Propane was a widely used refrigerant over a century ago but with the discovery of other synthetic refrigerants like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as R-22, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as R407c, and Hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) such as R410A diminished the use of Propane. Only HCs, HFCs, and HCFCs were being marketed and used since 1920 but with growing environmental concerns, their use was first restricted and then banned over time.
The refrigerant industry then made strides to develop an environment-friendly refrigerant as an alternative to synthetic refrigerants. The industry needed a refrigerant that had low Global Warming Potential (GWP) as well as low Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). Retaining all these qualities, Propane has made a huge comeback in the refrigerant industry. This widely-accepted gas is now used in many Refrigeration systems including refrigerators, vending machines, barbeques, and patio heaters.
In this article, we’ll explore different reasons that make Propane one of the best refrigerants available in the market.
Environment-friendliness and Low GWP
The foremost reason to use Propane as refrigerant is its environment-friendly nature and its Low GWP. Propane is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon (HC) having a GWP of 3 which is the lowest available GWP in the market. In contrast to Propane, other HCFCs and HFCs have their GWPs in thousands making them a threat to the environment. EU banned these HCFCs and HFCs due to their effect on the environment.
By opting for Propane as Refrigerant gas, companies can reduce their carbon footprint significantly and create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP):
One attractive feature of Propane is its Zero ODP. Propane doesn’t play any role in the depletion of the ozone layer which makes it ideal for usage. This low GWP and 0 ODP quality also make it attractive for compliance with international environmental agreements like the Montreal Protocol.
Comparatively, old refrigerants like CFCs and HCFCs had higher ODP which was one of the reasons for them being outlawed and globally phased out.
Energy Efficiency
Propane is well-acknowledged for its thermodynamic properties due to which it is counted as an energy-efficient refrigerant gas. It has unparalleled heat transfer capacity and volumetric cooling capacity which enables the refrigeration system to perform optimally with lesser energy consumption. Propane as an Ac refrigerant is a commendable choice for businesses if they want to save on their energy, costs, and operational expenses.
Non-Toxic
Propane is apparently non-toxic as compared to other refrigerants present in the market. It poses no immediate threat to human health unlike other refrigerants like Ammonia in case of leakage and can be fixed without harming any human lives. Its flammability can also be handled by skilled technicians to avoid the risk of possible fire hazards.
Wide Application:
Even when synthetic refrigerants took place in the markets, Propane was still being used in small-level refrigeration systems. And today, its applicability has been increased from domestic refrigerators to large-level industrial and commercial refrigeration systems. It is commonly used in Patio systems, barbeques, heat pumps, outdoor grills, supermarket display cabinets, green-house heating, auto-vehicles, cooling systems, and in many industrial applications.
*NOTE: PROPANE USED IN PATIO SYSTEMS AND BARBEQUES IS NOT THE SAME AS PROPANE USED IN HVAC SYSTEMS. IT CONTAINS MANY CONTAMINANTS (moisture and unsaturated hydrocarbons).
Refrigeration systems use Propane which is purified. It has a purity level of at least 98.5% and a moisture content of below 10 ppm (measured by weight).
Cost-effective:
Propane is a naturally occurring gas that is then refined from petroleum for us to use. Due to its natural availability, it is cheaper contrary to HFOS, and CFCs. Propane used as Refrigerant is also inexpensive to manufacture, install, and maintain which makes it an even better solution for HVAC systems.
Future-Proof Solution
As stated earlier, Propane has zero ODP and low GWP which makes it future-proof of any stringent regulations. Propane complies fully with environmental standards and doesn’t go against any changing regulations. It implies that if you choose Propane as your Refrigerant, you are getting ahead of the curve of other businesses who haven’t yet adopted Propane because they’ll fall prey to all the restrictions in the future. Choosing Propane as a refrigerant will also save you from costly retrofits in the future.
These were some of the reasons to choose Propane as your Refrigerant. But Propane is a flammable gas, it should not be dealt with carelessly and only skilled and professional ac technicians should be allowed to operate with it. All safety measures should be adapted while working with it. Otherwise its flammable nature, it is an amazing choice for a refrigerant.
Choosing Propane as your Refrigerant offers a myriad of benefits which makes it an attractive choice for sustainable and cost-effective cooling solutions. Its low GWP, zero Ozone Depletion Rate, non-toxic behavior, energy efficiency, wide-applicability, and eco-friendliness are some of the many reasons that make it super-worthy to use in your refrigeration systems. Despite all these awing benefits, its flammable nature is to be kept in mind and precautions are necessary while operating with propane. As the world continues to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, choosing propane as a refrigerant gas is a responsible and forward-thinking decision.
