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Thread: Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

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    Default Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

    As the HVAC&R industry struggles to keep up with the ever more demanding constraints on the use of HCFCs and HFCs, the push towards natural refrigerants is progressing at pace.
    Any new domestic refrigerator you buy today will use Isobutane (the first isomer of N-Butane), or R600a as it is known.
    This is not a controlled substance (except in Queensland) and anyone can have a crack at re-gassing their own fridge or someone else's product.
    Only one problem, R600a and R290 (propane, used commercially) are flammable. Unless proper precautions are adhered to, the result could be explosive.
    Remember that to change a compressor, evaporator, condenser or repair a leak involves the use of an oxy acetylene torch (or mapp gas). Possibly a bad combination in the hands of those who are complacent?
    Having changed numerous compressors in domestic refrigerators, I can attest to the fact that without proper evacuation, flames will be seen.
    Air conditioners are moving to R32a which has a lower flammability rating of 2 (mildly flammable).

    Think about this next time you get the local low-cost fridgee to do any repair or new installation work. No ARC licence needed to handle flammable refrigerants.
    The auto industry is also struggling to come up with a suitable alternative to R134a which is being phased out.
    "The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." - Issac Asimov

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