Megacold Cryochillers – and how they meet the F-GAS regulations

High-tech manufacturers are coming under increasing pressure to conform to climate rules. Ben White, Product Manager, explains how Megatech keeps them on the right side of the regulations

High-tech manufacturing – whether of semiconductor chips, optical coatings for glasses, or a range of other products – often requires the controlled environment of a vacuum chamber. However, there is a problem: every surface in a chamber has tiny layers of moisture on it, and when you pump out the air, that water evaporates and hangs around in the chamber, making it difficult to get a truly clean vacuum.

The solution is cryogenic chillers, or specialized refrigeration systems designed to achieve extremely low temperatures. Yet cryochillers are facing increasing complex regulation due to the fact they contain fluorinated gas, or F-GAS, which contributes to global warming. Here’s a look at the regulations – and how Megatech helps cryochiller users navigate what has become a legal minefield.

Tightening regulations

As the technology of cryochillers has advanced, so has the regulatory landscape. When the EU first introduced F-GAS regulations in 2006, the primary focus was on leak prevention, training, safe disposal, and reporting of imports and exports. Since then, however, there have been amendments to introduce a quota system, which is now required to import HFC equipment into the EU.

Since leaving the EU, the UK has also introduced its own quota system, adding to the complexity. Major fines – running into the millions of Euros – have been issued to illegal imports, so it is imperative to ensure that this is handled correctly.

The most recent changes to the F-GAS regulations were in 2024, as the phase-out of HFCs were expedited with the aim of a 95% reduction by 2030 and a complete phase-out by 2050.

Introducing Megatech

Since our beginnings in the south of the UK, Megatech has been involved in refrigeration equipment containing F-GAS. We began importing and servicing cryochillers in the early days of vacuum system leak detection, and have positioned ourselves at the forefront of the F-GAS regulatory landscape – navigating the complexities behind the scenes so our customers don’t have to worry about them. This includes through:

Certified expertise – our engineers are trained and certified to the highest F-GAS standards

Clarity over confusion – our specialist advisers track every regulatory change, translating it into clear, actionable guidance

Smarter systems – we pride ourselves on proprietary refrigerant blends, advanced leak protection, and continual product innovation

Collaboration – we work closely with refrigerant producers to adopt lower-impact technologies as they emerge

Cost stability – we strategically stockpile quota, shielding customers from price spikes

Strategic presence – we have operations in both the UK and Germany, perfectly positioning us to support European and UK markets

Net zero by 2050 may seem like a long way off – but it will come around in the blink of an eye. At Megatech, we are already preparing for it by developing cryochiller systems that use no fluorinated gas at all, including a new energy-saving model with a variable-speed compressor – delivering up to 50% energy savings.

Both now and in the future, our customers can rest assured that they will meet all F-GAS regulations, enabling them to stay focused on what they do best: delivering exceptional products.

To learn more about Megatech and its range of cryochillers, please visit www.megatech.com/brands/megacold/cryogenic-chillers.