Hydrocarbon (HC) Refrigerants
Description: Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants are natural, environmentally friendly refrigerants derived from hydrocarbons such as propane and isobutane. They have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and extremely low global warming potential (GWP), making them an excellent alternative to HFCs and CFCs.
Common HC Refrigerants:
- R-290 (Propane) – Used in air conditioning and refrigeration.
- R-600a (Isobutane) – Commonly used in domestic refrigerators.
- R-1270 (Propylene) – Used in commercial refrigeration.
Specifications:
| Property | R-290 (Propane) | R-600a (Isobutane) | R-1270 (Propylene) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Boiling Point | -42°C (-43.6°F) | -11.7°C (10.9°F) | -47.7°C (-53.9°F) |
| Critical Temperature | 96.7°C (206°F) | 134.7°C (274.5°F) | 91.9°C (197.4°F) |
| Critical Pressure | 4.25 MPa (616 psi) | 3.64 MPa (528 psi) | 4.58 MPa (664 psi) |
| Lubricant Compatibility | Mineral oil, POE | Mineral oil, POE | POE |
| Safety Classification | A3 (Highly flammable) | A3 (Highly flammable) | A3 (Highly flammable) |
| Cylinder Color | Orange | Light Blue | Light Green |
Applications:
- Household and commercial refrigeration
- Air conditioning systems
- Industrial cooling
- Cold storage facilities
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly with zero ODP and very low GWP
- Highly energy efficient
- Lower refrigerant charge required
- Compatible with traditional lubricants
Precautions:
- Flammable, requires safety measures during handling and storage
- Limited charge size due to safety concerns
- Not suitable for retrofitting HFC-based systems