World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

DuPont publishes R404A retrofit guide

XP40-retrofitUSA: DuPont has produced a must-read document for anyone considering converting an R404A or R507 system to its new alternative XP40.

With a European service ban on R404/507 systems being introduced in 2020, and with high GWP refrigerants coming under increasing pressure elsewhere, there is expected to be huge interest in lower GWP “drop-in” alternatives.

Although the conversion procedure is far from onerous, there are precautions that need to be taken and safety issues to be addressed. This is where DuPont’s Retrofit Guidelines for Stationary Refrigeration is invaluable for anyone considering converting to XP40.

Also known as R449A, DuPont’s branded Opteon XP40 was initially developed as DR33. Specifically designed as a substitute for R404A and R507, it is a blend of R32 (24.3%), R125 (24.7%), R1234yf (25.3%) and R134a (25.7%) with a GWP of 1397. Non-flammable, it has been assigned an A1 safety classification under the ASHRAE standard.

Seek advice

Although XP40 is designed specifically to replace R404A and R507 there are some differences and one of the main pieces of advice when retrofitting is to consult the component manufacturers, particularly the compressor manufacturer but also, if appropriate, the controls manufacturer.

In basic terms, XP40 will work quite happily with the existing POE lubricant but the new gas has a slightly higher discharge temperature of between 10-20K.

According to DuPont, overall system performance will be similar but compressor suction and discharge pressures will differ from R404A/R507 and it may be necessary to adjust set points and cutouts to avoid exceeding the operating limits of the compressor.

Carel-pRackReplacement of the expansion device should not be necessary but XP40 has a lower mass flow rate of around 20-25% than R404A, so some adjustment may be needed in order to reset the superheat following conversion.

With XP40’s lower mass flow rates and density, it is also recommended that the existing refrigerant line sizing is checked to verify that the system pressure drops and line velocities are acceptable.

Due to the differences in suction pressure between XP40 and R404A, it may be necessary to reset pressure regulators and pressure cutouts. The discharge pressure of XP40 is slightly lower than R404A and may require slight adjustments to condenser fans and head pressure controls.

As well as a number of other important recommendations, the document also provides a step-by-step guide to retrofitting a system, a retrofit check-list and pressure/temperature data for XP40.

Retrofit Guidelines for Stationary Refrigeration, Converting R-404A/R-507 Systems to Opteon XP40 (R-449A) Refrigerant can be downloaded here.

opteon-xp40-retrofit-comparison
Comparison of performance (click on image to enlarge)

Latest News

27th March 2024

Daikin redesigns Perfera R32 air conditioner

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has announced a next generation All Seasons Perfera R32 air conditioner with redesigned indoor and outdoor units, making them easy to install and use.
27th March 2024

Press fittings go large

UK: Conex Bänninger has expanded its >B< MaxiPro range of press fittings with the addition of a 1⅝in fitting.
27th March 2024

Distilling the zero carbon benefits of heat pumps

IRELAND: An Irish distiller is now producing carbon neutral whiskeys following the installation of high temperature heat pumps from Finnish manufacturer Oilon.
27th March 2024

Daikin acquires Danish distributor

DENMARK: Daikin has acquired its Danish HVAC distributor BKF-Klima A/S from Swedish refrigeration and air conditioning wholesaler Beijer Ref.
26th March 2024

Low carbon specialist moves to new premises

UK: Strong growth has prompted Hull-based BREng, the building services company specialising in low-carbon air conditioning and heat pump projects, to move to new offices in the city centre.
26th March 2024

RSL acquired by Belgian insulation company IPCOM

UK/IRELAND/BELGIUM: RSL Group, the long-established UK and Ireland refrigeration and air conditioning distributor, has been acquired by IPCOM, a Belgium-based distributor and converter of technical insulation.