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LPG as a Refrigerant (R290, R600, R600a, R1270)

LPG is increasingly becoming a solution for organisations that seek to develop cleaner technologies and wish to replace harmful substances with more eco-friendly alternatives.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) became commonplace refrigerants in the 20th century but they are principally destroyed by ultraviolet radiations in the stratosphere; subsequently catalyzing the decomposition of ozone to oxygen.
LPG has come to play another innovative role as a refrigerant - It serves as the best contender to replace CFC’s for domestic refrigerators as well as car air conditioners.

R290 is the common name for high purity propane (C3H8) suitable for use in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
Due to its low environmental impact, R290 has been regaining popularity since the 1990s, and is now a common alternative to fluorocarbons in a wide range of applications. It has energy-related and economic benefits compared to HFC refrigerants like R404a. Whilst it is largely used in systems with very low filling capacities, below 150g, such as in plug-in deep freezers, scientific studies have proven that that for applications with higher charges, such systems can be designed to carry lower risks.

Although various LPG classifications have refrigeration applications, isobutante (R600a) is most frequently found in domestic fridges and freezeers, whilst propane (R290) is common in commercial heat pumps, air conditioning, refrigeration and freezer applications.

Features

R290 is typically at least 97.5% pure with minimal levels of critical impurities including moisture and unsaturated hydrocarbons.  This makes it ideal for use in all types of refrigeration systems, including

Whatever the application may be, LPG can be used to effect efficient cooling whilst meeting environmental regulations.

Benefits

  • The cooling capacity LPG is 10% higher than R-12 and the vapor pressure is appropriate.
  • Excellent thermodynamic properties leading to high energy efficiency (improves the overall efficiency by 10 to 20%).
  • It operates at slightly lower pressures than other main refrigerants (R502 and R404A) whilst maintaining a similar volumetric refrigerating effect to them.
  • Low charges allowing smaller heat exchangers and piping dimensionsar volumetric refrigerating effect to them.
  • LPG does not form acids and thereby eliminates the problem with blocked capillaries.
  • It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), environmentally friendly and provides cost advantages.