Key
2132
Conference Year
2014
Keywords
Materials, Compatibility, Refrigerant, Lubricant, Stability, Next Generation, Low GWP
Abstract
When assessing the suitability of next generation refrigerants for use with current HVACR system materials, two areas of concern need to be thoroughly investigated and understood: 1) chemical stability of the fluids when exposed to system materials under the anticipated conditions of use, and 2) compatibility of the system materials when in contact with the fluids. This paper will summarize materials compatibility evaluations of unsaturated hydrofluorocarbon (HFO) refrigerants, and HFO refrigerants blended with R-32, that were conducted to better understand potential equipment reliability risks associated with the use of next generation low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant candidates. This paper summarizes results of laboratory measurements of the physical and functional changes of elastomeric and polymeric materials, and hermetic compressor motor materials, as a consequence of accelerated fluid exposures.