Technical Specifications:

Basic Properties (75K PDF)
Pressure-Temperature Chart (499K PDF)
Thermodynamic Properties (ENG) (2M PDF)
Thermodynamic Properties (SI) (1M PDF)
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart (ENG) (277K)
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart (SI) (360K)
Technical Data Sheet (77K PDF)
MSDS

Forane® 409A refrigerant (R-409A or FX-56) is a low ozone depleting blend of HCFC refrigerants
R-22, R-124, and R-142b. R-409A is formulated to closely resemble the properties of R-12.

Application:
Applications include many medium temperature refrigeration systems, vending machines, refrigerators, positive displacement chillers, humidifiers, and other systems using R-12 or R-500.

Properties & Performance:
R-409A has properties and performance similar to R-12 and R-500. Low side pressures are similar to those of R-12, while high side pressures will typically be 15 to 25 psi higher. Equal or better heat transfer characteristics are usually obtained when retrofitting from R-12 to R-409A

Lubrication:
R-409A works well with the MO or AB found in R-12 or R-500 systems, and typically does not require an oil change. For low temperature, mineral oil based R-12 applications (evaporator temperatures less than 0°F), a partial oil change (at least 30%) to alkylbenzene is recommended. R-409A is fully miscible with AB and POE oils.

Charging:
Due to the zeotropic nature of R-409A, it should be charged as a liquid to prevent fractionation (changes in refrigerant composition due to vapor charging). In situations where vapor is normally charged into a system, a valve should be installed in the charging line to flash the liquid to vapor while charging. Charging weight ratios of R-409A are usually 85 - 90% of the charge weight of R-12.

Retrofit:
R-409A is the recommended retrofit for R-12 and R-500 stationary DX systems, where an oil change to POE is not practical. R-409A is not recommended for use in automotive air conditioning system, or systems that utilize a flooded evaporator (i.e. centrifugal chillers). For these systems, R-134a is the recommended retrofit product.

Retrofitting Procedures

1. Establish baseline performance.  Note the oil type in use and any system operating data (if system is operating properly). Check for existing leaks and identify any needed repairs.

2. Recover the existing refrigerant charge (DO NOT vent to atmosphere). Weigh the amount of refrigerant removed.

3. Perform any repairs identified in step 1 and fix any leaks.

4. Replace the filter-drier, and if necessary, elastomeric seals (O-rings. sight glasses. etc.). Verify the condition of the system oil; replace if necessary.

5. Oil changes are typically not required for R-409A.  For low temperature mineral oil based systems, a partial (greater than 30%) oil change to AB is recommended.

6. Evacuate the system (less than 500 microns) and ensure it maintains a vacuum. If vacuum is lost, it may indicate that leaks are present in the system.

7. Charge system with R-409A refrigerant. Remove refrigerant as liquid only from cylinder. The initial charge amount should be approximately 85 – 90% of the standard charge for R-12 for TXV systems, and 80% for cap tube systems.

8. Adjust TXV set point and/or refrigerant charge to achieve the desired superheat. Low side pressure control settings may also need to be adjusted.

9. Monitor oil levels in the compressor. If necessary, adjust oil amounts to attain normal operating level (mid sight glass).

10. Label system clearly, indicating the type and amounts of system refrigerant and oil.

Properties	R-409A
Average Molecular Weight (g/mol)	97.4
Normal Boiling Point (°F)	-30.0
Critical Temperature (°F)	228.7
ASHRAE Safety Group Classification	A1
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)	0.05
Global Warming Potential (GWP)	1,585