Refrigerants: The Differences Between R134a, R404A and R290
The refrigerant is the gas used in the refrigeration cycle, and hermetic compressors are designed for a specific refrigerant. The Cubigel and Zingfa compressors in our catalogue with datasheet data run on R134a, R404A, R290 or R600a. This article compares the first three using the series in our catalogue and the information in the datasheets.
Which gas is in which series?
| Refrigerant | GWP (100-year) | Series in our catalogue | Application class in the datasheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | 1,430 | Cubigel G, B and HDL series | LBP, LBP-MBP, HBP-MBP and HBP models |
| R404A | 3,922 | Cubigel M series, Zingfa QR and QL series | Cubigel M series: LBP, HBP-MBP and HBP models. Zingfa: “Medium/high back pressure” |
| R290 | 3.3 | Cubigel N series | LBP, LBP-MBP (LMBP), HBP-MBP and HBP models |
The GWP values are taken from the EPA Technology Transitions GWP Reference Table. The application classes are the values written in the manufacturer datasheets of the models concerned; for what LBP, MBP and HBP mean, see our article on LBP, MBP and HBP. In the datasheets of both Zingfa series, the application line reads “Medium/high back pressure”.
In Embraco’s examples, an evaporating temperature of −8 °C with R134a falls in the L/MBP range (such as a beverage or self-serve display), and −30 °C with R404A is an LBP application (such as a freezer).
Cubigel models running on R600a are also in our catalogue; for their series and models, see the Cubigel compressor guide.
Refrigerant and compressor match
The Tecumseh service handbook states that hermetic compressors are designed for a specific refrigerant and asks that only the refrigerant on the serial label be used. According to the same source, using a different refrigerant can lead to excess system pressure, damage to the compressor and an explosion. The refrigerant is therefore the one named in the datasheet of the compressor model.
R290 and R600a
Secop gives the A3 safety classification for R290 and R600a. The datasheet of the Cubigel NUT 55 CA R290 in our catalogue states that the product is approved for R290 and R600a regarding explosion safety according to standards EN 60335-1 and EN 60335-2-34.
To match compressor, refrigerant and model, browse the Cubigel and Zingfa catalogues, and contact TURA Soğutma for product information.