R290 is a refrigerant-grade propane used on a wide range of commercial refrigeration and air conditioning units. A highly pure propane, it has a low environmental impact and nominal global warming potential (GWP), meaning it possesses no qualities that can destroy the ozone layer. R290 also is the preferred hydrocarbon alternative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), substituting more harmful fluorocarbon refrigerants like R22, R134a, R404a and R502.
Units with R290 can only be maintained and repaired by authorized technicians who are properly trained and certified.
Aside from R290, there are other natural hydrocarbon refrigerants used for a wide variety of commercial refrigerators, freezers and AC units. These also don't have ozone-depleting properties and have a low GWP.
Both R290 and R600a possess many of the same qualities. Both are not only preferred alternatives to fluorocarbon refrigerants, but they're also natural, environmentally friendly and flammable. So what's the difference between the two? Below are some key variations to know.
R290 | R600a | |
Refrigerant Charge Reduction | ~40% | ~45% |
Global Warming Potential | 3 | 3 |
Common Fluorocarbon Replacement | R22 | R12 |
Ignition Temperature | 878°F (470°C) | 860°F (460°C) |
Lower Flammability Limit | 2.1% by volume | 1.5% by Volume |
Upper Flammability Limit | 9.5% by volume | 8.5% by volume |
Unlike fluorocarbon refrigerants, hydrocarbon refrigerants are highly flammable. As a result, technicians must undergo proper training and certification and exercise extreme precautions when handling them.
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