| 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, and R-508A and R-508B, which are mixtures of an HFC and a PFC). The mixtures are as follows:
- R-500, azeotropic
mixture of 73.8% CFC-12 and 26.2% HFC-152a (1,1-Difluoroethane)
- R-501, mixture of
CFC-12 and HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)
- R-502, azeotropic
mixture of 51.2 % CFC-115 and 48.8% HCFC-22
- R-503, azeotropic
mixture of 59.9% CFC-13 and 40.1% HFC-23 (Trifluoromethane)
- R-504, mixture of
CFC-115 and HCFC-132 (Dichlorodifluoroethane)
- R-505, mixture of
CFC-12 and HCFC-31 (Chlorofluoromethane)
- R-506, mixture of
CFC-114 and HCFC-31
- R-507, azeotropic
mixture of 50% HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane) and 50% HFC-143a
(Trifluoroethane), is a new ODS-free replacement for R-502
- R-508A,
azeotropic mixture of HFC-23
and PFC-116, is a new ODS-free replacement for R-13 and R-503
- R-508B,
azeotropic mixture of HFC-23 and PFC-116, is a new ODS-free
replacement for R-13 and R-503
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.
|
| Compliance Benefit: |
Using either an R-500 series
refrigerant that is not an ODS or an R-500 substitute (such as the R-400s listed in the NSN/MSDS section) will help facilities meet the requirements
under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 13148 requiring
federal agencies to maximize the procurement and use of safe alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances.
The compliance
benefits listed here are only meant to be used as general guidelines 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| Benefits: |
- Reduces the amount
of ozone-depleting substances entering the environment.
- Can provide more
efficient cooling processes if the alterations are well researched and
planned.
|
| Disadvantages: |
- Retrofits can be
expensive.
- Requires
specialized training in handling these refrigerants.
|
| 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.
|
| NSN/MSDS: |
| Product |
NSN |
Unit Size |
Cost |
MSDS* |
| R-404A |
6830-01-392-0960 |
33lb CY |
$343.28 |
Click me |
| R-402A |
6830-01-391-3105 |
27lb CY |
$197.30 |
Click me |
| R-402B |
6830-01-391-3105 |
13lb CY |
$198.39 |
Click me
|
*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs.
The MSDS is only meant to serve as an example.
To return from the MSDS, click the Back arrow on the Tool Bar.
|
| Approving Authority: |
Appropriate authority for making process changes
should always be sought and obtained prior to procuring or implementing any of the technology identified herein.
|
Points of Contact: |
For more information
|
| Vendors: |
This is not meant to be a
complete list, as there are other manufacturers of this type of
equipment.
Honeywell
101
Columbia Road
Morristown, NJ 07962
Phone: (973)
455-2000
FAX: (973) 455-4807
URL: http://www.genetron.com
Service:
Manufacturer of R-500 series refrigerant replacements
DuPont
Government
Accounts
Phone: (800) 441-9561 or (302) 999-5539
URL: http://www.dupont.com/suva/na/usa/
Service:
Manufacturer of R-500 series refrigerant replacements
INEOS
Fluor Americas, LLC
4990 B ICI Road, Hwy. 75
PO Box 30
St. Gabriel, LA 70776
Phone: (225) 642-0094 or (800) 275-5532
URL (Product Groups): http://www.ineos.com/products/productsframe.htm
Service:
Manufacturer of R-500 series refrigerant replacements
ATOFINA
Chemicals, Inc.
2000 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19103-3222
Phone: (215) 419-7000
URL: http://www.atofinachemicals.com/fluorochem/
Service:
Manufacturer of R-500 series refrigerant replacements
|
| Related Links: |
None
|
| Sources: |
Ms. Alison Chirkis, Tinker AFB, January 1998.
Mr.
Pete Mullenhard, Shipboard Environmental Information Clearinghouse,
June 2002.
Allied-Signal fluorocarbon product information DuPont
Fluorochemicals, August 1998. |
