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

Koura’s R473A brings lower GWP for ultra-low temps

USA: Refrigerant manufacturer Koura has launched a refrigerant with a significantly lower GWP than existing HFCs currently being used in ultra-low temperature cooling applications.

The new refrigerant has been designated as R473A and proposed as an A1 classification by ASHRAE. To be branded as Klea 473A, Koura says it is designed to achieve high performance in ultra-low temperature cooling applications such as high value cold chains, vaccine storage, climate test chambers, transportation and other medical uses. It is said to be effective to at least -75°C.

The new gas has a GWP of 1830 which, although still relatively high, is significantly lower than the current low temperature refrigerants R23 and R508, with their respective GWPs of 14,800, and 13,396. In addition, R473A is said to offer better capacity and energy efficiency than R23.

Not that R23 is completely eradicated by the new refrigerant. R473A contains 10% R23, but blends this with 60% CO2, 20% of the HFO refrigerant R1132a, and 10% R125.

R1132a, with a GWP of <1 is relatively new to the refrigerant sector but is currently produced in large quantities as a major component in the manufacture of PVDF fluoropolymers.

Game changer

Koura describes the new refrigerant as “a game changing solution” to the ever- increasing demand for ultra-low temperature refrigerants across various industries. The company says it is currently in discussions with relevant stakeholders in a range of applications including deep sea shipping and bio-medical storage. This includes potential application in vaccine storage to support the fight against Covid-19. 

R473A has been designed for new systems but Koura says it is currently evaluating the feasibility of converting existing systems designed for R23 to use it.

“The launch of Klea 473A is an exciting milestone in our next generation refrigerant programme which aims to develop a new portfolio of sustainable, energy efficient, low GWP refrigerant solutions for a variety of heating, cooling and refrigeration applications,” said Koura downstream business director Dave Smith.

Latest News

28th March 2024

Copeland releases 50hp scroll in Asia

CHINA: US compressor manufacturer Copeland is to launch a 50hp scroll for heat pump OEMs in Asia.
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.