Technically there are no “drop-in” refrigerants. Some come close, but there is always a compromise. People considering the use of an alternative refrigerant always should consult with the original equipment manufacturer. As refrigerant is the blood of the equipment, the analogy applies: If a person's blood type was changed during a transfusion, the patient could die.
Material compatibility, compressor displacement, pressure, flow control, heat exchanger type and other application considerations must be thoroughly reviewed and tested. Results of not having an approved refrigerant application can result in problems from voided warranties to critical demise of the equipment.
For example, R-410A is an excellent replacement for R-22. The key word is “replacement.” However, this refrigerant is not a drop-in for all R-22 existing equipment. One reason is pressure. For example, at 100 ° F, R-22 is at 195.9 psig, R-410A at 100 ° F is at 320.5 psig, which is 61 percent higher pressure than R-22.
Always consult with the oem for any alternative refrigerant application. And, remember, there are no drop-in refrigerants, only alternatives.
Source: Carrier Corp. Refrigerant Handbook
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