On this webpage, we’ll be conducting a comparison between a compressor operating with R290 and a compressor functioning with R22.
Let’s start by highlighting that units equipped with an R290 compressor are employed in refrigeration, freezing, and air conditioning applications, typically with low capacity. This design concentrates a small quantity of R290 to mitigate its flammability.
Additionally, due to these flammability conditions, using R290 is particularly recommended in new equipment specifically designed for this gas.
On the contrary, the R22-operated compressor, due to its non-flammable properties, can be used at various cooling capacities and in refrigeration, freezing, and air conditioning applications.
The R22 molecule, in a vapor state, is heavier compared to R290. Consequently, a slight increase in the gas volume passing through the compressor results in the transportation of several grams of R22.
Despite R22 being less efficient in cooling when compared to R290, the greater volume of grams moving through the compressor provides sufficient cooling for the product.
In contrast, R290 is less dense, resulting in a lower flow of R290 grams through the compressor. Nevertheless, each gram of R290 boasts greater cooling power, compensating for its lower density.
While an R290 compressor handles fewer grams of this gas, each of these grams possesses more significant cooling power than a gram of R22.
The R290 compressor boasts approximately 90% of the volumetric capacity of the R22 compressor.
R290 is compatible with mineral oil, alkylbenzene, and polyolester oil (POE), while R22 is predominantly used with alkylbenzene and mineral oil.
A system equipped with an R290 gas compressor is more power-efficient compared to R22 for the same cooling capacity.
Approximately twice the amount of R22 in grams is required to achieve the same cooling effect as R290.
When R290 is employed, the temperature at the compressor outlet is notably lower in contrast to the temperature produced when using R22.
Both the R290 compressor and the R22 compressor can be charged in liquid phase or vapor without any issues.
Although R290 and R22 pressures are not identical, they are quite similar. This enables the compressor to accommodate variations in suction and compression when transitioning between the two refrigerants.