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November 1996 13 RS1200001
HFC134a Service Information
HFC134a is alternative refrigerant for CFC12.
HFC134a has an ozone depletion potential (ODP)
factor of 0.0 and a global warming potential (GWP)
factor of 0.27. HFC134a is not flammable and has
acceptable toxicity levels. HFC134a is not
interchangeable with CFC12. There are significant
differences between HFC134a and CFC12 which
must be considered when handling and processing
refrigeration system.
Health, Safety, and Handling
Health, safety and handling considerations for
HFC134A are virtually no different than those for
CFC12.
Health, Safety, and Handling CFC12 HFC134a
Allowable overall exposure limit 1,000 ppm Same
Vapor exposure to skin No effect Same
Liquid exposure to skin Can cause frostbite Same
Vapor exposure to eye Very slight irritant Same
Liquid exposure to eye Can cause frostbite Same
Above minimum exposure limit Can cause Asphyxiation, Same
Tachycardia, and Cardia
Arrhythmias
Safety and handling Wear appropriate skin and eye Same
protection. Use with adequate
ventilation.
Spill management Remove or extinguish ignition or Same
combustion sources. Evacuate
or ventilate area.
Fire and explosion hazards May decompose if contact with
flames and heating elements.
Container may explode if heated
due to resulting pressure rise.
Combustion products are toxic.
Storage conditions Procedures/rules for CFC12 Same
also apply for HFC134a
Disposal procedures Recycle or reclaim Same
Comparison of CFC12 and HFC134a
Properties
Properties/Characteristics CFC12 HFC134a
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) 1.0* 0.0*
Global Warming Potential (GPW) 3.2* 0.27*
Molecular weight 121 102
Boiling point at 1 atmosphere -22°F (-30°C) -15°F (-26°C)
Vapor pressure at 77°F (25°C) 80 psig 82 psig
Liquid density at 77°F (25°C) 82 lb/ft3 75 lb/ft3
Flammability No No
High-side system operating HFC134a approximately 3 psig
Pressure at 65°F (18°C) ambient higher than CFC12
Low-side system operating HFC134a approximately 2 psig
Pressure at 65°F (18°C) ambient lower than CFC12
* Compared to CFC 11 = 1
Caution
To minimize contamination, exercise extreme
care when servicing HFC134A sealed systems.
• No trace of other refrigerants is allowed in HFC134a
systems. Chlorinated molecules in other refrigerants
such as CFC12, etc. will lead to capillary tube
plugging.
• Ester oil is used in HFC134a systems. Do not use
mineral oil. HFC134a and mineral oils cannot be
mixed. If mineral oils were used in HFC134a systems,
lubricant would not return to compressor and would
cause early compressor failure. If significant amount
of oil has been lost from compressor, replace oil
rather than adding oil.
• Ester oils used in HFC134a systems are so
hydroscopic that by the time an inadequate system
performance is detected, oil will be saturated with
moisture.
• CFC12 has much higher tolerance to system
processing materials, such as drawing compounds,
rust inhibitors, and cleaning compounds, than
HFC134a. Such materials are not soluble in HFC134a
systems. If materials were to be washed from system
surfaces by ester oils, they could accumulate and
eventually plug capillary tube.
• Care must be taken to minimize moisture from
entering HFC134a system. Do not leave compressor
or system open to atmosphere for more than 10
minutes. Excessive moisture in HFC134a system will
react with compressor oil and generate acid.
• Compressor must be replaced when performing low
side leak repair.
• Drier filter must always be replaced with service drier
filter, part #B2150504.
Important: Unbrazing drier filter from tubing will drive
moisture from desiccant and into system, causing
acids to form. Do not unbraze filter drier from tubing.
If CFC12 service drier was installed in HFC134A
system, drier could overload due to excessive
moisture.
• HFC134a compatible copper tubing, part
#R0174075 (1/4" O.D. X 18" length) and part
#R0174076 (5/16" O.D. X 24" length) must be used
when replacing tubing.
• Avoid system contamination by using Towerdraw
E610 evaporating oil, part # R0157532, when flaring,
swaging, or cutting refrigeration tubing.