Category: Refrigerants used in chillers

Chiller R-513A is currently considered as an alternative for the replacement of R-134a in existing water chillers.

What should you know about R-513A as a replacement in chillers? R-

• R513A is an azeotropic mixture of R134a (44%) and HFO-1234yf (56%).
• R-513A is a non-flammable refrigerant that has a lower GWP than R-134a, but similar performance.
• The mixture has low toxicity and flammability, along with a 56 percent reduction in GWP.
• R-513A has a GWP of 629, but as a weak point with slightly lower efficiency than R-134a.
• R-513A is a “Drop-in” direct replacement for R-134a in existing high and medium temperature commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment.
• The R-513A is presented as an excellent alternative in chillers in centrifugal and screw compressors.
• R-513A is a low GWP, non-flammable (A1) alternative refrigerant to R-134a that enables chiller manufacturers to comply with future HFC regulations.
• All Danfoss Turbocor series compressors produced as of December 2017 are compatible with R-134a and R-513A.
• By providing efficient R-134a chillers that are future compatible with R-513A, the long-term investment customers make in their chillers is protected.
• YORK Company’s chiller offering of R-134a products that can be used with R513A provides peace of mind.
• Carrier has announced that its AquaEdge 19XR and 23XR and AquaForce 30XV / XA chillers are compatible with R513A refrigerant.
• The higher vapor density of R513A on the suction side of the compressor results in a higher mass flow rate.
• When using R513A the mass flow rate increases about 15%.
• Depending on the diameter of the pipes, a higher mass flow causes a significant increase in the pressure drop in some pipes, and an increase in the compression ratio of the compressor.
• R513A is not flammable in air under normal conditions.
• R513A is also known under its trade name Opteon XP10.
• R513A is compatible with the equipment, components, lubricant and gaskets of an existing R-134a installation.
• R513A is compatible with synthetic POE oils.
• R-513A is a substance with very little toxicity.
• R-513A vapors are heavier than air and tend to collect near the ground.
• Very high atmospheric concentrations of R-513A can produce anesthetic effects and suffocation. High exposures can cause abnormal heart rhythm.

Where to learn all about chillers?

We have prepared a complete training in chilled water installations with chillers.

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The Chiller R-454B is an excellent alternative both for new equipment and for the reconversion of chillers that work with R410a that use scroll compressor.

What should be known before a conversion or purchase of Chillers with R-454B?

• R-454B is a mixture of R32 and R1234yf.
• R454b refrigerant offers approximately 3% less capacity, but has the benefit of a GWP value as low as 467, making it a potentially long-term solution.
• R454B has slightly lower capacity than R410A but better efficiency. Chillers with R452B are best suited for hot climates.
• Many chiller factories have announced that they are manufacturing scroll compressor coolers. with R-454B. Many R-454B air-cooled chillers are now available in capacities from low refrigeration tons to 100-ton equipment.
• R-454B refrigerant is an HFO / HFC blend that does not deplete the ozone layer, it has a GWP level of 467, the lowest among refrigerants currently available for scroll compressor technology.

Where to learn all about chillers?

We have prepared a complete training in chilled water installations with chillers.

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The chiller with R-452B is an ecological alternative with excellent performance. It is used for the replacement of R-410A and the acquisition of new equipment.

R452b is a zeotropic HFO / HFC blend classified as a mildly flammable refrigerant (A2L ASHRAE safety class) that offers an optimal balance of performance, safety and compatibility as a replacement for R410A.

What should you know before chilling with R-452B?

• R410A consists of a mixture of R32 + R125 in a 50/50 ratio.
• R452B consists of the same chemicals as R410A, with a 26% increase in R1234yf. R32: 67% and R125: 7%.
• The R452B has almost the same capacity as the R410A, with slightly better efficiency.
• R454-B is an environmentally friendly alternative to R410a gas with a GWP value of 675.
• The discharge temperature of R-452B is much lower than that of R32.
• The discharge temperature of R-452B is very close to R410A.
• R452B has a lower mass flow rate than R410A. R452 generates a lower pressure drop in pipes compared to R-410A.
• The R454B offers slightly less capacity, but has the benefit of an even lower GWP.
• In terms of capacity and efficiency, R452b is the direct replacement for R410a.
• The r452b provides excellent performance under elevated ambient conditions for air-cooled chillers.
• R452b leaks just barely reach the flammable limit. R452B has a lower heat of ignition, this factor hinders its use in larger equipment.
• The reconversion of R-410A by R452B. works with COP values ​​that are 0% to 5% higher.
• The refrigerant charge with R452B is about 10% less than with R410A.
• It has a low temperature glide.
• The energy efficiency of chillers running on R452b increases by 3.2%, while the capacity is reduced by only 1.7% with the refrigerant mass flow of 80%, compared to R410a.

Where to learn all about chillers?

We have prepared a complete training in chilled water installations with chillers.

Chiller Training Courses

The ammonia water chiller is an energy-efficient machine that excels in handling large thermal loads without environmental restrictions, as it utilizes a natural refrigerant.

How does the Ammonia Chiller System operate?

Ammonia chiller systems can operate with two types of cycles:

1. Ammonia chiller working with a compression refrigeration circuit.
2. Absorption chiller utilizing ammonia as the refrigerant.

