Refrigerants

Refrigerants

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants

Definition
“Refrigerant is the fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating
system that absorbs heat during evaporation from the region of low
temperature and pressure, and releases heat during condensation at
a region of higher temperature and pressure.”

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants
Refrigerants

HISTORY OF REFRIGERANTS

Natural refrigerants:-
1) Ice blocks
2) Using nocturnal cooling
3) Use of evaporation
Artificial refrigerants :-
• In 1835, Jakob Perkins use ethyl ether as the refrigerant ( b.p= 30’c).
(if air mixed forms an explosive gas).
• 1975 : Ammonia
• 1874 : Sulphur dioxide
• 1878 : Methyl Chloride (CH3Cl)
• 1881 : Carbon monoxide
• 1910 – 1930 : N2O3, CH4, C2H6, C2H4, C3H8 for medium and low
temperature refrigeration. Hydrocarbon : Flammable
• 1930 : Introduction of CFCs : Methane and Ethane based

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants

APPLICATION OF REFRIGERANTS

Inorganic refrigerants :

• Ammonia
• Used with reciprocating and screw compressors in cold storages, ice plants, food
refrigeration

• Water
• Used in water-lithium bromide absorption system and steam ejector system only
for air conditioning

• Carbon dioxide
• Used a solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) frozen food, transport refrigeration

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants

APPLICATION OF REFRIGERANTS

Organic refrigerants :

• Most commonly used refrigerants : Derivatives of Methane(CH4) and Ethane(C2H6)

• Chloro-fluoro-carbons (CFCs) : Fully halogenated, contain Cl and F atoms with carbon

• Hydro-chloro-fluro-carbons (HCFCs) : Containing H atoms along with Cl, F and C atoms

in molecule

• Hydro-fluoro-carbons (HFCs) : Containing H, F and C atoms in molecule. Does not

contain Cl atom in molecule

• Hydrocarbons(HCs)

• F atom : Make substance physically more favourable.

• Cl atom : Responsible for depletion of ozone layer in stratosphere
• H atom : Responsible for flammability

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants

APPLICATION OF REFRIGERANTS

Organic refrigerants :
• Common refrigerants
• R11 or CFC11 (CCl3F) : Used with centrifugal compressors
• e.g. large capacity central a/c plants
• R12 or CFC12 (CCl2F2) : Used with reciprocating compressor in small units
• e.g. domestic refrigerator, air cooler
• R22 or HCFC22 (CHClF2) : Used with reciprocating air compressor often with screw
compressors
• e. g. window ac, large units like packaged ac and central ac, low temperature
refrigeration applications, cold storages, food freezing and storage,
• Less common refrigerants
• R113 or CFC113(C2Cl2F3) : Used with centrifugal air compressors
• e.g. air conditioning
• R114 or CFC114 (C2Cl2F4) : Used with rotary air compressors
• R142b HCFC142B
• For heat pump and high condensing temperature applications
• R502 : For large supermarket frozen food cabinet ( high pressure ratio applications)

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants

 Designation of refrigerants:
• Saturated compounds:
• International designation (R) or alternatively CFC, HCFC, HFC, and HC
• Compound derivative hydrocarbon denoted by chemical formula

Cm Hn Fp Clq

In which (n+p+q)= 2m+2 , the complete designation is

R(m-1)(n+1)(p)
Ex. Dichloro-tetrafluro-etane
Carbon atom = 2
Hydrogen atom = 0
Fluorine = 4
Designation = R(2-1)(0+1)(4) = R114
So, CCl3F = R11 or CFC11
CCl2F2 = R12 or CFC12
CHClF2 = R22 or CFC22
C2Cl3F3 = R113 or CFC113 CH4 = R50 C2H6 = R170 C3H8 = R290

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
Refrigerants

• Brominated refrigerants : denoted by special (B) and a number after B.

