Frogen R600A

General Information

Isobutane, or R-600a, is a hydrocarbon that is used in some refrigeration equipment, such as domestic fridges or small commercial refrigerated appliances. The volumetric capacity of R-600a is approximately 50% less than that of R-12 and R-134a, so it cannot be used as a replacement for them.

When working with hydrocarbon refrigerants, it is very important that they are very pure, as if there are any impurities present (Sulphur, water, etc.) it could cause the oil lubricants in the system to degrade and damage the compressors, among other things. Furthermore, if the hydrocarbon is not very pure it can sometimes be mixed with other hydrocarbons, which can drastically alter the physical and thermodynamic properties of the original hydrocarbon.

The isobutane that is used in refrigeration applications is not odorized, as it is when used for domestic purposes (domestic hydrocarbons are odorized so they a leak can be detected quickly). It is therefore not easily detectable when there is a leak.