Refrigerant Gas R-22 & R-407C for Chillers
Reynold India – Refrigerant Gas R-22 & R-407C for Chillers
Introduction
Reynold India, a leading name in industrial chiller manufacturing, has been at the forefront of delivering energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions for decades. The performance and reliability of a chiller depend significantly on the type of refrigerant gas used. Two widely used refrigerants in industrial chillers are R-22 and R-407C.
While R-22 has been a traditional choice for decades, environmental regulations have pushed the industry towards more sustainable alternatives like R-407C. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics, benefits, applications, and future prospects of R-22 and R-407C refrigerants in chillers, with insights from Reynold India’s expertise.
1. Importance of Refrigerant Gas in Chillers
Refrigerants are the lifeblood of any chiller system. Their main function is to absorb heat from the process fluid or air and release it to the environment through the evaporator and condenser cycle.
The choice of refrigerant affects:
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Cooling efficiency & performance
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Compressor life & reliability
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Energy consumption
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Environmental impact (ODP & GWP ratings)
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Compliance with global environmental standards (Montreal & Kyoto Protocols)
Reynold India carefully selects refrigerants to ensure maximum efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and long operational life of its chillers.
2. Overview of R-22 Refrigerant
2.1 What is R-22?
R-22, also known as Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22), has been the most commonly used refrigerant in commercial and industrial chillers for decades.
2.2 Key Features of R-22:
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High energy efficiency – delivers excellent cooling performance.
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Reliable & proven technology – used for over 40 years.
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Compatible with mineral oils – does not require synthetic oils.
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Lower operating pressure compared to newer refrigerants.
2.3 Environmental Impact
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Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): ~0.05
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Global Warming Potential (GWP): ~1810
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Phase-out Status: R-22 is being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties.
3. R-22 in Reynold India Chillers
3.1 Why R-22 Was Preferred in Older Chillers?
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Its thermodynamic properties suited industrial applications.
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Ease of maintenance – widely available and technicians are experienced with it.
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Cost-effective compared to alternatives (in the past).
3.2 Current Use of R-22
While Reynold India continues to service existing R-22 chillers, new chiller production is shifting towards R-407C, R-134a, and other eco-friendly refrigerants to meet environmental regulations.
4. Overview of R-407C Refrigerant
4.1 What is R-407C?
R-407C is an HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant blend, consisting of R-32, R-125, and R-134a. It is widely accepted as a drop-in replacement for R-22 in many chiller applications.
4.2 Key Features of R-407C:
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Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP = 0)
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Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP ~1770) compared to R-22
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Similar operating pressures & capacities to R-22
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Requires synthetic POE (polyolester) oil instead of mineral oil
4.3 Environmental Benefits
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No ozone depletion makes it environmentally safer.
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Fully compliant with global environmental regulations.
5. R-407C in Reynold India Chillers
5.1 Why Reynold India Recommends R-407C?
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Regulatory Compliance: R-407C meets Montreal Protocol and F-Gas regulations.
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Energy Efficiency: Excellent cooling performance with optimized compressors.
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Retrofit Option: Many R-22 chillers can be retrofitted to R-407C with minor modifications.
5.2 Applications of R-407C Chillers by Reynold India:
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Injection moulding & plastics industry
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Pharmaceutical & chemical process cooling
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HVAC & comfort cooling in commercial buildings
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Food & beverage processing industries
6. Comparison Between R-22 and R-407C
| Parameter | R-22 | R-407C |
|---|---|---|
| Type | HCFC | HFC |
| ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) | 0.05 (ozone depleting) | 0 (no ozone depletion) |
| GWP (Global Warming Potential) | ~1810 | ~1770 |
| Lubricant | Mineral oil | Synthetic POE oil |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Comparable to R-22 |
| Regulatory Status | Phased out globally | Approved for use |
| Retrofit Feasibility | N/A | Can replace R-22 in many chillers |
7. Reynold India’s Role in the Transition from R-22 to R-407C
7.1 Designing Eco-Friendly Chillers
Reynold India is continuously upgrading its chiller technology to support environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R-407C, R-134a, and R-410A.
7.2 Retrofit & Service Support
For industries still operating R-22 chillers, Reynold India provides:
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Retrofit services to convert old R-22 chillers to R-407C.
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Comprehensive maintenance & supply of genuine refrigerants.
7.3 Training & Expertise
Reynold India’s technical team trains operators and maintenance staff to handle the transition smoothly.
8. Future of Refrigerants in Chillers
The industry is moving towards low-GWP and natural refrigerants such as R-32, R-290 (Propane), and R-1234ze. Reynold India is actively researching and integrating next-generation refrigerants to stay ahead of global environmental standards.
9. Why Choose Reynold India Chillers?
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Over 29 years of expertise in industrial chillers.
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Customized solutions for process cooling & HVAC applications.
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Energy-efficient & eco-friendly design compliant with global standards.
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Pan-India service network for timely maintenance & retrofits.
10. Conclusion
The choice between R-22 and R-407C depends on regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, and long-term operational costs. While R-22 served the industry reliably for decades, its phase-out has made R-407C the preferred eco-friendly alternative for modern chillers.
Reynold India is committed to providing sustainable and high-performance chiller solutions while assisting industries in transitioning from older R-22 systems to green refrigerants like R-407C. With expert engineering, reliable service, and a focus on environmental responsibility, Reynold India continues to lead the industrial cooling sector in India.
Get in Touch with Reynold India
Website: www.reynoldindia.com
Email: chillers@reynoldindia.com
Phone: +91-9971396904
Factory: Building C-38 & 39, Sector-2, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Social Media: LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
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