Introduction

Genetron?134a (HFC-134a) has been developed by Honeywell to serve as one of the key substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs. Genetron?134a is a long-term, environmentally safer, non-ozone depleting substitute. As a refrigerant, it possesses similar energy efficiency and capacity characteristics as Genetron?12 and has an intrinsically low toxicity. Genetron?134a is the alternative refrigerant of choice in automobile air-conditioning. It may be used in residential and commercial refrigeration, as well as commercial, and industrial air-conditioning.

Applications

Refrigeration and air-conditioning
In the automotive industry, manufacturers are now using Genetron?134a in the air-conditioning systems in their new vehicles. Retrofit kits are being developed to permit conversion of existing auto air-conditioning systems from CFC-12 to Genetron?134a.

Genetron?134a has been developed for a number of refrigeration applications including supermarket cases, walk-in coolers and home refrigerators. Genetron?134a is also being used in some centrifugal chillers.

Genetron?134a is suitable for both new equipment and for retrofitting existing Genetron?12 commercial refrigeration systems. Generally, there will be few equipment design changes necessary to optimize the performance of Genetron?134a in these applications. For retrofitting commercial refrigeration systems, refer to Genetron?134a retrofitting guidelines.

Lubricants
Genetron?134a is being used with polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and with polyol ester lubricants. Most automotive original equipment manufacturers have chosen specific PAG lubricants for their systems. For non-automotive applications, most compressor manufacturers are recommending specific polyol ester lubricants. Users should check with the equipment manufacturer for the recommended lubricants for their system.