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As R-22 Phaseout Nears, Alternative Refrigerants Are Identified
The federally mandated phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-22, reaches its next milestone January 1, 2010. Currently, R-22 is the most widely used HCFC refrigerant for air conditioning and refrigeration applications; however, due to the ozone depletion potential of R-22, the production and importation of new R-22 for use in new equipment produced after January 1, 2010 will be banned. Chemical manufacturers can still produce R-22, but only for use in servicing pre-existing equipment. Because pre-charged systems manufactured after January 1, 2010 will not be permitted to have virgin R-22, Heatcraft Refrigeration Products has begun encouraging the use of zero-ozone-depletion refrigerant alternatives, such as R-404A and R-507. Meanwhile, Heatcraft Refrigeration is currently preparing its customers to manage the finite supplies of R-22, which will be needed to service existing equipment until the final production phaseout of virgin R-22 in 2020.
Preparing for change
Demand for R-22 will likely exceed supply by 2015 if efforts to recycle existing R-22 supplies are unsuccessful. Therefore, to avoid shortfalls and ease the transition from R-22, Heatcraft Refrigeration is encouraging its customers to retrofit and replace R-22 systems when possible, and to use R-404A or R-507 systems for new installations.
Alternatives
There are a number of options to use in place of R-22, and in some situations, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are suitable substitutes. For commercial refrigeration applications, R-404A, R-507, R-407C, R-407A, R-422D, and R-422A may be used. Heatcraft Refrigeration has selected R-404A and R-507 as alternatives to R-22. It is important to note the following key differences:
- Both R-404A and R-507 pressures are higher at normal condensing temperatures than R-22
- They possess higher cooling capacities
- Mass flow rates are up to 45 percent higher than R-22
- The products use synthetic lubricants
In addition, increasing numbers of contractors are turning to them for zero-ozone-depletion impact and because they are now readily available.
Click here for more information on how Heatcraft Refrigeration is prepared for the phaseout.
Comparison of Refrigerants for Commercial Refrigeration Applications
| Refrigerants |
ODP |
GWP |
Overview |
| R-22 |
0.055 |
1700 |
- Widely used in commercial applications.
- Federal law currently bans R-22 refrigerant in many forms of production, in household equipment and in some vehicles.
- Widely available but due to be phased out by 2020.
- A potent HCFC greenhouse gas; central nervous system depressant.
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R-404A &
R-507
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R-404A: 0
R-507: 0
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R-404A: 3922
R-507: 3985
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- Low- and medium- temperature HFC refrigerants; selected to replace R-22 in some commercial applications.
- Show stable vapor pressure curve under leak conditions.
- High energy efficiency and zero-ozone-depletion potential.
- Higher volumetric refrigerating capacity is realized and beneficial because smaller compressors can be used.
- Show advantages in heat transfer coefficients.
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| R-407C |
0 |
1774 |
- A mixed, zeotropic refrigerant consisting of three HFC components.
- Its energy efficiency is similar to R-22.
- Its system condensing pressures are somewhat higher than those of R-22.
- System components used for R-22 will typically work with R-407C
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| R-407A |
0 |
2107 |
- A mixed, zeotropic refrigerant consisting of three HFC components.
- Its energy efficiency is similar to R-22.
- Its system condensing pressures are somewhat higher than those of R-22.
- System components used for R-22 will typically work with R-407A
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| R-422D |
0 |
2729 |
- A mixed, zeotropic refrigerant consisting of three HFC components.
- Its energy efficiency is similar to R-22.
- Its system condensing pressures are somewhat higher than those of R-22.
- System components used for R-22 will typically work with R-422D
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| R-422A |
0 |
3143 |
- For use in medium- and low-temperature commercial and industrial direct-expansion refrigeration.
- Compatible with mineral, alkyl benzene, and POE oils.
- Provides improved cooling capacity at many operating conditions.
- May increase energy efficiency over R-22.
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