Refrigerant Properties Are Closely Tracked
View PDF | Print View
by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 81 | Word Count: 495
Adequate pressure, efficiency and stability -- these are the three primary refrigerant properties. These properties are defined as chemical stability in refrigeration and air conditioning systems or heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, vapor pressure and operational efficiency, be it direct or indirect.
There are more than 100 types of refrigerants and the definition of refrigerant properties is "the combination of substances necessary in the refrigeration or cooling process". The different types of refrigerants include heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as water and many others, used in a variety of applications in almost every industry.
There are four refrigerant properties that are considered in the design of a refrigeration, cooling, or air conditioning system. Cost effectiveness and operational efficiency are high on the list, along with low toxicity and flammability. There are industry standards and tests to document efficiency and safety levels for these factors.
Worried environmental agencies around the world have taken action to reduce the effects of certain types of refrigerant properties on our environment. It is known that refrigerants can lead to an increase in ozone depletion. The US Clean Air Act, the Kyoto Treaty and the Montral protocol has been implemented with the aim of regulating emissions.
Current refrigerant properties contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, which have been found to cause severe environmental damage. The gases remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, thus depleting the ozone layer that protects the earth from the suns harmful rays. The greenhouse gases are also contributing to global warming, which will cause an adverse climate change if no action is taken.
Refrigerant properties are classified into different classes. Class A are refrigerants with no toxicity levels below or equal to 400ppm by volume, while Class B are those with toxicity below 400ppm. In addition, numerical designations, ranging from Class 1 to Class 3, indicate flame propagation, with Class 3 being refrigerants that are highly flammable.
Among the refrigerant properties being considered to replace chemicals that are harmful to the environment include ammonia, carbon dioxide, propane and HFC32. However, these alternatives bring additional concerns. Ammonia is considered the preferred refrigerant because there are no global warming concerns. Since it is toxic and combustible, its use is best for certain controlled applications, such as commercial or large facility use. While carbon dioxide has no safety concerns, the need to use more electricity would negate any global warming reduction. Propane, under consideration as an alternative in refrigerators, is risky because it is very combustible. HFC32 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon that is efficient and has no global warming impact. However, it could be combustible under certain conditions, so additional safety measures are needed.
Around the world, government initiatives require the reporting and tracking of refrigerant properties. Scientists will be better able to understand the impact and extent of global warming. We gather the information to assess a better knowledge of the effects of refrigerant use and by tracking the release of dangerous chemicals, we are better equipped for the future.
About the Author
Daniel Stouffer has a lot of information on the importance of refrigerant propertiesand how the refrigerant-tracker will aid you.
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
