Use of R32 refrigerant in HVAC-R

equipment
Comparison with refrigerants R22 and R410A

Hrvoje Krapanić, Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe

47. Međunarodni kongres i izložba o KGH, Beograd, 30.11–2.12.2016

47th International HVAC&R Congress and Exhibition, Belgrade, Nov.30–Dec.2 2016
Outline/Agenda
• What is HFC32 (R32)
• Benefits of R32
• Toxicity & Flammability classification
• Main differences between R32, R410A & R22
• Guidelines for installation/service works
• Transport
• Room size limits
• Brazing
• Pressure
• Refrigerant charging & recovery
• Tools
• Summary
• Conclusion

47. Međunarodni kongres i izložba o KGH, Beograd, 30.11–2.12.2016

47th International HVAC&R Congress and Exhibition, Belgrade, Nov.30–Dec.2 2016
What is HFC32 (R32)

Refrigerants ODP GWP

(IPCC4)
Flammability
(ISO817) › HFC32 = R32 = difluoromethane, a single
component HFC refrigerant
F
R32 › Known as a component of the blend refrigerant
C F 0 675 2L
H H R410A (=50%R32+50%R125)
F › Already used in millions of air conditioners/ heat
R22 C F pumps in many parts of the world including in
0.055 1810 1
Cl H high ambient temperature zones
› SNAP approved for Packaged Terminal air
R410A F conditioners & heat pumps
50% R32 C F
H H

50% R125 0 2088 1

FF
H C C F
F F

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Benefits of R32
R32 is a refrigerant that addresses a range of environmental, safety and economic considerations:
› Zero Ozone depletion potential (ODP)
› Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) – about one third of R410A
› R32 allows for reduced refrigerant charge, compact design and high energy efficiency
› Easier to charge, recover and reuse because it is not a blend
› Safe to use in many applications because it is an A2L classified refrigerant (low toxicity and lower
flammability)
The potential global warming impact (GWP x kg) can be up to 75% less than that of R410A.
Energy efficiency can also be improved by 5-10% depending on models.

Up to 75% lower global

warming impact than
R410A

Global Warming Potential Charge (kg) Global Warming Impact

(GWP) (GWPxkg)

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 Main differences between R32, R410A & R22

No issue in most conditions

(*)

New oils already available which

are optimal for both R32 &
R410A

Previously used oils for R410A

are not suitable for R32

(*) With R32, In very low ambient heating condition, discharge temperature may need to be controlled, e.g. by wet suction control

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R32 toxicity classification

R32 belongs to the ISO817 toxicity class A (low toxicity), same class as R410A and R22.

Refrigerant ATEL (% in air) ISO817

Higher value is safer ASHRAE34
Toxicity class

R32 22% A
R410A 17% A
R22 5.9% A

ATEL = Acute Toxicity Exposure Limit. Higher value is safer.

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Flammability classification of R32
R32 flammability characteristics Burning Velocity BV 6,7 cm/s
Lower flammable limit LFL 14,5 % v/v Minimum Ignition Energy MIE > 15-100 mJ
Upper flammable limit UFL 31% v/v
MIE of R32 varies depending on contact size / spacing and test apparatus.
This is typical for difficult to ignite gases. Ammonia exhibits similar variations
Heat of Combustion HoC 9,5 MJ/kg

Standards Safety data sheets, cylinder labels

GHS (UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification
Code ISO817
and Labelling of Chemicals)
R32
Class 2L Flammable Gas
Flammability
Lower flammable refrigerant Category 1
Classification

Symbol Danger
IEC60335-2-40 Extremely
5th edition flammable gas

Gases, which at 20°C and a standard pressure of 101.3

kPa :
• LFL greater than 3.5% by volume*
(a) Are ignitable when in a mixture of 13% or less by
• and Heat of Combustion less than 19MJ/kg
Criteria • and Burning Velocity less than 10cm/s
volume in air; or
(b) Have a flammable range with air of at least 12
percentage points regardless of the lower
* When tested in air at 23°C and if no flame flammable limit
propagation is detected then tested
at 60°C & 101.3kPa
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Guidelines for installation/service
- Transport -

The installer/service van

 Permanent ventilation required (Note : R32 is heavier than air
so outlet should be at the bottom)
 No smoking, no ignition sources or hot surfaces
 Follow the instructions for transport of the cylinders and
equipment
 Check local and trans-border transport regulations.

