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R-407C

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R-407c container

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

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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.

Features & Benefits

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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]

Environmental and Safety Considerations

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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.

Safety Precautions

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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

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Physical properties of R407C refrigerant
Property Value
Formula
CH2F2 R32 (23%)
CF3CHF2 R125 (25%)
CF3CH2F R134a (52%)
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

References

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