• Number : No of chlorine atoms replaced by Bromine atoms.
• e.g. R13 is CClF3 : if one Cl is replaced by Br than designation
• R13B1 is CF3Br

• Isomers : Subscripts a, b etc. are used after designation

• Compounds with same chemical formula but different molecular structure
• e.g. R600, R600a, R134a

• Azeotropes: Given arbitrary designation

• Mixture of refrigerants but behaves like a pure substance
• e.g. R502 (48.8 % of R22 or HCFC22 and 51.2 % R115 or CFC115

• Unsaturated compounds : Cm Hn Fp Clq

• In which n+p+q = 2m
• R1(m-1)(n+1)(p)
• e.g. ethylene R1150

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical Engineering Department
Refrigerants

• Common inorganic refrigerant : Molecular weight added to 700.

• Ammonia(NH3) = R717 Molecular weight : 17
• Water (H2O) = R718 Molecular weight : 18
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) = 744 Molecular weight : 44

• Higher hydrocarbon atom in case butane n=10 double digit

n-butane and iso butane prescribed as R600 and R600a respectively.

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical Engg. Department
Refrigerants
CLASSIFICATION OF REFRIGERANTS

Based on Working Principle

REFRIGERANTS

PRIMARY REFRIGERANTS SECONDARY REFRIGERANTS

1) Used directly as 1) Liquids that are used

working fluids. to transport energy.

2) Undergo phase 2) Not undergo any

change. phase change.
Eg, R134a, R404a Eg. Water , brines.
Refrigerants
CLASSIFICATION OF REFRIGERANTS
BASED ON CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
REFRIGERANTS

PURE FLUIDS MIXTURE

1) AZEOTROPIC
2) ZEOTROPIC

SYNTHETIC NATURAL

1) CFCS 1) ORGANIC (HC)

R 12 OR FERON 12
2) HCFCS 2) INORGANIC CRYOGENIC
R134a
3) HFCS a) NH3
R23
b) CO2
c) H20 NON CRYOGENIC
Refrigerants
CLASSIFICATION OF REFRIGERANTS

BASED ON SAFETY :- Toxicity

Class A Class B
• No Toxicity indication <= 400 ppm • Toxicity < 400 ppm
EG. CO2 , R 22 EG. NH3

Flammability
(at 21°C and 101 kPa )

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3

Do not show flame Lower flammability limit Lower flammability limit of less
propagation . more than 0.10 kg/m3 and than or equal to 0.10 kg/m3
a heat of combustion of less and a heat of combustion
than 19 kJ/kg greater than or equal to 19 kJ/kg.
Refrigerants

R 152a burns at 23 cm/s and R 32 burns at 6.27 cm/s

Refrigerants
Refrigerants
Refrigerants
INORGANIC REFRIGERANTS

Designated by number 7 followed by their molecular weight.

NH3= 17, R 717

Ex :- CO2, H2O, NH3.

•CO2 R744
1. Zero ODP & GWP is 1.
2. Non Flammable, Non toxic.
3. Drawback - Operating pressure (high side) : 80 bars.
4. Low efficiency

•Ammonia R717
1. Toxic.
2. Flammable ( 16 – 28% concentration ).
3. Not compatible with copper (cuperic oxide)

•Water R718
1. Used in absorption system .
2. Cannot be used under higher working pressure.
Refrigerants
MIXTURES
1) Azeotropic mixture : 500 series,

• A stable mixture of two or several refrigerant .

• vapor and liquid phases retain identical compositions over a wide range of temperatures.

Examples : R-500 : 73.8% R12 and 26.2% R152

R-502 : 8.8% R22 and 51.2% R115
R503: Mixture of R 23 (40.1 %) and R 13 (59.9%)
R507A: Mixture of R 125 (50%) and R 143a (50%)

2) Zeotropic mixture : 400 series,

•Composition in liquid phase differs to that in vapor phase.

•Do not boil at constant temperatures unlike azeotropic refrigerants because of diff. Boiling
points.

