R290

Chemical Properties of R290 Refrigerant

R290 refrigerant is a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant known by its chemical name propane (C3H8). It is a colorless and odorless gas, characterized by its natural origin.
As a refrigerant, it has properties such as a low boiling point (-42.1℃) and high latent heat. This allows for efficient heat exchange with a small amount of refrigerant, contributing to the design of compact refrigeration systems.
On the other hand, R290 has high flammability, requiring careful handling from a safety perspective. According to the international standard ISO 817:2014 safety classification, it is classified as the most flammable class, A3. Therefore, equipment using R290 refrigerant must have safety measures such as leak detection systems and explosion-proof designs. Particularly, appropriate risk management tailored to the installation location and usage environment is essential.

Environmental Impact and GWP Value

R290 refrigerant is noted for its extremely low environmental impact. It has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3 and an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 0.

Compared to traditional refrigerants, R410A has a GWP of 2088 and R32 has a GWP of 675, highlighting the superior environmental performance of R290. This low GWP value offers significant advantages in terms of climate change mitigation and compliance with environmental regulations.

Moreover, since R290 is a natural refrigerant, it does not produce harmful substances when decomposed in the atmosphere. This contributes to reducing the environmental burden throughout the entire life cycle of the product.

Energy Efficiency and Energy-Saving Performance

R290 refrigerant is characterized by its high energy efficiency and excellent energy-saving performance. Specifically, refrigeration systems using R290 are reported to achieve an energy savings rate of 15-35% compared to traditional systems. This high efficiency leads to reduced operating costs and a lower environmental impact.

Flammability of R290

While R290 (propane) is environmentally friendly, it is also known as a refrigerant with high flammability. It has an extremely low flash point of -104°C and can easily form flammable mixtures with air.
Therefore, special care is required in the design and handling of equipment using R290 refrigerant. To minimize the risk of explosion in case of leakage, the installation of dedicated gas sensors is necessary.

Precautions for Use

To safely use R290 refrigerant, it is important to pay special attention to the following points:

Precautions for Using R290 Refrigerant

Leak DetectionInstall high-sensitivity gas detectors to instantly detect even small leaks.

Ventilation MeasuresEnsure adequate ventilation in the usage area to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases.

Fire ManagementProhibit the use of open flames in areas where R290 refrigerant is used and be cautious of static electricity.

Filling Quantity LimitStrictly adhere to appropriate filling quantities according to the installation location and usage environment.

By adhering to these precautions, safe use of R290 refrigerant can be achieved. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are important to maintain the integrity of the system.

Summary

R290 refrigerant is gaining attention as a next-generation refrigerant with excellent environmental performance and refrigeration efficiency. With an extremely low GWP of 3 and an Ozone Depletion Potential of zero, it significantly reduces environmental impact. Additionally, it achieves a high energy savings rate of 15-35%, contributing to improved energy efficiency. However, its high flammability, classified as A3, is the biggest challenge. For safe use, the introduction of appropriate gas detection sensors and strict management are essential.