrocarbons and refrigeration systems to teachers and students of five CETMARs. The educational centers that will benefit from the agreement are CETMAR No. 2 in Campeche, Source: (SEMARNAT, 2020c) Campeche; CETMAR No. 4 in La Paz, and CETMAR No. 31 in Cabo San Lucas, both in Baja California Projects like this one, which are carried out jointly Sur; CETMAR No. 20 in Tuxpan, Veracruz; as well as between SEMARNAT and SEP help to face the diffi- CETMAR No. 24, in Puerto Madero, Chiapas. cult situation of lack of economic resources, and to promote well-being and improve technicians’ quality The agreement also establishes that the educational of life. centers will be provided with equipment and tools for their laboratories. The new training courses considers a minimum of two thousand technicians trained as well as the donation of around 500 sets of equipment and tools to the trained technicians.

4.1 Expansion of the model ESIME has managed to position itself as one of the Montreal Protocol and that it has established the most important technician training centers in collaboration agreements with private industries in Mexico. This is mainly due to the fact that it has been the RAC sector. able to take advantage of international support from

FIGURE 20: ESIME-IPN Collaboration model

Source: (IPN-ESIME, 2020)

31 Under the training model with the RAC industries, FIGURE 22: International trainings for ESIME staff. ESIME trains clients, business partners and brand workers in an open space for all of Latin America, contributing to the positioning of the brands. It is a shared model, where there is no cost for companies for the use of space. FIGURE 21: Training practices at ESIME Azcapotzalco.

Source: (IPN-ESIME, 2020)

In the first instance, one could think of developing regional training centers close to industrial clusters of the RAC sector, such as the north of the country (Monterrey, Nuevo León) or the Bajío region (León, Guanajuato), in these cases alliances with RAC in- Source: (IPN-ESIME, 2020) dustries that consume HCs can be explored, such as It is also important to note that thanks to techno- those dedicated to the manufacture of domestic or logical alliances with the Government and Industry, commercial self-contained refrigerators. teachers can go out to train anywhere in the world, In the case of the south and southeast of the coun- always keeping up to date on the best practices in try, cities such as Oaxaca or Mérida can be analyzed, the RAC sector. in which there are significant stocks of RAC equip- As it can be seen, the model used by the ESIME and ment and there is a need to professionalize more and from which the RTC proposal is consolidated, has more technicians. many advantages. In the medium term, it will be These proposals are initial (Figure 23) and they are important to analyze whether this model can be based on the current consumption data of HC refrig- replicated or adapted in other schools in the training erants in the country, it is required that conversations network that the NOU coordinates. Although Mexico be started between the Government of Mexico and City is geographically important, there are other the Industry. regions of the country that would benefit from having similar training centers.

FIGURE 23: Possible expansion of the RTC Model in Mexico

Source: Own elaboration based on NOU data.

32 These proposals are initial and are based on the on alliances, a more detailed analysis will also be current consumption data of HC refrigerants and necessary regarding the updated RAC equipment existing HC-based equipment stocks in the country, stocks, perhaps there are regions with a large pres- it is required that conversations be started between ence of HC technologies where the creation of a new the Government of Mexico and the Industry to agree RTC in the coming years would be more favorable.

4.2 Collaboration opportunities with OEMs The reform of the IPN Organic Law regarding Tech- One of the alliances to be evaluated is the one that nology Transfers facilitated the donation process and would see the ESIME and Mabe involved, the former the realization of collaboration agreements between as the headquarters of the RTC and the latter due ESIME and various OEMs. to the extensive experience it is developing to train technicians on the subject of HCs in Latin America. The success of this model of collaboration with the industry is verified, may be replicated in other sites, A collaboration between Mabe and ESIME could be seeking the participation of other manufacturers, the seedbed for the training of professional techni- especially in those sectors in which Mexico is a world cians and generate new hires. leader. Thanks to the IPN Organic Law and the procedures managed by Mabe, the establishment of a collaboration agreement could be quite simple and agile:

FIGURE 24: Steps for the establishment of an agreement between ESIME and Mabe.

Establish contact between ESIME Determine rights and Prepare a grid of topics representatives and obligations of the to train on the R-600a Mabe human resources agreement process area

Agree on the number of training rooms, the necessary administrative Involve the legal Signature and department of Mabe for corresponding support and if more approval authorizations technical instructors are required

Source: Own elaboration based on (Mabe, 2021)

As the use of flammable refrigerants spreads in the country and more and more companies adopt this type of technology, it will be essential to analyze other possible alliances between educational institutions and RAC industries that can promote the training of technicians of excellence.

