RS-44b is a non ozone depleting Drop-in replacement for R22 in most applications.
RS-44b is a blend of R125, R32, R134a, R227ea, butane, & isopentane.
No. None of the components of RS-44b is subject to a phase out schedule under the Montreal protocol or any regulations
Yes. There is no need to change to a synthetic polyol ester (POE) oil with RS-44b which operates satisfactorily with traditional lubricants.
4.2ºC
RS-44b is both non-flammable and non toxic. RS-44b is non-flammable under all conditions of fractionization under ASTM 681-98. It is ASHRAE certified s A-1, meaning it is non-toxic and non-flammable.
The individual components which comprise RS-44b are widely used in compressors produced by major manufacturers. RS-44b has been used worldwide for fifteen years in all types and brands of compressors successfully.
High compression ratios can result in increased energy expenditure and the potential for compressor damage. RS-44b has a compression ratio which matches R22 across the range of applications where R22 is commonly found
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States does not permit the mixing of different refrigerants. However, it is known from experience in Europe that the unintended mixing of RS-44b with R22 will not generate higher pressure readings, loss of efficiency or component damage.
Tests show that RS-44b has a higher Coefficient of Performance than R22 and hence is considered to be more energy efficient than R22.
RS-44b has shown comparable results to R22 in systems where an expansion device is present. RS-44b is particularly effective at low temperatures. The results show good oil return to the compressor.
Because RS-44b is a blend, the recommendation is to charge it into the system in the liquid form. However, if the entire contents of the cylinder are being charged, then vapour charging is acceptable.
No. The disposable should be inverted to discharge RS-44b in the liquid form.
Yes, RS-44b is on EPA’s SNAP list for sale in the USA
Yes. RS-44b has been designated a refrigerant number of R453A by the ASHRAE & a safety classification of A1, namely low toxicity & non flammable under all conditions of fractionation.
The discharge pressure of RS-44b is about half a bar higher than R22.
The capacity of RS-44b matches R22 from high to low temperatures across the temperature range where R22 is commonly found.
The discharge temperatures of RS-44b are lower than R22.
RS-44b is non flammable as formulated.
The decomposition products resulting from subjecting RS-44b to a high temperature source are similar to those when R22 is exposed to fire conditions. The decomposition products in each case are irritating and toxic, and breathing apparatus should be worn where a possibility to exposure exists.
There are no specific precautions which must be taken with RS-44b. As with all refrigerants, common sense and good housekeeping is always recommended. Because the use of hygroscopic synthetic POE lubricants are avoided with RS-44b, scrupulous attention to preventing moisture contamination is not necessary, although the ingress of moisture should be avoided at all times.
Yes. RS-44b is compatible with all materials commonly used in systems that were designed and charged with R22. As in the case of R22, magnesium and zinc alloys should be avoided.
Yes. RS-44b can be recovered and re-used after a cleaning process such as reclamation
The procedure for converting from R22 to RS-44b is straightforward. Use the same type of lubricant, replace the filter/drier and charge the same quantity of RS-44b as the original R22 charge after fully evacuating.
RS-44b is competitive in price with other R22 alternatives.
RS-44b has a lower GWP than most replacements for R22. RS-44b is a suitable replacement for R22 across the range of temperatures where R22 is commonly found at high and low temperatures. RS-44b can be used to replace R22 without the need to change the original mineral oil in the system. Therefore, it is not necessity to retrofit the system to a synthetic lubricant such as POE.
Yes. Because the original mineral oil is being used and not a synthetic lubricant, elastomers and plastics used with R22 are compatible with RS-44b.
Tests show that RS-44b provides a higher COP than R22 depending upon the application, equipment and system design…all these are factors.
RS-44b complies with the refrigerant specification AHRI 700 – 2004 for fluorocarbon refrigerants.
As is the case with all CFC, HCFC and HFC based refrigerants, high exposure to RS-44b may produce anaesthetic effects. Very high exposures may cause an abnormal heart rhythm and prove suddenly fatal as is the case with all CFC, HCFC and HFC based refrigerants.
RS-44b is non flammable as formulated and does not have a flash point or explosion limits. The auto-ignition temperature of RS-44b has not been determined but is expected to be greater than 750ºC
Leak detectors used with HFCs are suitable for use with RS-44b.
In common with other refrigerants of this type, the area should be immediately evacuated. The vapour may concentrate at floor level and in poorly ventilated areas may be slow to disperse. Forced ventilation should be provided before entering such areas.
Yes. It is available in 125 lb. and 1,000 lb. deposit cylinders.
First and foremost, the EPA does not condone, recommend or approve of mixing any refrigerants. However, RS-44b does not form an azeotropic mixture with R22 or RS-44 (R424a). Therefore, if a technician inadvertently or unknowingly adds RS-44b to R22 or a system containing RS-44 (R424a) the system will not generate any higher pressures and should operate as normal without any harm to system components.
