R404A is a HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant blend designed to replace R502 and R22 in low and medium-temperature commercial refrigeration applications. It is a near-azeotropic mixture consisting of R125 (44%), R143a (52%), and R134a (4%).
General Characteristics
- Environmental Profile: It has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 0. However, it has a very high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3922, which makes it a primary target for phase-out regulations (like the EU F-Gas Regulation).
- Safety Classification: Rated as A1 (Non-flammable and non-toxic) by ASHRAE.
- Temperature Glide: Although it is a blend, its temperature glide is very low (less than 0.5 K), making it behave almost like a single-component gas.
- Lubrication: It is not compatible with mineral oils. It must be used with POE (Polyolester) synthetic lubricants.
- Performance: Known for its high cooling capacity and reliability in extreme low-temperature conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
| Components | R125 / R143a / R134a |
| Molecular Weight | 97.6 g/mol |
| Boiling Point (at 1 atm) | -46.5 °C (-51.7 °F) |
| Critical Temperature | 72.1 °C (161.8 °F) |
| Critical Pressure | 37.3 bar (540.9 psia) |
| Liquid Density (at 25°C) | 1044 kg/m³ |
| Vapor Pressure (at 25°C) | 12.6 bar (182.7 psia) |
| Safety Group | A1 |
Typical Applications
- Commercial Refrigeration: Supermarket display cases, walk-in freezers, and reach-in coolers.
- Industrial Cooling: Food processing plants and cold storage warehouses.
- Transport Refrigeration: Refrigerated trucks, trailers, and marine shipping containers.