Makawi R134a Refrigerant
Makawi R134a Refrigerant
Makawi R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is a single-component HFC refrigerant that does not harm the ozone layer. Because its properties are close to those of R-12 it took over from that refrigerant, and it is used both on its own and as a component of blends that substitute for R-502 and R-22.
Properties and performance
It is designed for the needs of medium temperature refrigeration and air conditioning systems. As a single-component fluid rather than a blend it has no temperature glide, and its composition does not change after a leak — once the leak has been repaired the charge can simply be topped up. It sits in ASHRAE group A1: the lowest toxicity and flammability rating.
Lubricant
R134a is not miscible with the mineral and alkylbenzene oils found in many older systems; it must be used with POE or, in automotive applications only, PAG oil. Both oils absorb moisture from the air rapidly, so line and cylinder openings should not be left uncapped. In retrofitted systems the residual old oil must be brought below 5% of the total oil charge. New equipment arrives already filled with the oil approved by its manufacturer.
Charging
Being single-component it can be charged either as vapour or as liquid. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions for charge quantity and method.
Retrofitting R-12 systems
R134a can be used as a retrofit refrigerant in many R-12 applications, including centrifugal chillers, semi-hermetic, reciprocating and screw compressor systems, industrial refrigeration plant and automotive systems. In a retrofit the existing oil is changed to POE (PAG in automotive). The sequence is: drain as much of the existing oil as possible, add POE, run the system on R-12 for a period; once the residual oil ratio has reached the target, recover the R-12, change the filter drier and charge R134a.
Technical data
| Composition | 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a, CAS 811-97-2) |
| Average molecular weight | 102 g/mol |
| Normal boiling point | −26.1 °C (−14.9 °F) |
| Critical temperature | 101.2 °C (214.1 °F) |
| ASHRAE safety group | A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable) |
| Ozone depletion potential (ODP) | 0 |
| Global warming potential (GWP) | 1,300 |
| Lubricant | POE — PAG in automotive systems |
| Packaging | 13.6 kg (30 lb) single-use steel cylinder |
Where it is used
Commercial and industrial medium temperature refrigeration, water chillers, refrigerators and display cabinets, automotive air conditioning, heat pumps, and the retrofit of R-12 systems.
Storage and safety
- Store cylinders upright in a cool, ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 50 °C.
- Liquid refrigerant causes frostbite on contact with skin — wear gloves and eye protection.
- The vapour is heavier than air and displaces oxygen in confined spaces, creating a risk of asphyxiation. Ventilation is essential indoors.
- Never vent to the atmosphere: recover the refrigerant with a recovery unit during service and decommissioning.
- Read the product safety data sheet (SDS) before use.
Contact the Lapin team for cylinder quantities, lead times and current pricing.