Remark:
Similar precautions are already required for transporting acetylene
for brazing.

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 Charge/room size limitations

Charge limits for R32 installations based on EN60335-2-40 5th edition (depends on location of indoor unit).
There are no room size limitations for refrigerant charges below 1.23 kg.

Formula for minimum floor area

for given flammable refrigerant
charge

2
M
Amin =
2.5 x LFL5/4 x h0

Amin = minimum room area (m²)

M = refrigerant charge (kg)
h0 = height of leak
LFL = Lower Flammability Limit in kg/m³

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Basic rules for refrigerant pipes
-- Dry, clean , tight --

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Brazing

› As per common HFC or HCFC refrigerants such as R410A & R22, R32 will decompose and
release toxic substances if heated to high temperatures over 570ºC.

› To avoid the possibility of this occurring during brazing, the system should be purged with
dry nitrogen to ensure that there is no residual refrigerant present.

› The risk of toxic by-products when R32 comes in contact with a flame or very hot surface is
the same risk that has existed for over 40 years with R22.

Same procedures as for R410A or R22

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Pressure
Pressure graph for R32 is similar to R410A

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Charging & Recovery

› Because it is not a blend, R32 can be charged in liquid or gas phase (as was the case for
R22)
› R410A needs to be charged in liquid state. Adding R410A in gas form may cause the
refrigerant composition to change, preventing normal operation
› R32 is also easier to recover, recycle or reclaim compared to blend refrigerants

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 Tools
Tool R32 R410A R22

Gauge manifold Slightly different scale for HFC32 and R410A so check with tool
supplier if manifold is shareable

Charge hose Common

Scale Common

Pipe bender Common

Pipe cutter Common

Flaring tool Common

R22 type can be used by changing the
work process

Torque wrench
Some flare nuts widths are different, others
Common can be shared

Cylinder thread adaptor Depends on the cylinder – some have

different thread for flammable gases
Not applicable

Vacuum pump Common

Recovery pump Check with tool supplier if shareable

Electr. Leak detector Check with tool supplier if shareable

Torch type models CANNOT be used.

Refrigerant recovery cylinder

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Summary

Installation/service - Do’s

Ventilate the area if brazing

Ventilate the area in the event of any refrigerant leak
Pressure test the system to 4.0MPa
Evacuate the system to a minimum of 500microns
Signpost and restrict access to the area if brazing or if a leak occurs
Have a fire extinguisher at hand
Remove any potential source of ignition

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Summary

Installation/service - Don’ts

 Charge R32 into systems other than those designed for R32
 Charge an R32 system with oil other than that specified by the manufacturer
 Use a reclaim cylinder other than an R32 reclaim cylinder
 Install pipe work with diameters that are not specified for that model
 Forget to add additional refrigerant if required

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Conclusions

Installation/service practices for R32 are :

• Similar to R410A : similar pressure, shareable tools

• Similar to R410A and R22 : basic rules for piping & brazing
• Different from R22 : : higher pressure, different oil type
• Different from R410A and R22 : because R32 is flammable, specific guidance
and regulations need to be followed (transport,
room size limits, work instructions…). Always
follow guidance from gas and equipment
providers and the local regulations.

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Conclusions
HVAC-R industry was and is looking for the answer on the pressure coming from efforts to
reduce GWP in the world and EU.
Some producers decided to go with R32 refrigerant, since it is perceived as the best solution
in given circumstances, taking lots of aspects into consideration like:
› reduction of CO2
› technical utilisation of available technologies,
› Safety during installation and in use
› economic component to keep the competitiveness and prices to the consumers,
› availability of the refrigerant,
Having all this in mind R32 is optimal (and preferable) choice as the key refrigerant for the
next period when we talk about airconditioners and heat pumps.

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