Makawi R410A Refrigerant
Makawi R410A Refrigerant
Makawi R410A is a near-azeotropic blend of the hydrofluorocarbons difluoromethane (R-32) and pentafluoroethane (R-125). Developed to replace R-22, which damages the ozone layer, it has become the de facto standard of residential and commercial air conditioning. New split air conditioners, VRF systems, heat pumps, dehumidifiers and small chillers are all designed around this refrigerant.
Properties and performance
R410A falls in ASHRAE safety group A1: low toxicity, non-flammable. Its ozone depletion potential is zero. Under comparable operating conditions system pressures are roughly 50–60% higher than with R-22, and volumetric cooling capacity is markedly greater. This lets manufacturers deliver the same capacity in physically smaller equipment — but it also makes it essential that the line, the compressor and the gauge set are all rated for that pressure.
⚠️ Not a retrofit refrigerant
Because of its high working pressure and capacity, R410A cannot be used as a retrofit refrigerant in an existing R-22 system. It must only be run in equipment designed for R410A. To convert an R-22 system, consider R407C instead.
Lubricant
Polyol ester (POE) oil is used for proper oil return; the HFC components of R410A are not miscible with mineral oil or alkylbenzene. POE oils absorb moisture from the air very quickly — cylinder and line openings should not be left uncapped, and care is needed when working in humid conditions. Moisture in the system degrades the oil and leads to compressor failure.
Charging
Because it is a blend it must always be charged in the liquid phase; vapour charging causes the components to separate (fractionate) and shifts the blend ratio. Where vapour must be fed to the system, a valve that flashes the liquid is fitted to the charging line. Never force liquid into a running system — the compressor will be damaged. R410A requires a manifold set, recovery machine and cylinder rated for its own pressure class.
Technical data
| Composition | Difluoromethane (HFC-32, CAS 75-10-5) + Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125, CAS 354-33-6) |
| Average molecular weight | 72.6 g/mol |
| Normal boiling point | −52.0 °C (−61.6 °F) |
| Critical temperature | 72.2 °C (162 °F) |
| ASHRAE safety group | A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable) |
| Ozone depletion potential (ODP) | 0 |
| Global warming potential (GWP) | 1,725 |
| Lubricant | POE (polyol ester) |
| Packaging | 11.35 kg (25 lb) single-use steel cylinder |
Where it is used
New-generation split and multi-split air conditioners, VRF systems, air source heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and small to medium capacity chillers.
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.