Examples :R404a : R125/143a/134a (44%,52%,4%)

R407A : Mixture of R 32 (20%), R 125 (40%) and R 134a (40%)
R407B : Mixture of R 32 (10%), R 125 (70%) and R 134a (20%)
R410A : Mixture of R 32 (50%) and R 125 (50%)
Refrigerants
NATURAL REFRIGERANTS
Hydrocarbon

 Their efficiency is good

 With no ODP and very small GWP values

 Compatible with lubricating oils

 Extraordinary reliability.

 Highly flammable

Examples: R170, Ethane, C2H6

R290 , Propane C3H3
R600, Butane, C4H10
R600a, Isobutane, C4H10
Blends of the above Gases
Refrigerants
Refrigerants
Refrigerants

CFCs:
• Combination of CARBON+CHLORINE+FLUORINE.

• Also commonly know as FREONS.

• High ODP=1 and high GWP.

• CHLORINE has an excellent anti-wear characteristic.

• As ODP & GWP is high so it got banned.

• Few examples are:

 R-11
 R-12
 R-13 and many more
Refrigerants
CFCs:

REFRIGERANT CHEMICAL NAME APPLICATION

R-11 Trichloromonofluoromethane Centrifugal chillers

R-12 Dichlorodifluoromethane Reciprocating & rotatory

equipment
R-13 Monochlorotrifluoromethane Low stage cascade system

R-13B1 Bromotrifluoromethane Low to medium temp.

application
R-113 Trichlorotrifluoroethane Low capacity chillers

R-114 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane High capacity chillers

R-500 Refrig. 152A/12 Reciprocating compressor

R-502 Refrig. 22/115 Reciprocating equipments
R-503 Refrig. 23/13 Commercial refrigeration
Refrigerants
HCFCs:

• Combination of HYDROGEN+CHLORINE+FLUORINE+CARBON.

• Low CHLORINE content than CFCs.

• It has ODP=0.05 & LESS but not zero.

• Low GWP value than CFCs.

• NON-FLAMMABLE & environment acceptable.

• Few examples are:

 R-123 ODP=0.02
BP= -28’C
Critical Temperature=183.68’C
Refrigerants
HCFCs:

REFRIGERANT CHEMICAL NAMES APPLICATION

R-22 Monochlorodifluoromethane Commercial A.C
R-123 Dichlorotrifluoroethane chillers
R-124 Chlorotetrafluoroethane Medium chillers
R-401A R-22 + R-152a + R-124 Medium temp. system
R-401B R-22 + R-152a + R-124 Transport refrigerator
R-402A R-22 + R-125 + R-290 Ice machine
R-402B R-22 + R-125 + R-290 Super market
refrigeration
Refrigerants
HFCs:

• Combination of HYDROGEN+FLUORINE+CARBON.

• NON-FLAMMABLE, RECYCLABLE, LOW TOXICITY.

• Minimum EMISSION and maximize ENERGY-EFFICIENT.

• Its ODP=0 and LOW GWP.

• Require POE oil for the lubrication purpose.

• Few examples are:

 R-410A ODP=0
BP= -48.5’C
Critical Temperature=72.8’C
Refrigerants
HFCs:

REFRIGERANT CHEMICAL NAMES APPLICATION

R-23 Trifluoromethane Low temp.
refrigeration
R-134A Tetrafluoroethane Automative system
& commercial ref.
R-404A R-125 + R-143a + R-134a Medium & low
temp.
R-407C R-32 + R-125 + R-134a R 22 replacement
R-410A R-32 + R-125 Residential A.C
R-507 Refrig. 125/143a Commercial ref.
Refrigerants
COLOR CODES OF REFRIGERANTS

• Easy recognize gas cylinder

• Different refrigerant has different color coding

• Few examples are given below:

R-22 – LIGHT GREEN

R-134A – LIGHT SKY BLUE
R-404A – ORANGE

• The name label of the gases are given on the cylinder.

Refrigerants

PROPERTIES OF REFRIGERANTS
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties

•Significance of Normal boiling point

•Most important property

•Other properties depends up on it.

