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- 1. RS-45(R-434A) R22 REPLACEMENT AT ALL TEMPERATURES U.S. EPA Certified NON-FLAMMABLE No other company in the world has an R22 replacement refrigerant for flooded systems: not Dupont, Honeywell, Arkema, Mexichem, ICOR, etc. (281) 338-2179 keith@advreftech.com www.advancedreftech.com
- 2. Flooded Chiller Diagram depicting liquid and vaporized refrigerant The lower glide of RS45 creates a more stable temperature between the vapor and liquid R-22 R-407ARS45 10 8 6 4 2 0 0 0 8.5 9.4 8.7 7.9 5.4 R-407C R-427A R-438A R-422D Comparison of glide for common R-22 alternatives at the same conditions. Why should you replace R22 with RS45 in flooded chiller systems? RS45 is the only TRUE“drop-in”replacement for R22 in Flooded Systems. RS45 provides LOW glide and performance qualities equal to R22. RS45 BLENDS in seamlessly with existing R22 remaining in the system. (see note 1) RS45 operates with ALL types of oil, INCLUDING mineral oil. RS45 requires NO system component changes. (see note 2) Liquid Refrigerant In Warmer Secondary Coolant In Colder Secondary Coolant Out Vapor Refrigerant Out Vapor Liquid Refrigerant Note 1: The system will not be harmed in RS45 is inadvertently mixed in with existing R22 Note 2: Since RS45 has 40% greater mass flow than R22, the float expansion device will need to accomodate 40% greater mass flow.
- 3. Why RS45 can be used in flooded systems 1. RS45 has a very low glide (1.5C) making it almost a azeotrope (like R22) ... a necessity for flooded systems 2. RS45 can match R22 in Capacity at low temperature (-31F) 3. RS45’s Coefficient of Performance (COP) matches R22 4. RS45’s compression Ratio matches R22 5. RS45’s discharge pressure is similar to R22 6. RS45’s discharge temperature is considerably lower than R22 which is a operating benefit for the compressor and oil 7. RS45 can be mixed with R22 without operating problems if all the R22 is inadvertantly not evacuated from a system 8. RS45 operates with all refrigerant oils including mineral oil No other company in the world has a R22 replacement refrigerant for flooded systems: not Dupont, Honeywell, Arkema, Mexichem, ICOR, etc.
- 4. CAPACITY RS-45 is unique in being a capacity match for R22 across the range of applications where R22 is commonly found. No other refrigerant mirrors the capacity of R22 at low temperature (-35°C evap) & high temperature (+7°C evap). APPLICATION RANGE Owing to its unique thermodynamic properties, RS-45 (R-434A) has a much wuder applicatiion range when replacing R22. RS-45 is an excellent replacement for R22 both at high and low tem- peratures, which is illustrated in charts 1 & 2. In addition RS-45 has very low glide and can be used in flooded evaporators and other applications where glide can affect performance. COEEFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE RS-45 (R-434A) has a Coefficient of Performance which matches R22 as illustrated in charts 1 and 2. RS-45 Air Conditioning COP CapacitykW/m3 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Chart 2: RS-45 (R-434A) Capacity & Coefficient of Performance - Air Conditioning Condensing Temperature 0 C R22 COP RS-45 COP R22 Capacity RS-45 Capacity Refrigeration COP Capacityk -40 -30 -20 -10 0 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Chart 1: RS-45 (R-434A) Capacity & Coefficient of Performance - Refrigeration Evaporator Temperature 0 C R22 COP RS-45 COP R22 Capacity RS-45 Capacity COMPRESSION RATIO RS-45 (R-434A) has a compression ratio which matches R22 across the range of apprications where R22 is commonly found. LUBRICANTS RS-45 (R-434A) is suitable for use with both the traditional lubricants including mineral (MO) & alkylbenzene (AB) oils, & also the new synthetic lubricants including polyol ester (POE), polyalkyl- glycol (PAG) & others. The ability to use traditional lubricants both reduces cost and avoids the use of hygroscopic synthetic oils which can absorb mois- ture during maintenance.
