Refrigerants play an essential role in Air conditioners. Generally, they are found in liquid or gaseous form. Refrigerants are used for chilling a particular space. There are several types of refrigerants that work towards seizing the heat from a specific area and dispensing it to other places that need it.
These refrigerants are used in various appliances such as Air conditioners, cooling machines, etc. They typically use the thermodynamic phenomenon of phase changes for converting gas into a liquid and vice-versa.
These refrigerants are utterly useful but are considered to be a significant contributing factor in global warming. But with the advancement in technology, there has been an initiation of environment-friendly refrigerants. Furthermore, here we bring you a blog on types of refrigerants and their uses in different places.
Types of Refrigerants
Refrigerants used in industrial spaces
Here we bring you a list of refrigerants that are majorly adopted for industrial refrigeration plants.
Water
Water is one of the substances filled with perfect chemical and thermodynamic properties. It has been used as a type of refrigerant for decades due to its easy availability. Well, it can’t be considered to be a refrigerant alone, but when chilled in cooling plants, it is put to use in the circuits for lowering the temperatures.
For using water as a refrigerant, there is a need for ambient temperature that is higher than 100° C.
HFC R134A
This refrigerant is used in air-conditioned cars but also put to use in commercial refrigerant spaces in refrigerant piping. While talking about its features, it is enriched with minimal toxicity, non-combustibility, flawless thermal stability, and non-corrosiveness.
Hydrocarbons (HCS)
This refrigerant is filled with chemicals that are used in commercial refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, and domestic refrigeration systems. This refrigerant is apt for industrial cooling as it has propane with zero ODP (Ozone depletion potential). But it needs specific safety installations.
While working with Hydrocarbons, keep certain things in mind for better operation such as avoiding welding in the same area, and staying away from sparks and wire.
Ammonia (R717)
Ammonia is considered to be the oldest and most commonly used refrigerant in industrial cooling plants. It is power-packed with halogen-free chemicals. Here, the application process is in smaller components thereafter eradicating the need for big cooling plants.
Besides, it has a lower molecular weight, high critical points, and a high coefficient of performance, but with this comes the damaging effects.
CO2 R744
This refrigerant has to be handled with care due to its heavyweight, while in a situation of leakage it might replace oxygen. On the brighter side, CO2 R744 has a minimum impact on the environment as it is non-toxic and non-flammable.
Types of Refrigerants used in Buildings
Here, we give out a list of refrigerants that are majorly adopted for buildings.
HCFC -22 (R-22)
It is one of the most commonly used refrigerants for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems, but if leaks could be a cause of ozone depletion. Due to this situation, now there are other alternatives available for the same. Long back in 2010, HCFC-22 became absolute and was no longer used in air conditioners. However, with the start of 2020, It can be used but only when recovered and recycled for use in the same system.
R-410A Refrigerants
It is one of the most commonly used refrigerants. Generally, it consists of two hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, difluoromethane, and pentafluoroethane. R-410A is considered to be a non-ozone depleting refrigerant.
When compared to R-407C and R-22, this refrigerant provides better energy efficiency. It doesn’t contain chlorine and is a much better option than R-22.
R-410 is widely used by the air conditioner and refrigeration system manufacturing companies. It is also one of the most popular choices among people for chilling units, commercial refrigeration, and air conditioning.
R-600 Series Refrigerants
R-600 series refrigerant is enriched with natural sources having zero ODP and minimal possibility of global warming. It has to be designed with the utmost precision to avoid fire issues. Besides, it has to be used carefully.
Wrapping Up
We hope this blog on different types of refrigerants and their uses will help you in choosing the apt refrigerant and air conditioner for your home or workspace.
Do you think we have missed any point? Feel free to share in the comments. Also, share your feedback and suggestions in the comments.
How can we help you?
Cookies