Desirable Characteristics of Refrigerants

Thermally stable Safe (toxicity and flammability) Low cost and widely available Compatible with materials of construction High performance
High latent heat Low compression superheat Low throttling losses High heat transfer properties

Environmentally benign (ODP and GWP)

Refrigerant Classification
Refrigerants

Pure

Mixtures

Natural
Ammonia Propane Iso-Butane CO2

CFC
R12 R114 R11

HCFC
R22 R123

HFC
R134a R32 R125 R143a

Zeotropes
R407C R290-R600a
Propane/Iso-Butane

Azeotropes
R502 R507 R410A* R404A*
*Near-Azeotropes

Used in or considered for Refrigeration

ASHRAE Refrigerant Safety Classification

Low/No Toxicity High Toxicity

A1
No Flammability
R11, R12, R22, R125, R134a, R407C, R507, R404A, R410A, R744

B1
R123, R764, R21

Low Flammability

A2
R32, R142b, R143a, R152a

B2
NH3

High Flammability

A3
R170, R290, R600a, R1150

B3
R1140

Refrigerants marked in Red are ozone depleting substances that are no longer used in new equipment. Refrigerants marked in Green are natural refrigerants that have low GWP, as well as no ODP.

(end of 2005)

Mixture Phase Diagrams

P2

Sat. Temperature

P1 Tsat

Liquid Mole-Fraction
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

Vapor Mole-Fraction
0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

Mole Fraction, x

Mixture Phase Diagrams

P2

Sat. Temperature

P1 Tsat

Liquid Mole-Fraction
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3

Azeotrope
0.4 0.5 0.6

Vapor Mole-Fraction
0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0

Mole Fraction, x

Oil-miscibility
Ability of the refrigerant and lubricating oil to disperse into each other. Dilution of oil in the compressor crankcase change in viscosity inadequate lubrication Fouling on heat transfer surfaces low heat transfer coefficients insufficient capacity Low oil level in the crankcase inadequate lubrication

Solutions
Proper piping design and refrigerant velocity to ensure oil return. Oil separators for: Low temperature applications Nonmiscible refrigerants Flooded liquid chillers Systems with large capacity range Systems with long suction or discharge risers

Reactivity with Moisture

Moisture in the refrigeration system: (a) in solution with the refrigerant (b) free water Moisture+refrigerant solution Produce corrosive compounds pitting and other damage on valves, seals, bearing journals, cylinder wals, etc Deterioration of the lubricating oil Formation of sludge Gum up valves, clog oil passages, score bearing surfaces Free water Freeze-ups may occur stopping the refrigerant flow

Solutions
Proper materials selection (refrigerant-construction material compatibility). Filter-driers (dessicants) and sight-glasses (hygroscopic materials).

Economic Considerations
Refrigerant properties that improves the system performance Refrigerant properties which reduce the size, weight and initial cost of the equipment Characteristics that minimize maintenance needs Cost and availability of the refrigerant

Refrigerant Pressure-Capacity Relationship

1.0 Volumetric Capacity @ ARI [Ton/cfm]

0.8

R22 & its near neighbors

NH3 R22 Propane R404A/R507 R407C

R410A

0.6

0.4
R134a

0.2

Best Fit R123 R11 R245fa R114 R600a R12 R134a R290 R22 R407C R717 R507 R410A

0.0 0 100 200 300 400 500 Pressure Difference @ ARI [psi]

Comparison of Simple Cycle EER

1.10 1.05 1.00 0.95 0.90 0.85 0.80 R22 R134a R290 R407C R507 R410A ARI CHEER

EER Relative to R22

Relative ARI Capacity [Same Displacement]

Capacity relative to R22
2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

Relative Compressor Displacement [Same Capacity]

Displacement relative to R22
3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0

Refrigerant Comparison

Refrigerant

CO2 Yes No No 0.1 4.8 88 852 0 (1.0)

R12

R22

R134a

R404A

R410A

C3H8 Yes Yes No 0.3 0.9 206 125 0 3

NH3 Yes Yes Yes 0.2 1.0 270 129 0 0

Natural? Flammable? Toxic? Relative Cost Volum. Capacity Critical Temp.(F) P @ 70F (psia) ODP GWP (100yr)

No No No 0.6 234 85 1.0 7100

No No No (1.0) (1.0) 205 136 0.05 1500

No No No 4.0 0.7 214 86 0 1300

No No No 5.0 1.2 163 165 0 3750

No No No 5.0 1.5 158 216 0 1730

(1.0) means reference value

Indirect Cooling Systems

(a) Indirect system

Water

(a) Indirect system with AHU

Secondary Refrigerants

BRINES: solution of salt in water ANTIFREEZE solutions CaCl2 Teut = - 55 C weut = 30 % Ethylene glycol -32.5 C at 50 % Dehydrating and imparting a bitter taste Propylene glycol -57 C at 59 % NaCl (table salt) Teut = - 21 C Methanol(methyl alcohol) -40.5 C at 55 % weut = 23 % Chilling and freezing of meat, fish, etc. Glycerine -38.0 C at 70 % Caution! Corrosive and electrolytic