Briton Refrigerant R1234yf
R1234yf is a synthetic HFO refrigerant co-developed by Rhodia Chemicals Ltd. UK as a successor to R134a for automotive air-conditioning applications.
Its global warming potential (GWP) is ultra-low, with a rating of less than 1. This means that one kilogram of R1234yf released to atmosphere has a significantly lower greenhouse effect than a kilogram of carbon dioxide. For comparison, R134a has a GWP of 1430.
Years of intensive research were undertaken by the automotive industry to find a replacement for R134a, resulting in the selection of R1234yf as the new standard refrigerant for new systems.
Compared with R134a, considerable upgrades to component quality and robustness, as well as compliance with a number of new SAE standards, have been engineered into R1234yf systems. The systems are designed to prevent potential refrigerant leakage into the cabin.
From a service and repair standpoint, R1234yf has similar thermal properties to R134a, meaning there are only minor system layout and design differences and faults can be diagnosed using the same methods as R134a.
The biggest difference is R1234yf’s A2L flammability rating, which means it is mildly flammable. This has implications for workplace health and safety procedures and means Dangerous Goods rules apply to the storage, transport and handling of this gas.
To ensure workplace safety, new SAE standards apply to the equipment used to service R1234yf systems. Some equipment is rated as compatible with both R134a and R1234yf and some equipment is suitable only for R1234yf.
General Information
General Details of Briton Refrigerant R1234yf
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| ASHRAE # | R-1234yf |
| Refrigerant Type | Molecule |
| Typical Lubricant | POE |
| Replaces | R-134A |
| Notes | Starting in January 2011, all new vehicle types must have an air conditioning refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) below 150. From 2017 on, this will apply to all new vehicles. This is based on the MAC Directive (2006/40/EG), passed in July 2006. Solstice® yf refrigerant can be used in in Europe, Japan, Korea and the U.S. Under the ECE Agreement, Solstice® yf refrigerant is also approved in Germany. APPROVALS: Solstice® yf refrigerant is registered under the EU chemical regulation REACH, and is included in the U.S. E.P.A.’s SNAP Program (Significant New Alternatives Policy). With this program, the EPA evaluates new and improved substances that replace ozone-depleting substances. |
Physical Properties
Physical Properties of Briton Refrigerant R1234yf
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Notation | CF3CF=CH2 (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) |
| Critical Temperature (°C) | 94.7 |
| Critical Pressure (bar) | 33.82 |
| Liquid Density (kg/m³) 0°C | 1091.91 |
| ANSIASHRAE Standard 36-1992 Safety Group Classification | A2L |
| Relative Molar Mass (g/mol) | 114.04 |
| Vapour Density (kg/m³) 25°C | 37.92 |
| GWP | <1 |
| ODP | Non-ozone depleting |
| REACH | Approved |
| ATEL/ODL (kg/m³) | 0.47 |
| Practical Limit (kg/m³) | 0.058 |
| Low Flammability Level | 6.5% |
| AIT (°C) | 405 |