Development, testing and evaluation of 2L refrigerants.

The development and subsequent proving of fitness for use of flammable refrigerants for applications that have traditionally used non-flammable working fluids are both complex tasks. The challenges associated with these include: development of acceptable performance characteristics; producing and gaining acceptance of robust safety assessment methodologies, and the need to help facilitate standard setting bodies in developing new working standards. Mexichem has undertaken these activities in several application areas, notably in development of alternatives to R-134a, and has accordingly developed expertise and knowledge of what needs be done. The paper will discuss this process and share some results of development and testing activities connected with 2L refrigerants for a range of applications.