In June 2005, the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) started a research program to reduce the
emissions of R-134a. The program, called I-MAC
(Improved Mobile Air Conditioning), was tasked with
cost effectively improving R-134a systems while
reducing refrigerant emissions.
The I-MAC
members have pledged to design smaller systems
with fewer leak points and improve service
equipment. As a result of this program, the SAE
recently approved tighter standards for automotive
A/C recovery, recycle and recharge equipment. The
new standard, SAE J-2788, requires that all service
equipment manufactured after December 31,2007,
must recover 95% of the refrigerant and recharge to
within
1/2 ounce. |