- 5. FLAMMABILITY RS-45 (R-434A) is non-flammable according to ASHRAE Standard 34 which includes non-flamma- bility as formulated & worst case fractionation. RS-45 has an ASHRAE Safety Rating of A1, the same as R22. EQUIPMENT MODIFICATIONS For the same duty RS-45 (R-434A) has a higher liquid volume flow rate than R22 which may require retrofitting to optimize performance, notably the following: Capillary tube: the length may need to be decreased,thediameterincreasedoracombination of both. Expansion valve: recommendation is that the TX valve is sized to accomodate a mass flow 40% greater than R22. RS-45 Evaporator Glide R407C RS-45 GlideK -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Chart 3: RS-45 (R-434A) Glide Evaporator Temperature 0 C R407C Glide RS-45 Glide Discharge Temperature: Refrigeration COP DischargeTemperature0 C -40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 250 200 150 100 50 0 Chart 4: RS-45 (R-434A) Discharge temperature Evaporator Temperature 0 C R22 COP RS-45 COP R22 Discharge Temperature RS-45 Discharge Temperature DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE RS-45 (R-434A) has a considerably lower discharge temperature than R22 which provides significant operating benfits including a much lower risk of oil degradation OZONE DEPLETION POTENTIAL RS-45 has no ability to deplete ozone with a zero ODP. GLIDE RS-45 is a near azeotropic blend with a glide of 1.5°C. DISCHARGE PRESSURE RS-45 (R-434A) has similar discharge pressures to R22. An engineering report can be commissioned on complex systems. This will determine if any changes to the system are necessary.
- 6. RS-45 PROPERTY RS-45 R22 Molecular Weight 105.3 86.5 Boiling point (1 atm) °C -44.9(1) -40.8 °F -48.8(1) -41.4 Temperature Glide K 1.5 0 Critical Temperature °C 77.83 96.1 °F 172.1 204.8 Critical Pressure bara 39.31 49.9 psia 570.2 724 Liquid Density (25°C) kg/m3 1096 1191 Density of saturated vapour (25°C) kg/m3 53.1 44.2 Latent Heat of Vaporization at boiling point kj/kg 190(1) 234 Cv (25°C & 1bara) kj/kg.K 0.775 0.559 Cp (25°C & 1bara) kj/kg.K 0.861 0.662 Cp/Cv (25°C & 1bara) 1.111 1.185 Vapour Pressure (25°C) bara 11.8(1) 10.4 psia 163(1) 151 Vapour Visosity (25°C & 1bara) cP 0.0128 0.0126 Liquid Visosity (25°C) cP 0.140 0.166 Liquid Thermal Conductivity (25°C) W/m.K 0.0665 0.0837 Surface Tension (25°C) N/m 0.00528 0.00808 Specific heat of liquid (25°C) kj/kg.K 1.50 1.26 Ozone Depletion Potential ODP 0 0.055 Flammability limit in air (1 atm) vol% none none Inhalation exposure (8 hr day & 40 hr week) ppm 1000 1000 (1) Bubble Point 1 February 2007 RS-45 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES RS-45 PRESSURE-ENTHALPY CHART 100 10 1 0.1 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 -60 -40 -20 -0 20 40 60 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 Enthalpy (kJ/kg) Pressure(bara) 0.006 0.01 Key: saturation line constant entropy line kJ/kg.K constant temperature line 0 C constant specific volume m3 /kg Reference State (IIR): For liquid at 0 0 C Enthalpy = 200 kJ/kg Entropy = 1 kJ/kg.K 0.015 1.5 1.0 0.4 0.6 0.1 0.15 0.25 0.025 0.04 0.0660 40 20 0 -20 -40 -60 80 100 120
- 7. Flooded Chiller Conversion from R22 to RS-45 (R434A) (Houston, TX Chemical Plant) ComStar International Inc. thanks the HVAC service company, STAR Service Inc. of Houston,TX/New Orleans, LA, and specifically Brian Keating (Project Manager), who performed this conversion with the assistance of Advanced RefrigerantTechnologies, LLC of League, TX. The process involved converting an R22 Flooded System to the unique capacity match of RS-45 (R434A). STAR SERVICE'S CONCLUSIONS Initial start-up: At the initial startup after conversion, the system was not exposed to significant load conditions. A steam heat exchanger was utilized to simulate minimal heat load conditions. Each compressor was started and allowed to carry the load independently. All compressors performed load demand tasking with exceptional performance operation. Each test resulted in a low discharge pressure of 160 PSI. Suction pressure was easily achievable at 50 PSI and oil pressure was ranging from 45 lbs. to 65 lbs. DP. At that time, compressors were run under low load conditions. Day 3 of testing: Load requirement demands were increased