REFRIGERANT SELECTION

The choice of a refrigerant depends upon the following factors:

1. Refrigeration temperature required.
2. Refrigerating capacity of plant.
3. Thermodynamic requirements: Normal boiling point, condensing and evaporating pressure, critical temperature and pressure, freezing point, volume of suction vapour per ton, COP, power consumption per ton etc
4. Chemical requirements: Flammability, toxicity, action with water and oil (mixibility), and action with materials of construction
5. Physical requirements: Dielectric strength, thermal conductivity, viscosity, heat capacity, surface tension, leak tendency and cost of refrigerant
6. Economies.
7. Equipment type and size.
8. Application.