In the 1890th year there was one of the major scientific breaks. This year marked emergence of the first coolants thanks to which, today, we have conditioners and fridges though quite recently such inventions seemed impossible.
What is coolants and their characteristic
Refrigerating agents are special liquids which are exposed to phase changes from liquid to gas. Thanks to such properties, these substances are capable to absorb heat, cooling the environment.
A number of requirements have to be imposed to these substances. The main of them are:
- safety of connection;
- incombustibility;
- inertness;
- lack of toxicity.
In case these requirements are not fulfilled, connections can be not only explosive, but also life-threatening.
Whom and when the first refrigerating agents were created?
For the first time coolants appeared at the end of 1890. Frederik Svorts who synthesized HFU was a creator of unique connection. The scientist subjected to change chemical process, having replaced chlorine ions on futurid. In 1920 the connection was succeeded to improve Tomasa Midgli. The purpose he saw to introduce HFU as coolant in the industry in which ammonia, chlormethane and dioxide of sulfur was up to this point used. These compounds were harmful and rather combustible, however for the lack of alternatives were used in large-scale industry.
Dupont known was the most popular refrigerating agent these years it is more under the name ""freon"". It was one of the safest connections of the 20th century which perfectly performed the functions. However in 1970 it was proved that this connection destroys an ozone layer and it was very quickly liquidated. Connection was replaced with ammonia, but also in this case negative action on the environment was revealed. It turned out that ammonia interferes with penetration of IK-beams through the atmosphere that leads to climate change.
In the late nineties all HFU were replaced with GHFU, or hydrochlorofluorocarbon. The most popular look is R-22. These coolants had less destructive properties, however were not completely safe. Set the task for scientists - creation of eco-friendly coolant. So to the place of GHFU GFU came. This connection did not contain chlorine ions, but nevertheless destroyed an ozone layer through greenhouse gases.
Modern types of coolants
Despite destructive action, at the moment, the following types of refrigerating agents are used:
- chlorofluorocarbons (HFU);
- hydrochlorofluorocarbon (GHFU);
- hydrofluorocarbon (GFU).
These connections still destroy an ozone layer of the earth, however there are no analogs which will surpass them in physical properties still. Not so long ago European Commission removed R134A coolant which was used for operation of cars from the market. Since 2017 all registered vehicles had to pass on alternative refrigerating agents. However, researches proved that 50% of all motorists still use R134A.
Today, the market was entered by the fourth generation of coolants which will be able to replace dangerous connections. These substances have rather big thermodynamic properties and are eco-friendly. New connection which received name R12 is presented at the market. However, its physical and chemical properties considerably concede to R134A freon.
What does R12 differ from R134A in?
The refrigerating agent of R12 is very widely used in refrigeration units. If to compare two main coolants, it is possible to tell:
- evaporation power at a temperature of-7 degrees at both connections is identical, however at a temperature is lower than this figure, the cooling effect of R134A is higher. As this connection is purely forbidden, very often it is added in small quantitative contents to R12.
- coefficients of a heat transfer of both connections significantly differ. Higher coefficient is characteristic of R134A freon. It means that the effect of cooling at freon is 22% higher, than at R12.
How to convert R12 into R134A?
Converting of R12 on R134A has huge value for motorists. Practically all cars which were created till 1995 used R12 coolant. After 1995 it was succeeded by new coolant. For such motorists the special adapter which automatically transferred the car to the new cooling system was created. This information is not relevant for new models of cars as new models are equipped under R134A coolant.
Whether there are coolants which are safer, than R134A and R12?
In the 90th years was considered that these types of coolants are eco-friendly and safe. However over time this opinion changed. After cases of emergence of ozone holes and climate change were recorded, scientists struggle with creation of other substances, with similar properties.
At the moment, in the market refrigerating agents of R290 and R600A - propane and isobutane respectively are considered as the safest. These connections belong to hydrocarbons and do not contain halogens. They have high power efficiency and environmental friendliness. The only minus of these connections, as well as all hydrocarbons, their combustibility is considered. Substances very easily ignite.
Besides, are widely used, so-called ""green"" refrigerating agents. Treat them: R407C and R410A. Producers of these connections claim that substances are completely safe.
R407C coolant
On the properties this connection reminds R22 coolant. Substance represents mix of hydrofluorocarbons: a pentaftoretana, a diftormetana and 1,1,1,2 - a tetraftoretana. Coolant is widely used for service of conditioners and air cooling systems. Besides, it is used in refrigeration units of new generation. Potential of destruction of an ozone layer of R407C is 0.
R404A coolant
R404A is a modern coolant which has no smell and color, is completely nonflammable and safe. Potential of exhaustion of an ozone layer for this connection is equal to 0. Connection represents mix of hydrofluorocarbon coolants, a diftormetan and a pentaftoretan. However, this connection is very often used for refrigeration units therefore it is necessary to take the appropriate measures of caution, in avoidance of a frostbite. Coolant has higher refrigerating capacity, than R22 and R407C.
Where do use coolants?
Use of coolants, for today, is very widespread. These connections are used everywhere, contrary to opinion on standard use in the refrigeration unit or the conditioner. Let's sort the most popular ways of use of refrigerating agents.
- Use as the indicator for determination of tightness of a system in medicine and perfumery.
- Some types of coolants use for creation of fire extinguishers.
- Use for suppression of ignitions of the electric equipment.
- Air conditioning systems.
- Freezing installations and systems of hladoelement.
Still scientists are in search of that coolant which will meet all requirements. Many connections which appeared for several decades have most of them, however are unsafe and toxic. Perhaps in the future scientists will manage to synthesize completely eco-friendly connection which will be able to replace modern substances.