Forane® 408A Refrigerant

Technical Specifications:

Forane® 408A (FX-10) is a low ozone depletion potential blend of HCFC-22 and HFC refrigerants R-125 and R-143a. Forane® 408A provides a convenient and reliable retrofit solution for medium- and low-temperature refrigeration systems now using R-502. It has been blended to closely match the physical and refrigeration properties of R-502. Don't mix Forane® 408A with R-502 or use it to top off existing systems.

Forane® 408A has been proven in independent laboratory testing that it can save 8% in energy cost compared to R-502. Compared to our competitor's products it can save up to 20% in energy costs, so supermarkets and large energy users find Forane® 408A to be a very attractive retrofit solution.

Refrigerants used in the past were either single-component products or blends having a small glide that behaved as a single component. For the most part, blends having a small glide like Forane® 408A will perform the same as an azeotrope like R-502. Keep in mind that:

The temperature glide of Forane® 408A is less than 1° F (0.6°C). This glide is usually not noticeable compared to normal temperature changes due to pressure drops across the tubing, for example. In general, manufacturers have not indicated special considerations for low-glide blends in normal retrofit applications.

Forane® 408A will not significantly change in composition due to fractionation. However, there will be a slight difference in composition in the vapor phase, which is in equilibrium with liquid, such as in a cylinder. Always transfer Forane® 408A as a liquid from the cylinder to charging equipment or systems.

Using Forane® 408A to Retrofit R-502 Systems

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Forane® 408A can be used in most existing R-502 installations, with the following considerations:

Performance -- In most retrofit applications, the capacity and efficiency of Forane® 408A is slightly higher than R-502. The compressor, line sizes, and other components will not need replacement and should operate the same.

Lubrication -- Forane® 408A can be used with mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil. Polyolester lubricants might also be suitable. Systems using R-502 and mineral oil that show adequate lubricant return to the compressor can continue to use mineral oil with Forane® 408A. Alkylbenzene alone or in combination with mineral oil is the best choice to improve lubricant miscibility and return to the compressor. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for additional recommendations.

Material Compatibility -- Check our retrofit literature and obtain recommendations from equipment manufacturers regarding compatibility of materials with Forane® 408A. Replace any materials not acceptable for use with Forane® 408A. In general, materials compatible with R-22 can be used with Forane® 408A.

Retrofit Procedures

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1. Gather baseline data while the system is still operating on R-502.
2. Check the system for leaks to identify necessary repairs.
3. Recover and weigh existing R-502 charge.
4. If needed, remove mineral oil and replace with alkylbenzene or polyolester.
5. Replace filter driers.
6. Evacuate system using a deep vacuum (at least 250 microns).
7. Charge system with R-408A using liquid phase only. (Approximate charge will be 75 to 85% of R-502 nominal charge.)
8. Properly mark and identify R-408A refrigerant charge for the retrofitted system.
9. Start system and adjust expansion device, if needed.

Note:

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Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may have different lubricant, safety, or retrofit requirements. Consult OEM guidelines for details.

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