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Classification and Uses of Common Refrigerants

2025-03-31
I. 0HFC Series Refrigerants
R134a, R410A, R407C, R417A, R404A, R507, R23, R508A, R508B, R152a
  1. R134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane)
    The refrigerant R134a is currently one of the internationally recognized main refrigerants to replace R12. It is commonly used in vehicle air conditioners, commercial and industrial refrigeration systems, and as a blowing agent in the production of rigid plastic thermal insulation materials. It can also be used to formulate other blended refrigerants, such as R404A and R407C.
    Main Applications: It is mainly used to replace R12 as a refrigerant and is widely used in automotive air conditioners and refrigerator refrigeration. It is packaged in 13.6kg/30LB disposable steel cylinders, 1000KG recyclable steel cylinders, and ISO TANKS.
  2. R410A
    Physical and Chemical Properties: Under normal temperature and pressure, R410A is a chlorine-free fluorinated alkane azeotropic blended refrigerant, a colorless gas. When stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R410A is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R410A is mainly used to replace R22 and R502. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is widely used in household air conditioners, small commercial air conditioners, and residential central air conditioners. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 11.3kg, 500kg, and 1000kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  3. R407C
    Under normal temperature and pressure, R407C is a chlorine-free fluorinated alkane azeotropic blended refrigerant, a colorless gas.

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    When stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R407C is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R407C is mainly used to replace R22. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is widely used in household air conditioners and small and medium-sized central air conditioners. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 11.3kg, 500kg, and 1000kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  4. R417A
    Under normal temperature and pressure, R417A is a chlorine-free fluorinated alkane azeotropic blended refrigerant, a colorless gas. When stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R417A is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R417A is mainly used to replace R22. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is used in heat pumps (OEM initial installation to replace R22) and air conditioners (after-sales replacement of R22), etc. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 11.3kg, 400kg, and 1000kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  5. R404A
    R404A is a chlorine-free azeotropic blended refrigerant. It is a colorless gas under normal temperature and pressure, and when stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R404A is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R404A is mainly used to replace R22 and R502. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is widely used in medium and low-temperature refrigeration systems. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 10.9kg and 1000kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  6. R507
    R507 is a chlorine-free azeotropic blended refrigerant. It is a colorless gas under normal temperature and pressure, and when stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R507 is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R507 is mainly used to replace R22 and R502. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is widely used in medium and low-temperature refrigeration systems. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 11.3kg and 400kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  7. R23 (Trifluoromethane)
    R23 (Trifluoromethane, FREON 23), has a boiling point of -82.1°C under normal pressure, a freezing point of -155.2°C, a liquid density (25°C) of 0.67 kg/L, a critical density of 0.525kg/L, a critical pressure of 4.83 MPa, and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0, making it an environmentally friendly refrigerant.
    Main Applications: Trifluoromethane, also known as HFC-23, is a high-pressure liquefied gas that can be used as a refrigerant to replace CFC-13. At the same time, it is an ideal substitute for Halon 1301, with the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, and having good fire extinguishing effects. It is packaged in high-pressure gas cylinders, 30kg and 300kg.
  8. R508A
    R508A is a chlorine-free azeotropic blended refrigerant. It is a colorless gas under normal temperature and pressure, and when stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R508A is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R508A is mainly used to replace R13, R23, and R503. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is widely used in ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems, such as medical refrigeration and scientific research refrigeration. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 10kg and 20kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  1. R508B
    R508B is a chlorine-free azeotropic blended refrigerant.

    Classification and Uses of Common Refrigerants1743379910480

    It is a colorless gas under normal temperature and pressure, and when stored in a steel cylinder, it is a compressed liquefied gas. Its ODP is 0. Therefore, R508B is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that does not damage the atmospheric ozone layer.
    Main Applications: R508B is mainly used to replace R13, R23, and R503. It has the characteristics of being clean, low-toxic, non-flammable, and having good refrigeration performance. It is widely used in ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems, such as medical refrigeration and scientific research refrigeration. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 10kg and 20kg. ISO containers or transport tanks can also be provided for shipment according to user requirements; the packaged goods category is 2.2.
