R290 as a Drop In? – Short #234

In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about using R-290 as a drop-in refrigerant for R-22 systems. It is NOT safe to use R-290 as a drop-in, but there are some similar properties between the two and some interesting thought experiments within this topic.

R-290 is propane, a hydrocarbon that belongs to the family of natural refrigerants. R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant that has undergone a manufacturing/importation phaseout in the USA. They are both single-component refrigerants, not blends. Both of them have similar operating pressures and oil carry. However, the latent heat of vaporization of R-290 is almost double that of R-22, which makes it extremely effective as a refrigerant.

The main issue with using R-290 is that it is highly flammable and explosive (A3), and it has very small charges (500 grams). Around 2010, some people started selling R-290 blends as drop-in alternatives for R-22. In theory, that combination would work very well, but it is not a safe or legal option.

R-290 is currently used in sealed, self-contained equipment. However, it could be the future, especially if our industry goes for refrigerants with lower GWPs and uses flame-free fittings and tubing cutters. It's also worth noting that A2L refrigerants do not contain R-290 or any other hydrocarbons, but it is possible that the industry will gradually embrace the more flammable refrigerants like R-290.

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