• Ammonia is an excellent option for industrial refrigeration as it does not harm the ozone layer or contribute to the greenhouse effect.
• In chillers with high thermal loads, ammonia significantly reduces electricity consumption, making it a cost-effective choice compared to other synthetic refrigerants.
• Additionally, ammonia is approximately 1.7 times lighter than air, enabling it to rise easily and form a cloud when in the presence of humid air.
• Chiller installations working with ammonia are designed to detect leaks through security systems.
• Ammonia leaks can often be detected by the human nose before becoming hazardous.
• To prevent corrosion and leakage issues, ammonia chillers are constructed using robust steel or stainless steel materials, which can influence the initial cost of the equipment.
• Ammonia chillers typically have zero overheating due to their use of flooded-type evaporators.
• They also offer the possibility of total or partial heat recovery, further enhancing the energy efficiency of the installation.
• These chillers often require less than 500 grams of ammonia per ton of refrigeration and are usually compact, assembled by the same machine manufacturers, and utilize various condensation methods, such as water, air, or evaporative.
• For chillers produced in Northern Europe, R-717 (ammonia) is commonly used.
• Specific engine rooms for ammonia chillers require dedicated mechanical ventilation systems, and ammonia leak detectors are set to values lower than established limits for safety purposes.
• Ammonia is only flammable in the presence of a high source of ignition, and explosions can occur in flammable mixtures in confined spaces, provided that the ignition temperature exceeds 635°C.
• However, in open spaces, ammonia rises and dissolves in the atmosphere, eliminating the risk of ignition and explosion.

Packaged Ammonia Chillers:

• Packaged ammonia chillers generally operate on a compression refrigeration cycle with capacities ranging from 20 to 400 tons of refrigeration.
• The ammonia load in packaged chillers is low, approximately 1 pound per ton of refrigeration.
• Smaller capacity packed ammonia chillers use a piston compressor, while larger ones employ a screw compressor.
• Packaged ammonia chillers are factory-assembled, enabling quick and easy installation of the system.

Where to learn all about chillers?

We offer comprehensive training in chilled water installations with chillers.

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The Propane Chiller is a machine that works with a compression refrigeration circuit, designed for water cooling, used in air conditioning applications or equipment cooling.

Features of the propane Chillers:

• Compressors in propane chillers are generally of the reciprocating or screw type.
• Some compressors that work with R290, use the same polyester oils as the compressors with R134a.
• R290 has a high solubility with mineral oil and polyester oil. The Condenser is usually air cooled, and works with copper tubes and aluminum fins.
• The high pressure side of the propane chiller must withstand a minimum of 3.5 times the saturation pressure of propane at 70 ° C, that is, 87 bar.
• The low pressure side of the propane chiller must withstand 5 times the saturation pressure of propane at 20 ° C, ie 36.8 bar.
• Before installing the propane chiller, it is particularly important that a risk assessment is carried out, with respect to the intended position of the chillers.
• The propane chiller must have a leak detection and control system, which when activated, will carry the propane charge to a liquid receiver, and then will cut off the electrical supply to the cooler.
• The propane chiller has refrigerant release valves, in case of continuing overpressures.
• In a propane chiller, when abnormally high pressure is present, as a first option the R290 gas should be released to the low pressure side of the system, rather than released to the atmosphere.
• The propane chiller release valves must be installed at the highest point of each circuit of the capacitor bank.
• Propane chiller release valves must be easily accessible and clearly visible from a safe distance, thus alerting operators to the possible release of a flammable gas.
• If the pressure continues to increase, then the gas is released through a pressure relief valve; Each propane chiller refrigeration circuit must be equipped with a properly selected relief valve to release excess pressure.
• The valve must be mounted above the high pressure liquid receivers.
• Whenever possible, the discharge port on the valve should be directed to a safe location, away from any source of ignition, preferably in an upward direction, to avoid low-level propane build-up.
• In a propane chiller, periodic leak checks are particularly important.
• Four quarterly inspections are recommended each year, and record keeping should be carried out in accordance with regulations.
• Propane chillers can be used to generate ice water or brine, in air conditioning, process refrigeration, and commercial refrigeration applications.
• The refrigerant charge of a propane chiller can be 40 to 60% lower than other refrigerants.
• Propane chiller motor winding thermistors must be housed and wired separately from other electrical components.
• There is no mandatory limit on the amount of propane that can be used in an outdoor chiller.
• However, some manufacturers have adopted 25 kg as the upper limit for the amount of propane per circuit

What is the working pressure in the R290 chiller?

Temperature °C	Pressure psig
-20°C	35.8 psig
-18°C	38.6 psig
-16°C	41.6 psig
-14°C	44.4 psig
-12°C	47.5 psig
-10°C	50.7 psig
-8°C	54.24 psig
-6°C	57.8 psig
-4°C	61.6 psig
-2°C	65.6 psig
0°C	69.7 psig
2°C	74. psig
4°C	78.6 psig
6°C	83.4 psig
8°C	88.3 psig
10°C	93.5 psig
12°C	98.9 psig
14°C	104.7 psig
16°C	110.5 psig
18°C	116.6 psig
20°C	122.9 psig
22°C	129.5 psig
24°C	136.4 psig

Where to learn all about chillers?

We have prepared a complete training in chilled water installations with chillers.

Chiller Training Courses