  2. R152a (1,1-Difluoroethane)
    HFC-152a (1,1-Difluoroethane, CH3CHF2), with a molecular weight of 66.1, a boiling point of -24.7°C, a critical temperature of 113.5°C, a critical pressure of 4.58MPa, and a combustion limit in air of 5.1-17.1% (V/V), and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.
    Main Applications: It is mainly used as a refrigerant, blowing agent, aerosol, and cleaning agent, and is also an important component of blended working fluids. It is packaged in 18kg/bottle and 640kg/bottle.
    II. HCFC Series Refrigerants
    R22, R123, R124, R141b, R142b, R402A, R402B, R408A, R409A
  3. R22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)
    R22 (Freon22, Chlorodifluoromethane), with the molecular formula CHClF2 and a molecular weight of 86.47. R-22 is a colorless and nearly odorless gas at room temperature, non-combustible, non-corrosive, and has extremely low toxicity. It can be liquefied into a colorless and transparent liquid under pressure, and it is an HCFC-type refrigerant. The chemical stability and thermal stability of R-22 are both very high. Especially in the absence of water, it does not react with common metals below 200°C. When water is present, it only reacts slowly with alkalis. However, it will crack at high temperatures.
    Main Applications: Freon-22, molecular formula: CHClF2, molecular weight: 86.47. R-22 is widely used in household air conditioners, central air conditioners, and other commercial refrigeration equipment; it can also be used as a raw material for polytetrafluoroethylene resin and an intermediate of fire extinguishing agent 1121. Recyclable packaging steel cylinders are available in two specifications: 400 liters and 1000 liters; disposable packaging steel cylinders are available in two specifications: 30 pounds (13.6kg/bottle) and 50 pounds (22.7kg/bottle).
  4. R123 (2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)
    Trifluorodichloroethane (2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), with the molecular formula CF3CHCl2, a molecular weight of 152.93, a boiling point of 27.85 °C, CAS registration number: 306-83-2, an ozone layer depletion (ODP) of 0.02, and a global warming potential (GWP) of 93, is an HCFC-type refrigerant that replaces R-11 (F11).
    Main Applications: R123 can replace F-11 and F-113 as a cleaning agent, blowing agent, and refrigerant (central air conditioning/centrifugal chiller). It is packaged in 250kg/drum, steel drums (coated with PVF coating inside).
  5. R124 (Chlorotetrafluoroethane)
    Chlorotetrafluoroethane CHClFCF3, HCFC-124 (R124), with a molecular weight of 136.5, a boiling point of -10.95°C, a critical temperature of 122.25°C, a critical pressure of 3.613MPa, an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.02, and a global warming coefficient value (GWP) of 0.10.
    Main Applications: HCFC-124 (R124) is mainly used as a refrigerant and fire extinguishing agent, is an important component of blended working fluids, and can replace CFC-114. It is packaged in steel cylinders, 13.6kg/bottle.
  6. R141b (1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane)
    1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane CH3CCl2F, HCFC-141b, with a molecular weight of 116.95, a boiling point of 32.05°C, a critical temperature of 204.5°C, a critical pressure of 4.25MPa, an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.11, and a global warming coefficient value (GWP) of 0.09.
    Main Applications: This product can replace CFC-11 as a blowing agent for rigid polyurethane foam plastics, replace CFC-113 as a cleaning agent, and is also used as a refrigerant. It is packaged in 250kg/drum, steel drums.
  7. R142b (1-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethane)
    1-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethane CClF2CH3, HCFC-142b, with a boiling point of -9.2°C, a critical temperature of 136.45°C, a critical pressure of 4.15MPa, is a colorless gas at room temperature, with a slight aromatic smell, easily soluble in oil, and difficult to dissolve in water.
