In this post, we will compare two types of compressors: one that operates with R600a refrigerant and another that uses r134a.
Let’s begin by saying that the equipment incorporating the compressor with R600a is used in refrigeration and freezing applications, generally with lower cooling capacities. This allows concentrating a smaller amount of R600a and thus compensating for its flammability.
Due to these flammability characteristics, the use of R600a is especially recommended in new equipment designed specifically for this type of gas.
On the other hand, the compressor that works with r134a, being non-flammable, can be used in a variety of cooling capacities, only in refrigeration and freezing applications.
In terms of refrigerant molecules, r134a, in vapor state, is heavier than R600a.
This means that, with a slight volume step of gas passing through the compressor, several grams of R404a will be transported.
Although r134a is less efficient in terms of cooling compared to R600a, the greater amount of grams passing through the R404a compressor ensures proper cooling of the product.
In contrast, R600a is less dense, resulting in a lower flow of grams through the compressor. However, each gram of R600a has a higher cooling capacity, which compensates for its lower density.
A compressor using R600a handles fewer grams of gas compared to the r134a compressor, but each gram of R600a has a higher cooling capacity than a gram of r134a.
As for oil compatibility, R600a is compatible with mineral oil, alkylbenzene, and polyolester oil, POE, while the r134a compressor only uses POE oil.
The compressor system using R600a gas is more efficient in terms of consumption compared to r134a for the same cooling capacity.
The amount of refrigerant charge needed in grams with r134a to achieve the same cooling effect as R600a is much higher.
As for the temperature at the compressor outlet, it is observed that practically both discharge temperatures are equal.
Both the R600a compressor and the r134a compressor can be charged in both liquid and vapor phases without problems.
The size of the capillary tube for the same cooling capacity of the R600a and r134a compressors is completely different.
The working pressures of both compressors are totally different, with the R600a gas having very low values.