to normal operating conditions of system requirement. Upon exposure to additional heat load requirements, the increased amount of suspended vapor dropped the liquid receiver level to below desired level. An additional 500 lbs. of RS-45 was added to meet the demand requirements of the normal operating conditions (heat load demand). Due to the low ambient conditions, the system still operated with relatively low discharge pressure of 175 PSI. Suction pressure was still easily achievable at 50 PSI and oil pressure DP was achievable. The approach on the evaporator dropped to 10°F (from 15) due to a lack of excessive oil in the evaporator. Furthermore, it appears that the retrofit should be considered easily achievable and the outcome should receive satisfactory results. Also the close pressure temperature relationship characteristics would not require substantial PLC control modifications or PSV replacement. PREPARATION OF FLOODED R-22 SYSTEM • Removed approximately 3,000 lbs. of R22 refrigerant and alkyl benzene oil. • Serviced two of three compressors and changed out several critical system components. • Performed leak checks. • Performed vacuum/dehydration process, pulled system to depth of 2mm HG until a depth of 1.5mm HG was achieved. • Holding period of six hours at a minimal rise of 100 microns. • Charged system with 2000 lbs. of RS-45. SPECIFICATIONS OF R22 FLOODED SYSTEM TO BE CONVERTED • 3 carrier 5H80 compresses driven by 75HP motors in direct drive, tandem configuration. • System utilizes independent discharge oil separators. • System shares common discharge and suction with check valves on the discharge line. • Oil system utilizes a typical oil skimmer line configuration, skimmed off of the evaporator at 60% desired liquid flooded level. • Utilizes a suction surge drum to promote liquid free suction gas. • Refrigerant/oil mixture is delivered to a batch oil pot, is heated to 120°F. Oil is then pressurized by discharge oil separator gas and superheated refrigerant pressure. • R22 refrigerant change of approximately 3,000 lbs. • Alkyl benzene 300 oil is being utilized. COMPARATIVE RESULTS & COMMENTS Table showing results of R22 prior to conversion and RS-45 post conversion. R22 to RS-45 {R-434a) Comparison R22 RS-45 (R-434a) Suction pressure 50 psig SO psig Suction superheat > S° F 11° F Discharge 189 psig 175 psig Discharge superheat 40° F 45° F Evap Refrigerant temp 26° F 24.8° F Entering process temp 57° F 48° F Leaving process temp 47° F 38° F Evaporation approach 21° F 12.8° F Oil pressure compressor #1 22 psig dp 35 psig dp Oil pressure compressor #2 35 psig dp 45 psig dp Oil pressure compressor # 3 N/A 50 psig dp Oil type 300 alkyl benzene 300 alkyl benzene
- 8. Liquid Refrigerant In Warmer Secondary Coolant In Colder Secondary Coolant Out Vapor Refrigerant Out Vapor Liquid Refrigerant Benefits of RS-45 (R434A) Over Other Alternatives: As the working pressures of RS-45 (R434A) are lower than 24 bar, there was no need to change the safety valves and other parts rated to 24 bar (348 PSI) which would have been necessary with a conversion to R404A, R507, R422A or R428A. Owners can continue to use an A1 safety classification product, thus avoiding toxic or flammable chemicals like ammonia and hydrocarbons, respectively, which, amongst other things, also requires a major overhaul of facilities. Flooded Evaporator Schematic Note 1: Use in liquid overfeed, flooded, recirc and DX systems. Note 2:The system will not be harmed in RS45 is inadvertently mixed in with existing R22 Note 3: Since RS45 has 40% greater mass flow than R22, the float expansion device will need to accomodate 40% greater mass flow. 10 8 6 4 2 0 0 8.5 9.4 8.7 7.9 5.4 R-22 R-407AR434A R-407C R-427A R-438A R-422D RS-45 Low Glide Performance Comparison Comparison of glide for common R22 alternatives at the same conditions. Flooded systems require ultra low glide refrigerants. 