R-410A Refrigerant

  • In 1987 the Montreal Protocol, an International environmental agreement, established requirements that began the worldwide phase out of ozone-depleting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
  • In 1992 it was amended to establish a schedule for the phase out of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). HCFCs are less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs, but still contain ozone-destroying chlorine.
  • The Montreal Protocol is carried out in the U.S. through Title VI of the Clean Air Act, which is implemented by EPA.
  • HCFC-22
  • HCFC-22 (also know as R-22) has been the refrigerant of choice for industrial process chillers for more than four decades.
  • Unfortunately for the environment, releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion.
  • In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas and the manufacture of R-22 results in a by-product (HFC-23) that contributes to global warming.
  • As the manufacture of R-22 is phased out over the coming years as part of the agreement to end production of HCFCs, manufacturers of industrial process chiller systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants.
  • As part of the Montreal Protocol, effective January 1, 2010, Advantage and other industrial process chiller manufacturers no longer build equipment using HCFC-22 (R-22) refrigerant.
  • More and more process chilling equipment is being built using HFC-410A (R-410A) since R-22 can no longer be used.
  • R-410A
  • R-410A is highly efficient nearly azeotropic mixture (gases evaporate at nearly the same temperatures) of two gasses ideally suited for replacing R-22 in scroll compressor packages.
  • R-410A will not damage the ozone.

  • R-410A has a significantly higher vapor pressure than R-22.
  • The condensing pressure of R-410A at standard conditions for water-cooled chillers is about 340 psi and approximately 390 psi for air-cooled chillers.
  • This is slightly higher than high-pressure safety shut-off settings for R-22.
  • This pressure far exceeds the pressure rating of the components previously used on R-22 systems.
  • Link to Pressure vs. Temperature chart for R-410A, R-407C, R-22, R-404A, R-134A refrigerants.
  • Contractors and technicians need to know that R-410A can only be used in equipment designed for R-410A.
  • It cannot be used to retrofit existing R-22 equipment due to significantly higher operating pressures.
  • Furthermore, special service equipment is required, such as a high pressure manifold gauge set, a high-pressure recovery unit, and high pressure recovery tanks.
  • COMMON QUESTIONS:
  • OpenCloseWhere can I buy R-410A?
  • All authorized refrigerant distributors should have access to 410A.
  • OpenCloseWhat about the brands of R-410A?
  • Puron and Suva 410A are marketing brands for ASHRAE R-410A. Puron is Carrier Corp’s brand name and Suva 410A is the DuPont brand name. Both have the same chemical composition and can be used interchangeably.
  • OpenCloseCan R-410A be used to retrofit existing R-22 equipment?
  • No. Because of the much higher discharge pressure and cooling capacity, R-410A should only be used in equipment designed for it.
  • OpenCloseDo I need different service tools to work on R-410A systems?
  • Yes. Because of the higher pressure, you should use manifold gauge sets designed for R-410A. In addition, you should use a recovery unit and tanks designed for the higher pressure of R-410A.
  • OpenCloseWhat type of lubricant should be used with R-410A?
  • Use a high-quality POE (polyolester) specified by the compressor or system OEM.
  • OpenCloseWill R-410A systems have different components than R-22 systems?
  • Yes. Because of the higher pressure for R-410A, most system components have been designed with increase thickness. In addition, expansion valves specifically designed for R-410A capacity should be used.
  • OpenCloseIs R-410A a blended refrigerant?
  • Yes. It is a blend of two refrigerants, HFC-32 and HCF-125 (50/50 vt%), that performs very much like a single-component refrigerant.
  • OpenCloseHow should I charge R-410A?
  • For optimum performance, R-410A should be removed from the cylinder as a liquid.
  • OpenCloseDo I need to replace my current industrial process cooling systems that use R-22?
  • No, R-22 is still available for servicing existing equipment. Chemical manufacturers will be able to produce new R-22 in limited quantities until 2020. Recovered and recycled R-22 is available now and beyond 2020.
  • Advantage Portable Water Chillers Using R-410A
  • OpenCloseAir-Cooled Units :
  • M1-2A
  • M1-3A
  • M1-4A
  • M1D-5A
  • M1-7.5A
  • M1D-10A
  • M1D-15AF
  • M1D-15AB
  • M1-20AF
  • M1-20AB
  • M1-25A
  • M1-30A
  • OpenCloseWater-Cooled Units :
  • M1-2W
  • M1-3W
  • M1D-5W
  • M1-7.5W
  • M1D-10W
  • M1D-15W
  • Advantage Central Water Chillers Using R-410A
  • OpenCloseAir-Cooled
  • TI-20A
  • TI-30A
  • TI-40A
  • TI-50A
  • TI-60A
  • TI-80A
  • TI-100A
  • TI-120A
  • OpenCloseWater-Cooled
  • TI-20W
  • C-5WPT
  • C-7.5WPT
  • C-10WPT
  • C-15WPT
  • C-20WPT
  • OpenCloseOutDoor Chillers
  • OACS-5S-M1-1P
  • OACS-7.5S-M1-1P
  • OACS-10S-M1-1P
  • OACS-15S-M1-1P
  • OACS-20S-M1-1P
  • OACS-25S-M1-1P
  • OACS-30S-M1-1P
  • OACS-40S-M1-1P
  • OACS-50S-M1-1P
  • OACS-60S-M1-1P
  • OACS-20D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-30D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-40D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-50D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-60D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-80D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-100D-MZC-2P
  • OACS-120D-MZC-2P

Would you like to Download FYI #246 to your browser?

Download FYI 246

Need Application Assistance?

Our Experienced Team Can Save You Time & Money.

Tell Us About Your Project

 

Close