As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment, industries are looking for more environmentally friendly solutions. One such solution is the refrigerant R407C. While it has been in use for over two decades, it has recently gained popularity as a replacement for the widely-used R22. In this blog post, we will explore the many uses of R407C, from air conditioning to refrigeration.

What is R407C?

R407C is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant developed to replace the ozone-depleting R22. It is a blend of three HFCs: difluoromethane (R32), pentafluoroethane (R125), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoromethane (R134a). R407C has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), and a low global warming potential (GWP) compared to R22.

What is R407C Used for?

  1. Air Conditioning

R407C has been widely used as a refrigerant in air conditioning systems. It is particularly popular in Europe, where it has replaced R22 in new air conditioning systems. R407C has a higher cooling capacity and energy efficiency than R22, making it a popular choice in commercial and residential air conditioning.

  1. Refrigeration

R407C is also used in various refrigeration systems. It is commonly used in commercial refrigeration, such as in supermarkets, where it is used in refrigerated display cases and walk-in coolers. R407C has a lower discharge temperature than R22, which helps extend the compressor's life and reduce energy consumption.

  1. Heat Pumps

They are becoming increasingly popular as a more energy-efficient way to heat homes and buildings. R407C is commonly used as a refrigerant in heat pump systems. It has a higher heating capacity than R22, making it a more efficient choice for heating in colder climates.

  1. Chillers

R407C is also used in chiller systems used in commercial and industrial applications to cool water for air conditioning and process cooling. R407C has a higher cooling capacity compared to R22, which makes it a popular choice for larger cooling systems.

Is R407C Banned?

Certain refrigerants have been scrutinised recently due to their potential environmental impact. One refrigerant that has been subject to this scrutiny is R407C, which is commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. In this blog post, we will explore whether R407C is banned and the reasons behind the possible ban.

Possible Ban on R407C

The European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of phasing out certain refrigerants due to their high GWP. In 2014, the EU banned using R22 in new air conditioning systems and refrigeration equipment. While R407C is not currently banned in the EU, it has been identified as a refrigerant with a high GWP, which may lead to a possible ban in the future.

Reasons for the Possible Ban

The main reason for the ban on R407C is its high GWP. R407C has a GWP of 1774, which means that it has a warming effect that is 1774 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year time horizon. It has led to concerns about its potential environmental and climate change impact.

Alternatives to R407C

As the phase-out of certain refrigerants continues, there is an increasing need for alternatives to R407C. One such alternative is R32, which has a lower GWP than R407C. However, R32 is a flammable gas, which presents safety concerns. Other alternatives include natural refrigerants with zero or very low GWP, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

R407C has become popular for various applications, from air conditioning to refrigeration. Its low environmental impact and high energy efficiency make it an ideal replacement for R22 in many applications. As the world continues to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, R407C will likely become an even more popular choice.

R407C is not currently banned, but it has been identified as a refrigerant with a high GWP, which may lead to a possible ban in the future. As the world continues to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there will likely be a greater shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives to R407C.