•Pressure and temperature of thermodynamic relationship of pure substance is

built in to the Clapeyron equation which is expressed as,

•Simplification
𝑣𝑓 = 0
𝑅𝑇 𝑠𝑎𝑡
𝑣𝑔 = 𝑠𝑎𝑡
𝑝
Putting value of 𝑣𝑔 in Clapeyron equation

𝑑𝑝 𝑠𝑎𝑡 𝑝 𝑠𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔

= 2
𝑑𝑇 𝑠𝑎𝑡 𝑅𝑇 𝑠𝑎𝑡
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties

•Significance of Normal boiling point

Rearranging previous slide equation

𝑑 ln 𝑝 𝑠𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑓𝑔
=− = −𝑏
1 𝑅
𝑑 ( 𝑠𝑎𝑡 )
𝑇
For small range of condenser and evaporator pressure : Assume ℎ𝑓𝑔 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡.
Value of b is constant
1
Slope of ln 𝑝 𝑠𝑎𝑡 versus 𝑠𝑎𝑡 is a straight line.
𝑇
Integrating equation of straight line is obtained
𝑏
ln 𝑝 𝑠𝑎𝑡 = 𝑎 −
𝑇 𝑠𝑎𝑡
Exact equation have higher order terms but that are neglected

If 𝑝 is consider as atmospheric pressure ( approx. 1 bar) than

𝑏
𝑎= = 𝑓(𝑇𝑠 )
𝑇𝑠
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties

•Significance of Normal boiling point

• From bodylkes theory of similarity, dimensional less Trouton number is
constant
𝑀 ℎ𝑓𝑔 𝑠
𝜃= 𝑇𝑠
ℎ𝑓𝑔 𝑀ℎ𝑓𝑔 𝜃𝑇𝑠
𝑏=− =− =− = 𝑓(𝑇𝑠 )
𝑅 𝑅 𝑅
1
Slope of ln 𝑝 𝑠𝑎𝑡 versus 𝑇 𝑠𝑎𝑡 is a straight line and function of normal boiling
point only.
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties

High pressure refrigerant : Given To and Tk

HBR : Po and Pk lower
LBR : Po and Pk higher
LBR – high pressure refrigerants
Pressure ratio : Higher boiling point
refrigerants – higher pressure ratio –
steeper characteristics
Slope b = - hfg / R : HBR – high latent heat
LBR – low latent heat
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties

•Standing and Condensing and Evaporating pressures

•Standing pressure: When refrigerant in the gas cylinder and allowed to
remain standing for a period and came to equilibrium with the ambient
temperature, the pressure recorded is name as standing pressure.

•Low boiling refrigerant – high sanding pressure

•High boiling refrigerant – Low standing pressure

• e. g. 30oC Ambient temp :

Refrigerant NBT oC Standing pressure

bar
R134a -26.07 7.702
R22 -40.81 11.919
R123 27.82 1.0958
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties

•Standing and Condensing and Evaporating pressures

•Evaporating pressure and condensing pressure:

• Nearer to atmospheric pressure

• Too low results in large volumes
•Too high, overall high pressure including condenser pressure
• Heavier construction and more cost
• A positive pressure is required to eliminate entry of air and moisture
in system
• Presence of air drastically reduces the capacity of the
refrigeration system.
• Also, due to presence of moisture in air, acids or other corrosive
compounds may form and this may affect the tubing of the
refrigeration system.
• Normal boiling temperature should be less than refrigeration
temp
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
• Normal boiling point
• determines working
pressures.

• Three categories based

on working pressure
• Nearer to R12
• Higher than R12
• Lower than R12

• Pressure ratio
• Decreases as boiling
point decreases
• Flatter ln Psat versus
• Water, R113, R123 and R11 1/Tsat line.
• Operating pressure below Atmospheric
• Water extremely low operating pressure • Lowest pressure ratio
• Air collected in condenser as uncondensed gas • LBP group : R152a
• Condensers provided with purge valves at the top • HBP group : Propane
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic Properties
Critical Temperature and Pressure
• Critical Temperature
• As high as possible
• Condensing temperature line far away from critical point
• Ensure reasonable refrigerant effect
• If not taken care of : excessive power consumption by the
refrigeration system.
• Critical pressure
• Should be low
• Result in low condensing pressure
Carbon dioxide: critical temperature 31oC
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
•Freezing point
• Refrigerant must operate in a cycle above its freezing point.