    Main Applications: HCFC-142b (R-142b) is mainly used in refrigeration systems in high-temperature environments, as an intermediate for thermostatic control switches and aviation propellants, and also as a chemical raw material. It is packaged in steel cylinders, 13.

    Classification and Uses of Common Refrigerants1743379910528

    6kg/bottle and 400kg/bottle.
  8. R402A
    Composition of R-402A: R-22, R-290, and HFC-125, which is an HCFC service-type blended refrigerant. It complies with the A1 safety rating category of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) (this is the highest level and is harmless to the human body); it complies with the standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SNAP, and UL. Alkylbenzene (AB) synthetic oil is recommended for the refrigeration oil.
Main Applications: It is used to replace R-502 in commercial refrigeration equipment and some transportation refrigeration facilities, and is suitable for all environments where R-502 can operate normally. It is packaged in steel cylinders, 12.2kg per bottle.
7. R402B
Composition of R-402B: R-22, R-290, and HFC-125, which is an HCFC service-type blended refrigerant. It complies with the A1 safety rating category of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) (this is the highest level and is harmless to the human body); it complies with the standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SNAP, and UL. Alkylbenzene (AB) synthetic oil is recommended for the refrigeration oil.
Main Applications: It is used to replace R-502 in large commercial refrigeration equipment, such as ice makers, etc. It is suitable for all environments where R-502 can operate normally. It is packaged in steel cylinders, 11.8kg per bottle.
8. R408A
The refrigerant R408A is a blended working fluid composed of R22, R125, and R143a. It is a colorless gas at room temperature, with a molecular weight of 87.01, a boiling point of -44.4°C, a critical temperature of 83.8°C, a critical pressure of 4.42MPa, and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.016.
Main Applications: The refrigerant R408A is mainly used to replace R502. It is packaged in disposable steel cylinders, 10.9kg per bottle, and recyclable steel cylinders, 350kg per bottle.
9. R409A
R409A is a mixture of HCFC-22, HCFC-124, and HCFC-142b, and it is a colorless gas at room temperature. With a molecular weight of 97.4, a boiling point of -34.5°C, a critical temperature of 106.8°C, a critical pressure of 4.69MPa, and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.039.
Main Applications: R409A is a substitute for R12 and is mainly used in refrigeration systems. It is packaged in 13.6kg steel cylinders, and recyclable steel cylinders are 400kg per bottle.
III. CFC Series Refrigerants
R11, R12, R13, R502, R503
  1. R11 (Trichlorofluoromethane)
    Alias Freon-11 (FREON 11), molecular formula: CCl3F, molecular weight: 137.37. It is a colorless liquid or gas; the melting point is -111°C, the boiling point is 23.7°C, the specific gravity is 1.487×103kg/m3, it has an ether smell, is slightly soluble in water, and is easily soluble in ethanol and ether, with good chemical stability.
    Main Applications: It is used as a refrigerant for large central air conditioners (centrifugal chillers) and as a blowing agent for polyurethane (PU) foam plastics. It is packaged in 250KG/200L steel drums (coated with PVF coating inside).
  2. R12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)
    R12 is a colorless, odorless, and non-corrosive gas at room temperature, and it can be liquefied into a colorless and transparent liquid under pressure. R12 is non-toxic and non-flammable, and has good thermal stability and chemical stability.
    Main Applications: R12 can be used as a refrigerant, fire extinguishing agent, insecticide, and spray, etc. As a refrigerant, R12 is widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning fields such as refrigerators, freezers, and central air conditioning chillers. It is packaged in steel cylinders. The steel cylinders are painted with aluminum white paint, stamped with a steel seal number, and marked with the product name, etc. in black paint; the net weight of the package is 13.6kg per bottle.
  3. R13 (Chlorotrifluoromethane)
    R13, molecular formula: CClF3, with a molecular weight of 104.5, a boiling point of -81.4°C under normal pressure, a freezing point of -181°C, a liquid density (-30°C) of 1.298kg/L, an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 1.0, and a global warming potential (GWP) of 17.5.
