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, and R-508A and R-508B, which are mixtures of an HFC and a PFC). 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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.
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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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NSN/MSDS: |
*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 |
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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 INEOS
Fluor Americas, LLC ATOFINA
Chemicals, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Related Links: |
None
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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. |