• Also refrigerant must be lower than system temperature.

•Water : Freezing point is 0oC.

•Used for air conditioning applications. i.e. above 0oC.

Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
• Volume of suction vapour
• Required per ton of refrigeration : compressor size indication
•Reciprocating compressors : high pressure, small volumes
•Centrifugal compressors : low pressure, large volume
•Flow passage size to be decided accordingly
Suction vapour volumes of refrigerants tk = 30oC and to = -15oC
Water :evaporating temp 5oC and CO2 : Condensing temp 25oC
Increases with increase in BP
NH3 and R22 :
Latent heat of NH3 > R22
but v is also higher
suction volume requirement : same
Similar NBP : Single factor
determines refrigeration capacity
HBPR: High suction volumes
Centrifugal comp : Large cap m/c
LBPR: Low suction volumes
Reciprocating com : Small cap m/c
R152a, R134a and R12
Reciprocating com now rotary com
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
• Isentropic discharge temperature
• Decided life of hermetically sealed compressor
• Lower temperature better life
Pressure ratios, discharge temp, power consumption and
COPs of refrigerants tk = 30oC and to = -15oC
Isobutane : Lowest discharge temp
Best suited for domestic refriger

IDT : R134a << R22

R22 : Highest temp
R134a : performs well in
hermetically sealed compressor for
car a/c
R134a : Lower pressure also

IDT : R123 < R11

Large tonnage Semi Hermetically
centrifugal compressor:
R123 is better than R11
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
• Coefficient of Performance and Horsepower per Ton
• Carnot COP for mentioned operating condition : 5.73
• Carnot HP/TR for mentioned operating condition : 0.82
Pressure ratios, discharge temp, power consumption and
COPs of refrigerants tk = 30oC and to = -15oC
R11 : COP closed to Carnot value
Other refrig : High value of COP

Carbon dioxide : Low COP

Critical temp is too low

COP and power consumption

Ammonia better than R22

All commercial refrigerants

Similar COP and power
consumption
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic properties
• Coefficient of Performance and Horsepower per Ton
• Fluorocarbons : High density and low boiling points
• High molecular weight and high density : Latent heat low
• Low latent heat does not affect COP
• Low value of specific heats
• Small volumes of suction vapours
• Ammonia : Large value of latent heat
• High value of suction vapour and specific heat
Average specific heats ratios and latent heats of refrigerants at their NBPs
Refrigerants
Thermodynamic Properties

Refrigerants R 12 R 22 R 134a R 404a R 407a NH3 H2O CO2

B.P (⁰C) -28.8 -40.81 -26.2 -46.4 -45 -33 100 -78.3

F.P (⁰C) -157.7 -160 -96.66 ------ ------- -77.7 0 -56.6

Latent heat of 166.95 233.75 215.9 143.68 235.57 1371.2 2.25 571.3
vaporization 7
(KJ/kg)
Critical temp. 112 96.15 100.95 72.07 82.2 132.4 374 30.98
(⁰C)
Critical 41.15 49.9 40.6 37.32 45.15 8.88 217. 77.77
pressure (bar) 7
Specific heat .074 .057 .08754 1.03 1.520 6.91 4.18 .0374
(KJ/mol.K)
COP(@ 35’C) 3.677 3.701 3.586 3.603
Refrigerants
Chemical Requirements

• Flammability
• Hydrocarbons : Methane, ethane, propane and butane
• 16 to 25 percent by volume ammonia + air
• CFCs
• HFCs : R152, R152a, R143
• R134a : Not flammable

• Toxicity
• SO2 : Most toxic
• CFCs : Non toxic
• NH3 : Toxic

Ammonia : Due to flammability and toxicity - not used in domestic refrigerator and
comfort air conditioning
Refrigerants
Chemical Requirements