3 SPEED PERFORMANCE LOWINVESTMENT SUSTAINABLE Since RS-45 (R434A) is compatible with all refrigeration oils, including mineral oils, installations using this lubricant do not need to move to a POE, which would have been necessary with R404A, R507, R407C or R427A, thereby reducing the conversion time, cost of oil, emergence of new leaks and the constraints imposed by the use of very hygroscopic lubricants. RS-45 (R434A) low temperature glide of 3o F enables the system to be directly charged with RS-45. From a technical standpoint, there is no need to remove the remaining refrigerant because no fractation of the mixture would occur as would happen with R404A and R507. However, good practice protocol and EPA guidlines call for refrigerants not to be mixed. RS-45 (R434A) achieves good condensation and it is therefore unnecessary to change the condensers or make any changes in this regard as would be the case with R404A and R507. RS-45 (R434A) does not involve any significant loss of cooling power compared to R22 in contrast to what would happen with R422D, R417A, R407C and R427A.
- 9. British Energy replaces R22 with RS-45 (R434A) in Flooded Chiller British Energy, PLC, the largest electricity generator in the UK by colume with its HQ at Gloucester, has successfully replaced R22 in a large flooded chiller. Performance of the chiller after conversion from R22 to RS-45 matches the original design parameters for the unit so that, in terms of a comparison with R22, in the key areas of capacity and energy usage the machine is working equally as effective as it was on R22. The HQ site at Barnwood, Gloucester operates the data centres for the eight nuclear power stations in the UK. As part of their enveironmental strategy, British Energy has already converted all the the site’s systems from R22 to none ozone depleting replacements, but has until recently been unable to find a suitable alternative to R22 for their flooded chillers.This has been of considerable concern in view of the imminent phase-out of the ise of virgin R22 for service work, and the fact that replacement of a chiller of this size would cost over £500,000. British Energy has experimented with R22 alternatives, such as R422D, but found that the chiller could not achieve the temperature difference across the evaporator that is an essential requirement. Consequently, in May 2009, one of their flooded chillers was converted to RS-45 (from R422D) with details as follows: continued on next page
- 10. Dunham Bush Chiller Model PCX 700 Condeser number SEPX790 Dunham Bush Screw Compressor Model 2515DHFIL00 Age 30 Years Flooded Evaporator Pilot Operated Thermostatic Expansion Valve + Partial Hand Expansion Valve Heat Recovery circuit on Condenser Recommended Charge 1,200 kgs R22 Charged with 1,200 kgs RS-45 Original oil Miniral Viscosity 170 Charged with POE Viscosity 170 The control system operates compressor un-loader system based on a number of inputs which include but are not limited to chilled water leaving temperature, suction pressure, discharge pressure, motor loading percentage. The following readings were taken on 6 October: Energy usage would appear to be lower with RS-45 with 50 C achieved at 65 amps, against design of 5.50 C at 108 amp.The system was operating up to 5.50 temperature difference on chilled water which was equal to design capacity. Before the initial conversion from R22 to R422D, the lubricant in the chiller had been changed from mineral oil to polyol ester. The superheat was very consistent and did respond to adjustments to the expansion devices. Overall the customer is very happy with the performance of the chiller as it appears to be very similar to the R22 performance. John Bravery of engineering contractor Balfour Beatty oversaw the conversion of the chiller to RS-45 with John Ormerod of refrigerant supplier A-Gas UK in attendence.The changeover process was quite straightforward, and no problems with this chiller have since been encountered since the machine has been achieving the duty previously obtained when operating on R22. Geoff Benton, British Energy’s Site Engineer, said: “We have been planning to phase out R22 on this site before the cut-off date for using new R22 for service work kicks in at the end of 2009, but finding a refrigerant which can match the performance of R22 in the flooded chillers here had not been possible until the arrival if RS-45 (R434A). The fact that using RS-45 to replace R22 in one of our flooded chillers has resulted in an identical performance to using R22 in this unit means that we will be converting the remaining flooded chiller on site, and thereby achieving our overall objective to be free of ozone depleting substances prior to the phase out date in Europe. Overall, we are very pleased with the performance if RS-45 in what I understand is one of the most difficult applications for R22 replacements.” Suction Pressure 74.32 psig Discharge Pressure 188.30 psig Motor amps 50 (Maximum setting 80, FLA 120) Entering chilled water temperature 10.60 C 510 C Leaving chilled water temperature 8.010 C (set point 80 C) 460 C Suction Temperature 5.50 C 41.90 C Evaporator Superheat 2.10 C 350 C Motor Load% 55.62% Outside air Temperature 170 C 620 C
