New Member of the Refrigerant Series: R-290

News on May 2, 2022, raising the limit value of propane (R-290) and other flammable refrigerants in household air conditioners, heat pumps, and dehumidifiers (the maximum charge can reach 988g) has been approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission. (IEC) the standard was unanimously adopted. The revision of the standard is a milestone for the air-conditioning industry, and it will help us promote the widespread use of R-290 in most applications.

A new member of the Fonsum refrigerant series is welcomed: R290 (Propane). Let’s take a look at what’s going on with the R290.

1. R290 Basic Information

Name: Propane
Abbreviations for refrigerants: R-290, HC-290
Chemical formula: C3H8
Molecular weight: 44.09
CAS Number: 74-98-6
EINECS Number: 200-827-9
Relevant domestic standards: HG/T 4632-2014

2. Physical Properties

Appearance and properties: colorless and odorless gas
Melting point: -187.6℃
Boiling point: -42.1℃
Flashpoint: -104℃
Critical temperature: 96.8℃
Critical pressure: 4.25MPa
Upper explosion limit (V/V): 9.5%
Lower explosion limit (V/V): 2.1%
Saturated vapor pressure (kPa): 53.32 (-55.6℃)
Solubility: slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and ether

3. Advantages

• Completely eco-friendly
  R-290 refrigerant is derived from the natural ingredient propane, which is derived from nature. Its GWP is 3, and its ODP is 0. It neither damages the ozone layer nor has the greenhouse effect. It is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that is completely friendly to the environment.
• Affordable
  Calculated according to the amount of charge, the amount of R-290 refrigerant is only 40% to 55% of that of R-22 and R-410A, which is less and more economical.

• Energy efficient
  The freezing point is low and the latent heat of evaporation is larger, which makes the cooling speed per unit time faster; the isentropic compression ratio is small, which makes the compressor work easier and prolongs the service life the compressor; the molecular weight is small, the fluidity is good, and the conveying pressure is lower. Reduced compressor load. Using R-290 refrigerant, the energy-saving rate can reach 15~35%.

• Good cooling
  Shorten the cooling time of the air conditioner compressor, and the cooling effect is the same as that of R-22. R-290 refrigerant has a large refrigerating capacity per unit volume and unit mass, high heat exchange performance of condenser and evaporator, shortens the refrigeration time of air conditioner compressor, and can save 30% of electric energy under the condition of the same refrigeration effect.

• Adaptable
  Most refrigerants consist of HCFCs, HFCs, or HCFC blends that have proven unsuitable for use in extreme heat or tropical regions, while R290 refrigerant is uniquely suited for extreme heat climates.

• Wide range of uses
  R290 refrigerant can be used in refrigeration systems such as refrigerators, household air conditioners, clothes dryers, and refrigerated vehicles.