    Main Applications: It is mainly used as a low-temperature/ultra-low temperature refrigerant. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 35kg per bottle, and the packaging steel cylinders need to be recycled.
  4. R502
    R502 is a blended working fluid composed of R22/R115, with a molecular weight of 111.63, a boiling point of -45.6°C, and is a non-flammable substance.
    Main Applications: It is mainly used as a low-temperature refrigeration working fluid and can be used as a refrigerant for food display, food storage, refrigeration, ice cream machines, low-temperature refrigerators, and low-temperature refrigeration compressors. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 13.6kg per bottle.
  5. R503
    R503 is a blended working fluid composed of R13/R23, with a boiling point of -87.9°C, and is a non-flammable substance.
    Main Applications: It is mainly used in ultra-low temperature refrigeration equipment, such as low-temperature test chambers and freeze-drying equipment. It is packaged in steel cylinders with a net weight of 20kg per bottle, and the packaging steel cylinders need to be recycled.
    IV. PFC Series Refrigerants
    PFC-14, PFC-116, PFC-218
  6. PFC-14 (Tetrafluoromethane)
    Tetrafluoromethane (Carbon Tetrafluoride or Tetrafluoromethane), also known as carbon tetrafluoride, PFC-14 (R-14). Molecular formula: CF4. Relative molecular weight: 88.00. At room temperature, tetrafluoromethane is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable, and water-insoluble compressible gas. Boiling point: -128°C, melting point: -183.6°C. Liquid density (-130°C) 1.613g/cm3, critical temperature -45.67°C, critical pressure 3.74MPa, vapor pressure (-150.7°C) 13.33kPa, dielectric constant (25°C, 0.5MPa) 1.0006.
    It has a relatively high volatility and is one of the most stable organic compounds. At 900 degrees Celsius, it does not react with steel, nickel, tungsten, or molybdenum. It only decomposes slowly at the carbon arc temperature and is slightly soluble in water. Its solubility is 0 at 25 degrees Celsius and 0.1MPa.
0.0015% (by weight). However, when it burns with flammable gases, it will decompose to produce toxic fluorides. The hazard category is Class 2.2 non-flammable gas.
Main Applications: Tetrafluoromethane is currently the plasma etching gas with the largest usage in the microelectronics industry. Its high-purity gas and the mixture of high-purity tetrafluoromethane gas and high-purity oxygen gas can be widely used in the etching of thin film materials such as silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, phosphosilicate glass, and tungsten. It is also widely used in the surface cleaning of electronic devices, the production of solar cells, laser technology, gas-phase insulation, ultra-low temperature refrigerants, leakage detection agents, and decontamination agents in printed circuit production.
Packaging and Transportation: Tetrafluoromethane does not corrode metals and alloys and can be transported in seamless steel cylinders and aluminum alloy containers. The filling pressure is usually lower than 12.5MPa. It is transported as a compressed gas. The steel cylinders should be inspected every five years. Abroad, it is stipulated that it can be transported by car, train, ship, and airplane. Currently, there is no such regulation in China. Steel cylinder packaging (14MPa) (DOT-3AA GB-5099), valves (CGA-580/590, QF-2), 32kg/48.8L, 30kg/43.3L, 5kg/8L, 2.5kg/4L.
2. PFC-116 (Hexafluoroethane, Perfluoroethane)
It is a colorless, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable, and extremely stable liquefied gas. Molecular weight: 138.01, critical temperature: 68°F, critical pressure: 432 Psia, boiling point: -108.8°F (-78.2°C) @1 atm, hazard: it produces toxic by-products when heated, CAS No.: 76-16-4, specific gravity (Air = 1): 3.8, gas density: 0.361lb/ cf @NTP.