- 11. EDF ENERGY Replaces R417A with RS-45 (R434A) in Flooded and DX Chillers at Barnwood Gloucester HQ site Following the successful conversion of the two Dunham Bush PCX 700 flooded heat pumps at the Barnwood,GloucesterSiteofEDFEnergy,furtherretrofit works have been carried out to Star Refrigeration Thermo siphoning chillers which are also flooded. These chillers were originally installed and commissioned in 1992 with R22 as the refrigerant, then in keeping with the whole site. A program of retrofits was carried out during the late 90’s to remove Ozone Depleting Substances from the site and, with advice from Star Refrigeration, R417A was recommended and used until 2010. A noticeable drop in performance of these machines was experienced which was unfortunately not documented, although the compressor running times were increased. In 2010 EDF Energy committed to a program of cooling tower replacements for the Star Chillers and carried out compressor top end overhauls, and the replacement of the liquid line control valves and liquid level controls. During this time, it was decided also to replace R417A with RS-45 (R434A). This work has proved to be extremely worthwhile, as not only has there been an efficiency improvement during mechanical cooling, but extremely good results have been experienced during the Thermo- siphoning cycle. During the winter months, the chillers have not run in mechanical cooling for up to 3 months. In comparing the energy performance of the Star Refrigeration Chillers using RS-45 with the original commissioning sheets (for R22), performance is similar with an even higher energy efficiency. Looking at the original commissioning sheets which were taken with the machines operating on R22, at similar ambient conditions, there has been a significant drop in Active power from 80.1kw to 67kw with the machine: R22 RS-45 Chilled water out temperature 0C 14.8 12.8 Chilled water in temperature 0C 17.9 15.3 Ambient dry bulb temperature 0C 16.2 16.3 Discharge temperature 0C 45.7 34.1 Active power kw 80.1 67.1
- 12. EDF ENERGY Replaces R417A with RS-45 (R434A) in Flooded and DX Chillers at Barnwood Gloucester HQ site (continued) The Thermo-siphoning cycle is also performing well although we have been unable to make a comparison with the machine operating on R22. Looking at the design specification, the overall performance of the system measures up very well with its performance on R22. The machine details are as follows: There are three 400kw Star Refrigeration Ltd Chillers complete with evaporative cooling towers. The chillers are piped up in a series, with a high tempera- ture chilled water flow design of 140C. Each chiller has a Sabroe SMC108L compressor driven by a direct drive 75kw motor. The three chillers have a design Δt of 5.50C, which is being achieved as each machine will produce in excess of a Δt of 20C which will give a total Δt of 6-70c. These changes have been carried out by John Bravery and John Dudman of Balfour Beatty Workplace, with the support and investment of the EDF site engineer Geoff Benton who has made this project possible. The result has been to extend the life of the plant, which is still performing to as good or better than design, while providing energy savings to reduce the carbon footprint of the site. A successful retrofit to a circuit of one of the Trane DX type CGMA211BR chillers with a shell and tube evapo- rator has been carried out.The chiller was designed to run with R22, but was subsequently retrofitted to R422D, which has now been replaced with RS-45 (R434A). Good results have been experienced with RS-45 demonstrating a better energy performance.
