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Flammability hazard classification of refrigerants.

Author(s) : RICHARD R. G.

Summary

The determination of the flammability hazard of refrigerants has posed an increasing dilemma to the HVAC industry in the past decade. Previously, there was a clear distinction between the flammability properties of hydrocarbons vs. the nonflammable fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants. This led to a clear method to avoid catastrophic incidents from flammability: merely use the fully halogenated compounds instead of the hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, this clear distinction has been grayed with the need to substitute hydrogen for halogens and the use of blends (flammable and nonflammable materials). Refrigerant flammability hazard stems from the chemical reaction of combustion, and it is critical to understand the fundamental chemistry and kinetics of flame propagation in order to start to develop an internally self-consistent approach to a flammability classification scheme for the refrigerants of today and the future. Using the vast available knowledge of chemical reactions and the hazard control industry, the author evaluates and compares the various schemes currently being used or being proposed for classifying refrigerant flammability hazard.

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Details

  • Original title: Flammability hazard classification of refrigerants.
  • Record ID : 2004-2662
  • Languages: English
  • Source: 21st IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Serving the Needs of Mankind.
  • Publication date: 2003/08/17

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