33 5. Initial steps for technician’s certification on HCs In Mexico, excellent courses on good practices and All the equipment and tools must be checked for technician training have been carried out, but the suitability to work on hydrocarbon systems, with certification component has not been addressed. particular attention to refrigerant recovery and leak Especially when it comes to flammable refrigerants, testing units, electrical test meter, refrigerant recov- this aspect acquires new relevance, the handling of ery cylinders, portable lightning. these substances requires professionalized techni- All work with the flammable refrigerants must be cians at higher levels, and therefore, it is proposed covered under the controlled procedures to make that certification schemes be a core part of the sure that the risk of the flammable gas and vapor is implementation of the Kigali Amendment in Mexico. eliminated while the work is done. Some training providers have highlighted that it Technicians must also train how to properly and safe- requires substantial investment costs to employ RAC ly charge the system with hydrocarbon refrigerant. instructors, establish training centers and purchase The charging of the refrigeration system is similar to the necessary equipment, including tools, systems the HFC refrigerants. The system must be charged and other material for training purposes. Neverthe- with hydrocarbon refrigerant in the liquid phase less, with the growing demand for HC refrigerants and technicians must ensure that contamination training such investment will also decrease. of different refrigerants does not occur while using For this reason, having an RTC, in which both training charging equipment. After the system is charged, the and certification tests can be carried out, would be system must be labelled, showing that hydrocarbon quite attractive for both the government and private refrigerants have been charged in the system and companies, the example of ESIME reaffirms this that it is flammable. After the charging, the system assumption must be leak tested. However, for some Mexican companies such as The certification schemes (UNEP, 2015) must contain Mabe, the investment cost to formally train tech- the theoretical training, including classes on refrig- nicians on HC refrigerants is not seen as too high, erant basic thermodynamics and physics, health & it is seen as an investment. They offer their trained safety requirements, and regulations & standards, technicians to guarantee safe installation and main- including: tenance of the HC-based systems, rather than relying • Thermodynamic properties of HC refrigerants: on external support. temperature, pressure, density, thermal capacity, In Mexico the absence of a requirement for a p/h diagram formal certificate is one of the main reasons for not • Differences between HCs and HFCs following a training, much less those for flammable • Toxicity characteristics, grades and limits for the refrigerants, which still have little availability. human body • Flammability characteristics, lower and upper HCs carry an A3 safety classification, which means flammability limits, occupancy they have a low toxicity but are in the higher range of flammability. Hydrocarbons are subject to strict safe- • Specific components needed for specific refriger- ty requirements concerning the quantities permitted ant in the refrigeration cycle in occupied spaces. Therefore, an increased training • Material compatibility offer must remain a priority for the all the related • Oil compatibility, requirements and oil return stakeholders in order to safely handle hydrocarbon • International and national regulations and stan- refrigerant-based systems. Training techniques and dards tools are in place to manage safety challenges. • Storage & transport of refrigerants Before starting to train or work on systems con- • Health & safety rules, including location of taining hydrocarbon refrigerants, safety checks are emergency exists, fire alarms, leak detectors, and needed to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimal. others The area should also be checked with an appropriate • Calculation of lower flammability limits (LFL) in refrigerant detector to ensure that technician is confined space aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. • Calculation of confined space risk for asphyxiation

34 For its part, the practical training must be equally • Refill refrigerant without emission relief rigorous, some of the components that it must con- • Make connections without brazing with alterna- tain include: tive connections • Select appropriate tools, equipment and personal • Check the correct functioning of the safety venti- protective equipment for work on natural refrig- lation system erant RAC systems • Check the correct functioning of the safety sys- • Recover the refrigerant tem controls • Calculate safe fill weight for the recovery cylinder • Perform safe system shutdown and isolation (density difference between HFCs and HCs) • Extinguish a fire • Check leaks with the correct equipment • Perform first aid for frostbite, fire burn, suffoca- • Make refrigerant vacuum preventing moisture in tion due to breathing problems the system and refrigerant emissions

FIGURE 25: Safe handling of HCs and their safe use in hydrocarbon RAC systems

Source: (PRTC, 2020)

These lists are not extensive, however they consti- Initially, this standard of competence will be oriented tute a starting point on how technicians in Mexico to carry out the certification process for technicians could be certified in the RTC in the short and medium who work in installation, maintenance and repair term, the foregoing in order to guarantee the safe services for domestic refrigeration equipment use of hydrocarbons and promote their use in the (R-600a) and self-contained commercial refrigeration country exponentially. equipment (R-290). It should be noted that the next manual on the For this work, the international standard EN 13313: safe use of hydrocarbon refrigerants elaborated 2010 Refrigerating systems and heat pumps (CEN, by SEMARNAT, already considers many of these 2013) will be taken as a reference, in addition to contents and specifications, additionally, under the complying with all the requirements indicated by the HPMP, the creation of certification schemes for tech- National Council for Standardization and Certification nicians in the use, handling and safety of flammable of Labor Skills (CONOCER). refrigerants in RAC equipment is currently being developed.

35 Final remarks In this document, ESIME Azcapotzalco has been proposed as the ideal place for the first national training center specialized in hydrocarbon refrigerants. The main reasons why a strengthening of the current ESIME facilities would be preferable have been discussed. The laboratory of thermal machines have state- of-the-art technology and have been constantly renewed thanks to collaboration agreements with different companies in the RAC sector in Mexico. The great relevance and influence of the school at the regional level has also been considered, as well as the experience of the teaching staff with it and the large number of people who can be trained in short periods of time. Equipping the ESIME with hydrocarbon technologies and adequate tools so that technicians can take theoretical-practical courses would be much more efficient in time and resources than creating a new center, since ESIME already has a consolidated staff and most of the technical and safety requirements for teaching the use of flammable refrigerants. Taking advantage of the capacities and strengths developed by ESIME can also be a starting point to be able to establish certification schemes for RAC technicians and perhaps replicate this model in other parts of Mexico. New alliances between private industry and schools and public institutions can be explored with the aim that each time the technicians meet more professional and skilled profiles.

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