- 13. Press Release MUSKEGON, MI - 10/21/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET) -- ComStar International Inc, the world’s most comprehensive manufacturer of environmentally safe, industrial strength chemical products, has successfully replaced another direct liquid overfeed ice rink refrigeration system with RS-45 (R434a) refrigerant. Lakeshore Sports Centre is a 41-year-old sports complex with two full-size ice sheets cooled by a system with approximately 10,000 pounds of R22 refrigerant operating with mineral oil. Due to a unfortunate leak in one of the ice sheets, Sean Rekeny, the Lakeshore manager, conferred with the rinks’decision-makers and determined they needed a second option to restore function rather than merely add more R22 refrigerant. Since the United States Environmental Protection Agency declared that new production and import of most R22 will cease by 2020, conventional refrigerant costs have risen and also left ice rink managers facing depleted supplies. After weighing the options, the Lakeshore team decided to convert over to the RS-45 (R434a) drop-in R22 replacement refrigerant from ComStar. Worries of problems associated with installing a different refrigerant other than R22 proved to be unfounded. Rekeny said, “Surprisingly, we have no detectable issues with oil return after a week of operating, which was our concern running mineral oil with a HFC blend. In fact, the only modifications we did were adjusting a few liquid valves. Nothing else was needed.” ComStar, a 47-year-old U.S. company, manufactures the only R22 replacement refrigerant for use in flooded, liquid overfeed ice rink systems without changing components or oil. ComStar’s RS-45 (R434a) refrigerant is a true drop-in replacement for R22 and blends with any remaining R22, with low glide for high performance applications. “As a father of two hockey-playing sons, I am very pleased that we at ComStar can offer ice rinks an affordable and sustainable alternative to R22 during the phase-out,”said Steve Mella, CEO of ComStar. The compressor system, built in 1997, has two Vilter 440 reciprocating compressors with 75-horsepower belt-driven electric motors. Initially, a full charge of R22 was 5,000 pounds for each ice sheet. Lakeshore evacuated the R22, transferred it to the other sheet, and recharged the sheet with 4,000 pounds of RS-45. In similar conversions, ComStar offers buy back the R22 removed from the system, thereby offsetting the ice rinks’cost of buying the RS-45 refrigerant. However, Lakeshore decided to transfer the small amount of R22 pulled from the first ice sheet into the second ice sheet which will continue to operate with R22 until next spring when they will change over the second ice sheet to RS-45. “At the end of the day, we are very satisfied with the changeover and excited for the future,”said Rekeny, who deemed the project a great success
- 15. RS-45 (R434A): Q & A 1. Q: What is RS-44? A: RS-45 is a non ozone depleting Drop-in replacement for R22 in most applications. 2. Q: Yes, but what does RS-45 contain? A: RS-45 is a blend of R143a, R125, R134a and isobutane. 3. Q: Is RS-45 subject to a phase out programme under any regulations as is the case with CFCs and HCFCs? A: No. None of the components of RS-45 is subject to a phase out schedule under the Montreal protocol or any regulations. 4. Q: Can RS-45 be used with mineral and alkylbenzene lubricants? A: Yes. There is no need to change to a synthetic polyol ester (POE) oil with RS-45 which operates satisfactorily with traditional lubricants. 5. Q: What is the temperature glide of RS-45? A: 1.5oC 6. Q: Is RS-45 non flammable and non toxic? A: RS-45 is both non flammable and non toxic. RS-45 is non flammable under all conditions of fractionation under ASTM 681-98. 7. Q: Is RS-45 approved by compressor manufacturers? A: The individual components which comprise RS-45 are widely used in compressors produced by major manufacturers. 