R-500 SERIES REFRIGERANTS: OVERVIEW

Revision Date: 11/03   The information in the data sheet does not change. This data sheet will not be updated.
Process Code: Navy/Marines: SER-004-02; Air Force: FA01, FA03; Army: OTG
Usage List: Navy: Medium; Marines: Medium; Army: Medium; Air Force: Low
Alternative For: R-500 Series Refrigerants
Compliance Impact: Low
Applicable EPCRA Targeted Constituents and CAS Numbers: Dichlorodifluoromethane (CAS: 75-71-8), Chlorotrifluoromethane (CAS: 75-72-9), Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC-114) (CAS: 76-14-2), and Monochloropentafluoroehtane (CAS: 76-15-3)

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.