Main Applications: Hexafluoroethane is mainly used as a gaseous dielectric and a dry etchant for manufacturing integrated circuits, and it is also often used as a component of ultra-low temperature blended refrigerants. The product is packaged in 40kg per bottle, in high-pressure steel cylinders. Safety Precautions: Hexafluoroethane is a non-flammable, colorless, odorless bottled liquefied compressed gas, and the pressure is its vapor pressure of 418 psig at 70°F. When its content increases to make the oxygen content lower than 19.5%, it will cause asphyxiation. Contact with the liquid will cause frostbite. Avoid breathing the gas. A self-contained breathing apparatus should be equipped during rescue work.
3. PFC-218 (Octafluoropropane, Perfluoropropane)
Octafluoropropane, alias: perfluoropropane, molecular formula: C3F8, English name: octafluoropropane, perfluoropropane, Halocarbon218. It is a colorless, non-flammable gas. It is a low-pressure liquefied gas at room temperature. It has inert chemical properties and good thermal stability. It does not corrode and hardly decomposes when it comes into contact with glass, silicon steel, and mild steel at 280°C for more than 6 months. During the handling of octafluoropropane, it can be handled as a non-toxic gas, but when it burns together with flammable gases, it decomposes to produce toxic fluorides.
Main Applications: It is applied to plasma etching in the microelectronics industry, surface cleaning of devices, carbon isotope separation working fluid, low-temperature refrigeration, medical gas, gas insulation, etc. Packaging, Storage and Transportation: Octafluoropropane does not corrode metals and alloys and can be transported in steel and alloy containers. It is transported as a low-pressure liquefied gas, and the gas cylinders should be inspected once every five years. Abroad, it is stipulated that it can be transported by car, train, ship, and airplane. Currently, there is no such regulation in China. Toxicity and Protection: It can be regarded as a non-toxic gas, but when it burns together with flammable gases, it decomposes to produce toxic fluorides. When poisoning is found, the victim should be immediately transferred to a pollution-free area, artificial respiration should be given if necessary, and a doctor should be consulted in a timely manner.
V. HC Series Refrigerants
R170, R290, R600a, R1270
  1. R170 (Ethane)
    Ethane C2H6 (R170), with a molecular weight of 30.07, a boiling point of -88.6°C, a critical temperature of 32.3°C, a critical pressure of 5.88 MPa, an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0, and a global warming coefficient value (GWP) of 0.01.
    Main Applications: R170 is mainly used to replace R13 and R503 and is compatible with the original system and lubricating oil. It is packaged in 10kg per bottle and 20kg per bottle; in steel cylinders.
  2. R290 (Propane)
    Propane CH3CH2CH3 (R290), with a molecular weight of 44.9, a boiling point of -42.2°C, a critical temperature of 96.67°C, a critical pressure of 4.24MPa, a vapor pressure (25°C) of 0.475MPa, an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0, and a global warming coefficient value (GWP) of 0.01.
    Main Applications: High-purity grade R290 is used as a temperature-sensing working fluid; the superior grade and first-grade R290 can be used as a refrigerant to replace R22 and R502 and are compatible with the original system and lubricating oil. It is packaged in 10kg per bottle; in steel cylinders.
  3. R600a (Isobutane)
    Isobutane (CH3)2CHCH3 (R600a), with a molecular weight of 58.12, a boiling point of -11.80°C, a critical temperature of 134.98°C, a critical pressure of 3.66MPa, an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0, and a global warming coefficient value (GWP) of 0.1.
    Main Applications: The refrigerant R600a is mainly used to replace the CFC-12 refrigerant used in refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators and freezers. It is packaged in 20kg per bottle and 50kg per bottle; in steel cylinders.
  4. R1270 (Propylene)
    Propylene C3H6 (R1270), with a molecular weight of 42.08, a boiling point of -47.7°C, a critical temperature of 91.4°C, a critical pressure of 4.67MPa, and an ozone layer destruction coefficient (ODP) of 0.
    Main Applications: R1270 is mainly used to replace R502 and R143a refrigerants and is compatible with the original system and lubricating oil. It is packaged in 20kg per bottle and 40kg per bottle; in steel cylinders.
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