• Action of Refrigerant with water

• Ammonia : Highly soluble in water
• Point of leak : Wet cloth – absorbs ammonia and harm to human beings
can be avoided
• Fluorocarbons : Solubility of water is low
• Poor for highly fluorinated compounds – R134a
• Fairly good for less fluorinated compounds
• Moisture chocking : Presence of moisture
• Dissolved by refrigerant
• Danger of the ice formation
• Dehydration required – backed at 130oC to 150oC before charging and
sealing and use of silica gel drier in the liquid line
• R22 : Solvent power almost 23 times than R12.
• R22 ice formation generally does not occur
• R22 can be used in low temperature refrigeration
Refrigerants
Chemical Requirements
• Action with oil
• Oil chocking : oil separates in the evaporator and make a layer on tube.
• Solubility of oil in mineral oil
• Immiscible
• NH3, CO2 : Not a problem
• Oil separator : Discharge line
• R134a : Alternative to R12 – Domestic refrigerator and car a/c
• Not miscible in mineral oil
• Hermetically sealed compressor : oil separator not possible
• Use oil which is miscible : synthetic oil - POE (Polyol – ester)
• Miscible
• R12, R152a, R290, R600a etc. : Not a problem
• R123 : Naphthenic mineral oil
• Refrigerant oil mix evaporates in evaporator
• Oil returns to the compressor
• Oil separated in evaporator
• Returned to compressor by gravity or entrainment
• Gravity system
• Evaporator exit higher level than compressor inlet
• Entrainment system : Design of diameter of suction line
• Velocity of air returning gas is sufficient to carry away oil
stacked to wall of tube – this increases pressure drop
Refrigerants
Chemical Requirements
• Action with oil
• Partially miscible : Oil return to compressor problematic
• Critical composition of oil separation : 15 to 20 percent of oil in the liquid phase
• Little oil goes in to evaporator : Concentration will change with evaporation of
refrigerant and once critical composition will reach and oil separation takes place.
• R22
• Condenser temperature : Refrigerant and oil are miscible
• Evaporator temperature : Separates out
• Two liquid phases : one refrigerant and other oil
• Results in oil starvation
• Oil separation temperature : depends up on nature of oil and concentration
• R22 + 10 % oil : Separates at -5oC
• R22 + 1 % oil : Separation does not occur till at -51oC
• R22 + 18 % oil : Separates at 0.5oC
• Return of oil : problem and more acute at low temperature
• Solution
• efficient oil separator
• Use of synthetic oil : miscible with refrigerant up to – 800C
• R22 : polybutyl silicate and alkyl benzene
Refrigerants
Chemical Requirements
• Action with material of construction
• Ammonia : React with copper and copper bearing material
• Ammonia : Iron and steel is suitable
• Halocarbons : copper is recommended material
• Cost and Availability : Al is used in place of copper
• Halocarbons : Fluorine content increases, reaction rate with Al increases
• R134a more reaction with Al than R22
• Al protection : tenacious oxide film – non reactive coating
• Al thermal conductivity half than copper
• Copper is preferred
Refrigerants
Physical Requirements
• Dielectric strength
• Hermetically sealed unit : consists of compressor motor unit
• Motor winding is cooled by suction vapour
• Suction vapour is in contact with winding and outer body
• Dielectric strength of refrigerant is important
• Fluorocarbons : Good compared to ammonia and carbon dioxide.

