Refrigerants
Refrigerants with certain molecular structures have been identified as substances that can be harmful to the environment. Two properties are critical: the ozone depleting potential (ODP) and the global warming potential (GWP). The first negative property is covered by the Montreal Protocol (‘Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer’) from 1987 which is an international agreement designed to protect the earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. The result was the replacement of HCFC (halogenated chlorofluorocarbon, R22) refrigerants with HFC (hydrofluorocarbon, e.g. R134a) refrigerants which have an ODP of zero (or close to zero). The significant downside of HFC refrigerants is their high global warming potential since they belong to the category of greenhouse gases. This fact was discovered after the Montreal Protocol was adopted and was recently covered by an amendment adopted in Kigali in October 2016. Before this amendment, the United States and the EU had introduced regulations to define the phase down and replacement of these HFCs on a federal level.
Secop has been a pioneer and early adopter of hydrocarbons as refrigerants and believes the most efficient and economical friendly substances for use in cooling appliances are isobutane (R600a) and propane (R290). Secop recommends the first one as a replacement for household appliances and small capacities in the light commercial segment and the latter one for medium to large light commercial applications. Secop is also aware that the transition towards hydrocarbons is challenging for manufacturers as well as for service providers and not always feasible in the short term.
Tests have so far shown good results with refrigerant R452A as a drop-in replacement for R404A and R507. Based on this information, Secop allows the use of R452A on all its R404A and R507 released compressors. It is the customer’s responsibility to validate the application, and they should carefully consider the requirements and drawbacks when changing from R404A/R507 to R452A in their application.
The HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) R1234yf can be used as drop-in for replacing R134a in the short-term for most of the applications. R1234yf is classified as flammable according to relevant safety standards. It is more expensive than R134a, however, it holds remarkably less greenhouse potential than R134a. Our R134a compressors can be used for testing with this refrigerant, and we will be more than happy to assist you in discovering that right solution for you and when it comes to the approval procedure. Investigations into material compatibility have so far shown good results with refrigerant R1234yf in Secop R134a compressors. These results must be confirmed in ongoing long-term tests. Currently, testing system performance can be conducted using compressors originally designed for R134a. The same application limits as described on the R134a data sheet may be used, however, partly with changed electrical equipment. Since R1234yf is classified as a flammable refrigerant, the compressors must be used with starting equipment approved for flammable refrigerants. The compressors designed for R134a do not have a safety approval for flammable refrigerants like R1234yf.
Product Bulletins:
Refrigerant R452A in Secop Compressors
Refrigerant R1234yf in Secop Compressors
Refrigerant R513A in Secop Compressors
Flammable Refrigerants R290 and R600a
R600a and R290 are hydrocarbons. These refrigerants are flammable and are only allowed for use in appliances which fulfill the requirements laid down in the latest revision of EN/IEC 60335-2-24. (To cover potential risk originated from the use of flammable refrigerants). Consequently, R600a and R290 are only allowed to be used in household appliances designed for this refrigerant and fulfill the abovementioned standard. R600a and R290 are heavier than air and the concentration will always be highest at the floor. R600a must only be stored and transported in approved containers and must be handled according to existing guidelines.
Do not use open fire near the refrigerants R600a and R290. The refrigeration systems must be opened with a tube cutter.
The flammability limits are approx. as follows:
| Refrigerant | R600a | R290 |
| Lower flammability limit (LFL) | 1.5% by vol. (38g/m³) | 2.1% by vol. (39 g/m³) |
| Upper flammability limit (UFL) | 8.5% by vol. (203 g/m³) | 9.5% by vol. (177 g/m³) |
| Ignition temperature | 460°C | 470°C |
In order to carry out service and repair on R600a and R290 systems, the service personnel must be properly trained to be able to handle flammable refrigerants. This includes knowledge on tools, transportation of the compressor and refrigerant, and the relevant regulations and safety precautions when carrying out service and repair.
Do not use open fire when working with refrigerants R600a and R290!
Conversions from refrigerants R12 or R134a to R600a is not permitted, as the refrigerators are not approved for operation with flammable refrigerants, and the electrical safety has not been tested according to existing standards either. The same applies to conversions from refrigerants R22, R502, or R134a to R290. Secop compressors for the flammable refrigerants R600a and R290 are equipped with a yellow warning label as shown.
HFC Refrigerants (R134a)
The HFC refrigerant R134a and HFC mixtures require Polyester type oil. Contamination of components and systems with mineral oil and alkylbenzols must be avoided. Greasy substances and other long-chained, high molecular substances not dissolved must not be present.
Manufacturing processes which require a lubricant can be done with Polyester oil approved for the compressors.
Procedures for mounting, evacuation and charging must be carried out in such a way that contamination with chlorine refrigerants is avoided. HFC refrigeration systems must always have a drier with 3 Angstrom Molecular Sieves.
Charging with Refrigerant
Normally, charging with refrigerant is no problem with a suitable charge, provided that the charging amount of the refrigeration system equipment is known.
Always charge the refrigerant amount and type stated by the refrigerator manufacturer. In most cases, this information is stated on the refrigerator type label. The different compressor brands contain different amounts of oil, so when converting to another brand it may be advisable to correct the amount of refrigerant. Charge of refrigerant can be made by weight or volume.
Flammable refrigerants like R600a and R290 must always be charged by weight. Charging by volume must be made with a refrigerant charging cylinder. The refrigerant R404A and all other refrigerants in the 400 series must always be charged as liquid.
If the charging amount is unknown, charging must be done gradually until the temperature distribution above the evaporator is correct. However, mostly it will be more appropriate to overcharge the system and then gradually draw off refrigerant until the correct charge has been obtained. The refrigerant charge must be made with the compressor running, the refrigerator without load, and with the door closed.
The correct charge is characterized by the temperature being the same from the inlet to the outlet of the evaporator. At the compressor suction connector, the temperature must be approx. The ambient temperature. Thus, the transfer of moisture to the refrigerator insulation is avoided.
Systems with an expansion valve must be charged with refrigerant until there are no bubbles in the sight glass, which should be placed as close to the expansion valve as possible.
Handling of Refrigerants
To ensure reasonable refrigeration system life, the refrigerant must have a maximum moisture content of 20 ppm (20 mg/kg). Do not fill the refrigerant from a large container into a filling bottle through several container sizes, as with every drawing-off the water content in the refrigerant is increased considerably.
