Are flammable refrigerants safe?
Flammable refrigerants can be used safely when they are used in equipment specifically designed for them and installed, operated, and serviced in accordance with the relevant requirements.
As the refrigeration industry moves towards lower-GWP refrigerants, flammable and mildly flammable refrigerants are becoming increasingly common.
ATC’s current chiller ranges include R290 (propane) and R454C, which have different flammability classifications and require equipment designed specifically for their characteristics.
What do the refrigerant safety classifications mean?
Refrigerants are classified according to characteristics including toxicity and flammability.
R290 is classified as A3, meaning that it has lower toxicity and higher flammability.
R454C is classified as A2L, meaning that it has lower toxicity and lower flammability than an A3 refrigerant.
The presence of a flammability classification does not mean that the refrigerant is inherently unsuitable for process cooling. It means that its characteristics need to be considered as part of the design, installation, and servicing of the equipment.
Why are flammable refrigerants being used?
One of the main drivers is the transition towards refrigerants with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).
R290 is a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP, while R454C has a substantially lower GWP than many refrigerants historically used in process cooling equipment.
These refrigerants therefore form part of the wider move away from higher-GWP refrigerants as environmental regulations develop.
How does ATC manage the use of flammable refrigerants?
A chiller using R290 or R454C must be designed specifically for the refrigerant it contains.
Refrigerant selection is considered as part of the overall equipment design, alongside factors such as cooling performance, refrigerant charge, component selection, and applicable safety requirements.
Customers should never replace the specified refrigerant with a different refrigerant or modify the refrigeration circuit themselves.
Are there specialist installation requirements?
Installation requirements for equipment containing a flammable refrigerant can depend on several factors, including:
- Refrigerant type and safety classification
- Refrigerant charge
- Chiller design
- Installation environment
- Room size and ventilation
- Intended application
- Applicable local standards and regulations
For this reason, installation suitability should be considered for the specific chiller and location, rather than using a general rule based on refrigerant type alone.
ATC chillers are designed for indoor installation. Customers should follow the installation requirements provided for their particular model and discuss any concerns about the proposed location with ATC.
Can I service a chiller containing a flammable refrigerant myself?
Work on the refrigerant circuit should only be undertaken by appropriately trained and competent personnel.
Flammable and mildly flammable refrigerants require suitable working practices, equipment, and knowledge of the refrigerant involved.
Routine end-user maintenance should be limited to the activities described in the operating manual for the particular chiller.
If your equipment requires refrigeration work, contact ATC or an appropriately qualified service provider.
What should I consider when selecting a chiller?
Flammability is one consideration, but refrigerant selection should not be considered independently from the wider application.
The correct chiller also needs to meet requirements for:
- Cooling capacity
- Operating temperature
- Coolant flow and pressure
- Ambient conditions
- Process fluid
- Electrical supply
- Installation environment
- Applicable regional requirements
ATC can help assess these requirements and identify an appropriate chiller for the application.
Where can I find the refrigerant information for my chiller?
The refrigerant type and charge are model-specific and can be found on the rating plate attached to the chiller.
For more information, see “What refrigerant is used in my chiller and how much is used?“, “Why does refrigerant charge size matter when buying a chiller?“, or the relevant product documentation.
If you are considering an R290 or R454C chiller and have questions about its suitability for your installation, contact ATC with details of the application and proposed installation environment.