8. Q: What is the compression ratio of RS-45? A: High compression ratios can result in increased energy expenditure and the potential for compressor damage. RS-45 has a compression ratio which matches R22 across the range of applications where R22 is commonly found. 9. Q: Can RS-45 be used to top up a system containing R22? A: The standard recommendation is not to mix refrigerants. RS-45 does not form an azeotropic mixture with R22 so that adding RS-45 to R22 in a system will not generate any higher pressures.. 10. Q: Is RS-45 as efficient as R22? A: Tests show that RS-45 has a higher Coefficient of Performance than R22 and hence is considered to be more energy efficient than R22. 11. Q: What trials have been carried out on RS-45 and what are the results? A: RS-45 has shown comparable results to R22 in systems where an expansion device is present. RS-45 is particularly effective at low temperatures. The results show good oil return to the compressor. 12. Q: Does RS-45 need to be charged in the liquid or gaseous form? A: Because RS-45 is a blend, the recommendation is to charge it into the system in the liquid form. However, if the entire contents of the cylinder are being charged, then vapour charging is acceptable. 13. Q: Does the RS-45 disposable cylinder have a dip tube? A: No. The disposable should be inverted to discharge RS-45 in the liquid form. 14. Q: Is RS-45 on the SNAP (Significant New Alternative Policy programme) list in the USA? A: Yes.
- 16. 15. Q: Does RS-45 have an ASHRAE number & what is its classification? A: Yes. RS-45 has been designated an ASHRAE number of R434A with a classification of A1, which is low toxicity & non flammable under all conditions of fractionation. 16. Q: How does the pressure rating of RS-45 compare with R22? A: The discharge pressure of RS-45 is slightly higher than R22 and similar to R407C. 17. Q: How does the capacity of RS-45 compare to R22? A: The capacity of RS-45 is matches R22 from high to low temperatures across the temperature range where R22 is commonly found. 18. Q: How does the temperature rating of RS-45 compare to R22? A: The discharge temperatures of RS-45 are considerably lower than R22. 19. Q: What are the flammability characteristics of RS-45? A: RS-45 is non flammable at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and has the same classification as R12, R134a, R404A, R409A (FX56), R507 (AZ-50) etc. 20. Q: What are the decomposition products resulting from the combustion of RS-45? A: The decomposition products resulting from subjecting RS-45 to a high temperature source are similar to those when R22 is exposed to fire conditions. The decomposition products in each case are irritating and toxic, and breathing apparatus should be worn where a possibility to exposure exists. 21. Q: Are there any special precautions with RS-45? A: There are no specific precautions which must be taken with RS-45. As with all refrigerants, common sense and good housekeeping is always recommended. Because the use of hygroscopic synthetic POE lubricants are avoided with RS-45, scrupulous attention to preventing moisture contamination is not necessary, although the ingress of moisture should be avoided at all times. 22. Q: Is RS-45 compatible with refrigeration and air conditioning systems designed for R22? A: Yes. RS-45 is compatible with all materials commonly used in systems that were designed and charged with R22. As in the case of R22, magnesium and zinc alloys should be avoided. 23. Q: Can RS-45 be recovered and recycled? A: Yes. RS-45 can be recovered and re-used after a cleaning process such as reclamation. 