• Thermal conductivity
• High thermal conductivity is preferred for high heat transfer coefficient

• Viscosity
• Low viscosity is preferred for high heat transfer coefficient

• Leak tendency
• Should be nil
• Detection should be easy
• Fluorocarbons : Order less so loss of costly gas
• Ammonia : pungent ordour – easily detected
• Ammonia plants : Leaks common due to use of glands and lead gasket
Refrigerants
Physical Requirements
• Leak tendency
• Should be nil
• Detection should be easy
• Fluorocarbons : Order less so loss of costly gas
• Ammonia : pungent ordour – easily detected
• Ammonia plants : Leaks common due to use of glands and lead gasket and due to
corrosion
Methods for leak detection
• Soap bubble method
• Sulphur taper burning
• In present of ammonia generate white flumes of ammonium sulphate.
• Halide torch method
• Methyl alcohol or hydrocarbon flame
• Light blue colour converted to bluish green in the presence of halo
carbon vapours.
• Electric leak detector
• Ionization of gases between opposite charged electrodes lead to flow of
current.
• Used while manufacture and assemble of refrigeration eqipments.
Refrigerants
Physical Requirements
• Cost of refrigerant
• Ammonia as refrigerant : many years
• Initial charge of refrigerant cost : less compared to total plant/equipment
cost
• Cost losses due to leakage is important
Refrigerants

Specific Heat
• The specific heat of the liquid should be as small as possible.
• This ensures that the irreversibility associated with throttling are
small and there is greater sub cooling of the liquid.
• On the other hand, the specific heat of vapour should be high to
have less superheating of the vapour.
Refrigerants

Enthalpy of Vaporization

• This should be as large as possible to minimize the area under

superheat and the area reduction due to throttling.
• Also, the higher value of enthalpy of vaporization lowers the
required flow rate per ton of refrigeration.
Refrigerants

OZONE DEPLETION:

• Ozone layer gets depleted by the action of CFCs.

• The greatest concentration of ozone are found from 12

km to 50 km above the earth forming a layer in the
stratosphere which is called the ozone layer.

• Few examples are given in details:

 R-12 ODP is “1”
 R-22 ODP is “0.05”
 R-134a ODP is “0”
Refrigerants

CFC + IRRADIATED WITH UV RAYS FREE CHLORINE

Cl + OZONE ClO + OXYGEN
ClO + O Cl + OXYGEN
Refrigerants
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL

• Measurement of global warming

• Done in relation with CO2,where CO2 has GWP 1

• Lower the value of GWP better the refrigerant

• Few examples are given below:

 R-11 - High chlorine content

GWP is 4000

 R-22 - Low chlorine content

GWP is 1700

 R-134A- No chlorine content

GWP is 1300
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MONTREAL PROTOCOL :-

=> SIGNED IN 1987 UNDER THE ‘UNEP’, AFTER MUCH DISCUSSIONS

=> MORE THAN 170 COUNTRIES HAVE RATIFIED

=> INDIA RATIFIED ON SEPT 17,1992

=> ONE OF MOST SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN UN HISTORY

ozone depleting developed countries developing countries

substance

CFCs phased out end of total phase out by

1995 2010

halons phased out end of total phase out by

1993 2010

HCFCs total phase out by total phase out by

2020 2040
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TEWI

• Total Equivalent Warming Impact

• TEWI = direct emission + indirect .

• The refrigerants have been rated according to their LCCP (Life cycle
climate performance).

• LCCP= TEWI + GWP(ID)+ GWP(D).

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 Secondary refrigerants:
• The desirable properties of secondary coolant are low freezing point, low viscosity, non
flammability, good stability and low vapour pressure.
• Chilled water is used as a secondary refrigerant in air conditioning applications. For low
temperature application, brine, glycol and hydrocarbons are used.

1. Brines:
• Brines are formed by dissolving salt in water. The phase diagram for a brine solution is
shown in fig. 4.7
• Brines are mainly used in industrial ice plant, cold storage, skating rinks, etc.
• Common brine are water solution of calcium chloride(CaCl2) and sodium chloride (NaCl)

2.Inhibited Glycols:
• Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are also used as freezing point depressants and heat
transfer media in solution with water.
• Glycol solution have lower corrosively when properly inhibited.

Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
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Prof N K Shah
Mechanical engg. department
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CONCLUSION

• Don’t treat the today’s refrigerants with yesterday’s techniques.

• CFC’s replaced by refrigerants blends.

• R & D of the refrigerants is in the field of environmental

acceptability.

• TEWI, the factor used to decide the overall capability of a

refrigerant.
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