R-407C

R-407C is a mixture of hydrofluorocarbons used as a refrigerant. It is a zeotropic blend of difluoromethane (R-32), pentafluoroethane (R-125), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a). Difluoromethane serves to provide the heat capacity, pentafluoroethane decreases flammability, tetrafluoroethane reduces pressure.^[1] R-407C cylinders are colored burnt orange.

This refrigerant is intended as a replacement for R-22. R-22 production will be phased out by 2020 as per the Montreal Protocol.^[2]

Key Characteristics:

Colourless and Odourless: R407C is visually clear and does not emit a noticeable smell.
Non-Flammable: Safe to use under normal operating conditions due to its non-flammable nature.^[3]
Moderate GWP: While R407C has a lower GWP than R22, it is important to manage its use responsibly to minimize environmental impact.^[4]

Applications

R407C is employed in a variety of cooling and refrigeration contexts:

Residential Air Conditioning: Ideal for cooling home environments efficiently.
Commercial Air Conditioning: Suited for larger commercial spaces, including offices and retail locations.
Industrial Refrigeration: Used in industrial processes requiring precise temperature control.
Transport Refrigeration: Essential for maintaining temperatures in refrigerated transport systems.

R407C offers several notable benefits:

Replacement for R22: Often used as a direct substitute for R22 in many existing systems, facilitating upgrades with minimal system modifications.
High Efficiency: Provides effective cooling with good energy efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly: Does not deplete the ozone layer, making it a more sustainable option than its predecessors.
Equipment Compatibility: Generally compatible with R22 system components, though some adjustments may be necessary for optimal performance.^[5]

While R407C presents environmental advantages over older refrigerants, it still requires careful handling:

Global Warming Potential: Despite its lower GWP compared to R22, R407C contributes to global warming if released. Effective leak management and system maintenance are essential.
Handling Precautions: R407C should be managed with appropriate safety measures to avoid high-pressure exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols are recommended.

For safe handling of R407C, consider the following precautions:

Protective Gear: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and appropriate clothing to prevent exposure.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in areas where R407C is used to avoid vapor accumulation.
System Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain systems to prevent leaks and ensure efficiency.
Emergency Readiness: Be prepared with emergency procedures in case of accidental exposure or release.^[6]

Physical properties of R407C refrigerant

Property

Value

Formula

Molecular Weight (kg/kmol)

86.2

Boiling point (°C)

−43.8

Saturated liquid density (25°C), kg/m³

1138

Saturated vapour density (25°C), kg/m³

43.8

Critical temperature (°C)

86.4

Critical pressure, bar

46.3

Liquid heat capacity @ 25°C, (kJ/(kg·K))

1.533

Vapour heat capacity @ 1.013 bar (kJ/(kg·K))

1.107

^ A brief history of refrigerant Archived 2011-07-18 at the Wayback Machine
^ "Unwrapping The Mystery Of R-407C". www.achrnews.com. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
^ "Freon™ 407C (R-407C) Refrigerant | R-22 Retrofit Refrigerant". www.freon.com. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
^ "Refrigerants". EPA. March 22, 2002. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
^ "Refrigerant gas cylinder". Starkehvacr.com. March 13, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
^ "End-uses of refrigerant gas" (PDF). EPA. July 28, 1995. Retrieved August 28, 2024.

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