For Liebherr-Transportation Systems GmbH & Co KG, an air conditioning unit for use in a rail vehicle with the flammable refrigerant propane (R290) was tested on our test bench – continuously in operation, even during the vibration, service life and shock test in accordance with EN 61373.
🛡️ Safety concept for flammable refrigerants
As propane has a low flash point and there are numerous potential sources of ignition in the test bench environment, we have implemented a specially tailored safety concept:
✅ Enclosure (explosion-proof area)
✅ Suction unit for continuous air exchange
✅ Gas warning system for detecting gas leaks (on the test object, in the extraction system and in the building)
✅ Automatic safety shutdown system – appliance and test stand are immediately de-energized in case of a leak.
This solution allows us to safely test products that use propane. As a result, we are among the first test institutes capable of conducting vibration tests with flammable refrigerants in a safe and standard-compliant manner.
