R-500 SERIES REFRIGERANTS: OVERVIEW
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| Overview: |
Mixtures of refrigerants are used in special applications where a specific physical property of the refrigerant mixture is more desirable or is not available by using one of the pure compounds. Often, these refrigerant mixtures or blends contain an ozone-depleting substance (ODS). This is the case for most of the R-500 blends because they are formulated using one chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and either a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) or a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). Given the production ban and the scheduled use phaseout of CFCs, alternatives have to be substituted. R-500 series refrigerants are refrigerant blends that have been developed and used for many applications. The 500 series refrigerants are all refrigerant mixtures made up of two components, a CFC and an HFC or an HCFC (except for the new generation of the series R-507, which is a mixture of two HFCs). The mixtures are as follows:
Replacements for the R-500 series refrigerants depend on the application, but there are numerous EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program-approved substitutes, both products and processes, for most applications now using R-500, R-502, and R-503. For a list of the approved alternatives to these three blends, see the Pollution Prevention Opportunity Data Sheet, US EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program. The EPA SNAP list is from Table 1 of 59 FR 13146, and also Appendix A to Subpart G of 40 CFR 82. Also see the individual blends’ Pollution Prevention Opportunity Data for more detailed information about applications and substitutes.
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| Compliance Benefit: |
Using an R-500 series refrigerant which is not an ODS will help facilities meet the requirements under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 12843 requiring Federal agencies to maximize the use of safe alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone depleting substances, to the maximum extent practicable. The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.
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| Materials Compatibility: |
Although refrigerant development has focused on relatively inert and non-toxic compounds, some products are not compatible with certain lubricants, plastics, and elastomers, while others exhibit a moderate degree of toxicity. Always check with the original equipment manufacturer to verify material compatibility.
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| Safety and Health: |
Overexposure to refrigerant vapors by inhalation may cause temporary nervous system depression with anesthetic effects such as dizziness, headache, confusion, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness. Higher exposure to the vapors may cause temporary alteration of the heart’s electrical activity with irregular pulse, palpitations, or inadequate circulation; or fatality from gross overexposure. Potential hazards such as room ventilation issues, eye irritation, skin freezing or burning when exposed to escaping refrigerant gas, exposed flame and residual flux issues associated with brazing operations need to be considered. Refrigerants are heavier than air and will displace air in a confined space leading to possible oxygen starvation (asphyxiation) for any technician working in the space. Oxygen starvation is the leading cause of death in accidents involving a refrigerant. Refrigerants tend to be relatively non-toxic; however, see the individual Pollution Prevention Opportunity Data Sheets for more specific information about the acceptable alternatives and their material compatibility concerns. Also, consult your local Industrial Health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing any of these technologies.
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| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | This
data sheet is an overview of R-500 series replacements refer to the appropriate
R-500 replacement data sheet for the economic analysis.
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| Approving Authority: |
Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required.
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| NSN/MSDS: |
*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs. The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example.
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| Points of Contact: |
EPA: Mr. Jeffrey Levy Stratospheric Ozone
Protection Hotline Navy:
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| Vendors: |
Honeywell DuPont
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| Sources: |
Alison Chirkis, TinkerAFB, January, 1998 |