What Are Hydrocarbon Refrigerants?

Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants are natural, organic compounds like methane (R-50), propane (R-290), isobutane (R-600a), and ethylene (R-1150).  They are increasingly favored as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic refrigerants (e.g., HFCs) due to their near-zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP).

HC refrigerants are non-toxic, energy-efficient, and compatible with modern HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Key Hydrocarbon Refrigerants: Definitions & Properties

Below, we break down the most common HC refrigerants, their properties, and applications:

Methane (R-50)

What is methane refrigerant used for?

Definition: Simplest hydrocarbon (CH₄), used in ultra-low-temperature industrial cooling.

Physical Properties:

Boiling Point: -161.5°C (-258.7°F)

Density: 0.717 kg/m³ at 0°C

GWP: ~25 (vs. 3,990 for R-404A)

Applications: LNG plants, cryogenic systems.

Purity: ≥99.95% (industrial grade).

 Ethane (R-170)

How does ethane compare to methane?

Definition: C₂H₆, ideal for cascade refrigeration systems.

Physical Properties:

Boiling Point: -88.6°C (-127.5°F)

Density: 1.356 kg/m³ at 0°C

Applications: Petrochemical cooling, ethylene production.

Purity: ≥99.9%, with <0.1% propane impurities.

Propane (R-290)

Why is propane a top choice for commercial refrigeration?

Definition: C₃H₈, widely used in supermarkets and heat pumps.

Physical Properties:

Boiling Point: -42.1°C (-43.8°F)

Flammability: Class A3 (low toxicity, high flammability).

GWP: 3 (negligible environmental impact).

Applications: Retail coolers, residential AC units.

Purity: ≥99.99% (high-purity grade).

Isobutane (R-600a)

What makes isobutane ideal for household refrigerators?

Definition: C₄H₁₀ isomer, known for energy efficiency.

Physical Properties:

Boiling Point: -11.7°C (10.9°F)

Density: 2.51 kg/m³ at 0°C

Applications: Domestic refrigerators, portable ACs.

Purity: ≥99.95%, moisture <10 ppm.

Ethylene (R-1150) & Propylene (R-1270)

 How do ethylene and propylene differ from other HCs?

Ethylene (C₂H₄):

Boiling Point: -103.7°C (-154.7°F)

Used in petrochemical chilling and ripening inhibition.

Propylene (C₃H₆):

Boiling Point: -47.7°C (-53.9°F)

Common in industrial heat transfer systems.

 What purity grades do you offer for HC refrigerants?

We supply hydrocarbon refrigerants in compliance with ASHRAE and ISO standards:

Standard Grade: 99.9% purity (for industrial use).

High Purity: 99.99% (for precision cooling systems).

Ultra-Pure: 99.999% (research and semiconductor applications).

Key Parameters:

Impurities: <50 ppm moisture, <100 ppm non-condensable gases.

Packaging: 10kg to 1,000kg cylinders, ISO tanks, or custom bulk deliveries.

How should hydrocarbon refrigerants be stored safely?

Ventilation: Store in well-ventilated, fireproof areas away from ignition sources.

Cylinder Integrity: Use ASME/DOT-certified containers with pressure relief valves.

Temperature Control: Avoid exposure to temperatures >50°C (122°F).

Leak Detection: Install gas sensors for flammable vapor monitoring.

Safety Note: HC refrigerants are flammable (Class A2/A3).  Follow NFPA 704 and ATEX guidelines for handling.

What regulations apply to HC refrigerant transport?

UN Codes:

Propane: UN 1978

Isobutane: UN 1969

Ethylene: UN 1962

Labeling: Flammable gas (Class 2.1), hazard diamond labels.

Documentation: SDS, shipping permits, and compliance with ADR/RID/IATA.

We specialize in secure, temperature-controlled logistics for global delivery.

Where are hydrocarbon refrigerants used?

Commercial Refrigeration: Supermarkets, cold storage (R-290, R-600a).

HVAC Systems: Energy-efficient heat pumps (R-1270, R-290).

Industrial Cooling: Petrochemical plants (ethane, ethylene).

Electronics Manufacturing: Ultra-pure methane for semiconductor cleanrooms.

Why Choose Us?

Sustainability Focus: Zero ODP, low-GWP refrigerants aligned with EU F-Gas regulations.

Custom Solutions: Blends, purities, and packaging tailored to your needs.

Safety Guarantee: Rigorous leak-testing and fire suppression-compatible