Basic Properties (143K PDF)
Pressure-Temperature Chart (484K PDF)
Thermodynamic Properties (ENG) (2M PDF)
Thermodynamic Properties (SI) (1M PDF)
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart (ENG) (280K)
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart (SI) (359K)
MSDS

Forane® 427A refrigerant (R-427A) is a non-ozone depleting blend of HFC refrigerants R-32, R-125, R-143a, and R-134a. R-427A was developed as a retrofit refrigerant for many R-22 applications.  Please view our NEW Forane® 427A brochure at:  www.arkema-inc.com/literature/pdf/1090.pdf

Forane® 427A refrigerant is THE EASY CHOICE when it comes to retrofitting R-22 air conditioning installations and refrigerant equipment.

Performance:

• Can be used to retrofit both air conditioning and refrigeration equipment
• Better efficiency than most R-22 retrofits
• Comparable capacity vs. R-22
• Nearly identical operating pressures as R-22
• Lower discharge temperatures

• A lubricant change may not be required, but POE is always recommended for optimal performance.

 Environment:

• One of the lowest GWP refrigerants of any current major R-22 retrofit
• Zero ozone depletion
• Contains no hydrocarbons
• SNAP approved

Application:
R-427A is an R-22 retrofit for low and medium temperature refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Properties & Performance:
R-427A is designed to meet the needs of many new and existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
R-427A is a zeotropic HFC refrigerant blend, which is rated A1 by ASHRAE (lowest levels of toxicity and flammability) and has zero ozone depletion potential.  

R-427A has comparable capacity to R-22 and better efficiency than most other R-22 replacements.
R-427A’s discharge temperatures are typically 25° – 45°F lower than those of R-22, and it has one of the lowest global warming potentials (GWP) of the R-22 retrofits.

Lubrication:
Mineral oil and alkylbenzene are often acceptable with R-427A if the system has an oil separator and reliable oil return with R-22. Otherwise the oil must be changed to POE. If POE is required, usually only one change-out of the existing lubricant is needed, as R-427A can tolerate high levels of residual mineral oil or alkylbenzene remaining in the system.

Charging:
Due to the zeotropic nature of the R-427A blend, it should only be charged as liquid to prevent fractionation (changes in the designed refrigerant composition).  In situations where vapor would normally be charged into a system, a valve should be installed in the charging line to flash liquid from the cylinder into vapor. Never introduce liquid into a running system, as compressor damage may result. Manifold gage sets, charging machines and tanks used with R-22 should be compatible for use with R-427A, provided they have been properly evacuated to prevent mixing of the two gases.

Retrofit:
R-427A was developed to minimize the work necessary during an R-22 system retrofit: Therefore, retrofits to R-427A do not require change-out of expansion valves or other major components. Expansion devices may need to be adjusted to optimize system performance.

Retrofit Procedure

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. Determine if an oil change is needed. If an oil separator is currently used and reliable oil return has been established with R-22, replacement of original mineral oil or alkylbezene is often not needed (skip to step 7). If no oil separator is present, drain existing mineral oil or alkylbenzene from the compressor sump, suction line accumulators, etc. Record the amount of oil removed.

6. Add an equivalent amount of OEM recommended POE oil. In most cases, no flushing is required. Only one oil change is required with up to 15% residual mineral oil or alkylbenzene accommodated.

7. 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.

8. Charge system with R-427A refrigerant. Remove refrigerant as liquid only from cylinder. The initial weight should be approximately 95% of the standard charge for R-22, charging up to 100% if necessary.

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

10. Monitor oil level in the compressor. If necessary, adjust oil amount to attain normal operating level (mid-sight glass).

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

Properties	R-427A
Average Molecular Weight (g/mol)	90.4
Normal Boiling Point (°F)	-45.3
Critical Temperature (°F)	185.6
ASHRAE Safety Group Classification	A1
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)	0
Global Warming Potential (GWP)	2,138