24. Q: What technical guidance do you advise when changing from R22 to RS-45? A: The procedure for converting from R22 to RS-45 is straightforward. Use the same type of lubricant, replace the filter/drier and charge approximately the same quantity of RS-45 as the original R22 charge after fully evacuating. Ensure that the expansion device is correctly sized for the higher flow rate of RS-45 (similar to R404A). 25. Q: How does RS-45 compare in price with R407C and other alternatives? A: RS-45 is competitive in price with other R22 alternatives. 26. Q: What is the main advantage of RS-45? A: RS-45 has a low glide (one third of R407C) and avoids all the problems associated with a high glide refrigerant, eg icing up of the evaporator, fractionation of the blend leading to higher pressures in the condenser, a limited application range etc. RS-45 is a suitable replacement for R22 across the range of temperatures where R22 is commonly found at high and low temperatures. RS-45 can be used to replace R22 without the need to change the original mineral oil in the system. There is, therefore, no necessity to retrofit to a synthetic lubricant such as POE.
- 17. 27. Q: Is RS-45 compatible with hoses, seals, gaskets and O-rings commonly used with R22? A: RS-45 (R434A) is compatible with materials commonly used in refrigeration systems previously charged with R22. In general, materials which are compatible with R22 can be used with RS-45 (R434A). It is recommended to check equipment manufacturer's retrofit literature and obtain recommendations from equipment manufacturers with regard to materials' compatibility. In older systems which have been operating on R22 for many years, replacement of some seals may be required due to the different composition of RS-45 (R434A) which contains HFCs. 28. Q: How does the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of RS-45 compare with R22? A: Tests show that RS-45 provides a higher COP than R22 depending upon the application and equipment. 29. Q: What is the specification for RS-45? A: RS-45 complies with the refrigerant specification ARI 700 for fluorocarbon refrigerants. 30. Q: What is the effect of high exposure by inhalation of RS-45? A: As is the case with all CFC, HCFC and HFC based refrigerants, high exposure to RS-45 may produce anaesthetic effects. Very high exposures may cause an abnormal heart rhythm and prove suddenly fatal as is the case with all CFC, HCFC and HFC based refrigerants. 31. Q: What is the flash point, flammability explosion limits and auto-ignition temperature for RS-45? A: RS-45 is non flammable as defined in the ASHRAE EN 681-98 test, and hence does not have a flash point or explosion limits. The auto-ignition temperature of RS-45 has not been determined but is expected to be greater than 750°C. 32. Q: Can RS-45 be used in flooded evaporators? A: Field trials have demonstrated that RS-45 can safely be used to replace R22 in flooded systems. 33. Q: What types of leak detectors should be used with RS-45? A: Leak detectors used with HFCs are suitable for use with RS-45. 34. Q: What would be the effect of a large release of RS-45? A: In common with other refrigerants of this type, the area should be immediately evacuated. The vapour may concentrate at floor level and in poorly ventilated areas may be slow to disperse. Forced ventilation should be provided before entering such areas. 35. Q: Is RS-45 available in both returnable and disposable cylinders? A: Yes. 36. Q: Can RS-45 be used in systems designed to replace R22 and initially charged with a hydrocarbon? A: Although no development work has been carried out on hydrocarbon systems designed to replace R22, we believe that RS-45 would be suitable but an increased refrigerant charge would be required. 37. Q: Is RS-45 suitable for use with new equipment? A: RS-45 has the potential to replace R22 in new equipment because it has a capacity which matches R22 at high and low temperatures, low discharge temperature, can be used with traditional lubricants, a low temperature glide, zero ODP and is energy efficient.