Lonie Marie A.

Reyes BSME-4

ME4105

July 13, 2016

vRefrigerants
Most refrigerants are made up of two molecules, methane and ethane. These two
molecules simply contain hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) and are referred to as pure
hydrocarbons (HCs). Pure hydrocarbons were at one time considered good refrigerants, but
because of their flammability they were not used after the 1930s in any large scale.

A. Ideal Properties of Refrigerants

High latent heat of vaporization

High suction gas density
Positive but not excessive pressures at evaporating and condensing

conditions
Critical temperature and triple point well outside the working range
Chemically stable, compatible with construction materials and miscible with

lubricants
Non-corrosive, non-toxic and non-flammable
High dielectric strength
Environmentally friendly
Low cost

B. Common Abbreviations
Any time some of the hydrogen atoms are removed from either the
methane or ethane molecule and replaced with either chlorine or fluorine, the
new molecule is said to be either chlorinated, fluorinated, or both. Abbreviations
are used to describe refrigerants chemically and to make it simpler for
technicians to differentiate between them. The following are some common
abbreviations.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Hydrocarbons (HCs)

C. CFC Refrigerants
The CFCs contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon and are considered the
most damaging because their molecules are not destroyed as they reach the
stratosphere. CFC molecules have a very long life when exposed to the
atmosphere because of their stable chemical structure. This allows them to
be blown up to the stratosphere by atmospheric winds where they react with
ozone molecules and cause destruction. CFCs also contribute to global
warming.

Lonie Marie A. Reyes BSME-4

ME4105

July 13, 2016

D. HCFC Refrigerants
The second group of refrigerants in common use is the HCFC group.
These refrigerants contain hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They
have a small amount of chlorine in them, but also have hydrogen in the
compound that makes them less stable in the atmosphere. These refrigerants
have much less potential for ozone depletion because they tend to break
down in the atmosphere, releasing the chlorine before it reaches and reacts
with the ozone in the stratosphere. However, the HCFC group is scheduled for
a total phaseout by the year 2030. HCFC-22 (R-22) is an exception, with an
earlier phaseout date for new equipment in 2010 and a total production
phaseout in 2020 under the Montreal Protocol.
E. HFC Refrigerants
The third group of refrigerants is the HFC group. HFC molecules contain
no chlorine atoms and will not deplete the earths protective ozone layer.
HFCs contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. HFCs do have small
global-warming potentials. HFCs are the long-term replacements for many
CFC and HCFC refrigerants.
F. HC Refrigerants
The fourth group of refrigerants is the hydrocarbon (HC) group. These
refrigerants have no fluorine or chlorine in their molecule. They contain
nothing but hydrogen and carbon. They do, however, contribute to global
warming. Hydrocarbons are used as stand-alone refrigerants in Europe, but
are not used as stand-alone refrigerants in the United States because they
are flammable.
G. Naming Refrigerants

The first digit from the right is the number of fluorine atoms.
The second digit from the right is the number of hydrogen atoms plus 1.
The third digit from the right is the number of carbon atoms minus 1. If

this number is zero, omit it.

The 400-series blends are the near-azeotropic (zeotropic) blends
The 500-series blends represent the azeotropic blends.
Blends can also have capital letters at their ends. Thecapital letters at the
end of R-401A, R-401B, andR-401C mean that the same three refrigerants
makeup these near-azeotropic blends, but their individualpercentages
differ.

Sources:

Lonie Marie A. Reyes BSME-4

ME4105

July 13, 2016

Whitman B et al. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology. 4 th edition

Hundy GF, Trott AR, Welch, TC. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. 4 th edition
Calm JM. The Toxicity of Refrigerants. 1996
Airgas. Pressure/Temperature Chart (Full Line Refrigerants Available)
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/refrigerants-d_902.html