HFO/HFC BLEND SELECTED FOR PORTABLE COLD STORES DUE TO TECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
R-454A, a HFO/HFC A2L refrigerant, with a GWP of 239, has been selected for European portable coldstores. Other refrigerants such as CO2, hydrocarbons or ammonia proved unsuitable for this project because of equipment unavailability and complexity, high flammability or toxicity risks. This led to the selection of R-454A, which has a GWP 94% lower than that of R-404A (3922), making it sustainable with respect to the F-Gas phase down. It has properties close to that of R-404A, allowing the existing equipment design to be used. Although classified as mildly flammable it can be safely used if applicable codes and standards are observed.
The decision was based on tests with R-454A that demonstrated its suitability for new equipment and the successful use of R-454A at a new 1,805 m3 low-temperature coldstore in the UK. Installation of the system was similar to installing a system operating with R-404A. Since installation in September 2017, the system has been performing reliably.