Properties and Applications of R290 Refrigerant

R290
Chinese name: Propane;
Molecular formula: C3H8;
Appearance and properties: Colorless gas, pure product is odorless;
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ether and ethanol;
Flash point (℃): - 104;
Explosive upper limit % (V/V): 9.5;
Explosive lower limit % (V/V): 2.1;
Relative density (air = 1): 1.56;
Heat of combustion (kJ/mol): 2217.8
Ignition temperature (℃): 450 - 470;
Note: Flash point: The temperature at which the mixture of vapor on the surface of a flammable liquid and air flashes for the first time when in contact with fire.
Health hazards: It has simple asphyxiation and anesthetic effects. Brief exposure of humans to 1% propane does not cause symptoms; a concentration below 10% only causes mild dizziness; exposure to high concentrations can lead to an anesthetic state and loss of consciousness; extremely high concentrations can cause asphyxiation.
Hazardous characteristics: It is a flammable gas. When mixed with air, it can form an explosive mixture and is at risk of combustion and explosion when encountering heat sources and open flames.
Small charging amount.

The usage of R290 refrigerant is only 40% - 55% of that of R22 and R410a. With less usage, it is more economical.
Low freezing point and larger latent heat of evaporation, enabling a faster cooling rate per unit time; less work done in isentropic compression ratio, making the compressor work more easily and extending the service life of the compressor; small molecular weight, good fluidity, and lower delivery pressure, reducing the load on the compressor. When using R290 refrigerant, the energy - saving rate can reach 15 - 35%.