Mexichem’s AC6 refrigerant passes SAE tests

USA: The engineering group SAE says has completed testing of Mexichem’s refrigerant blend AC6 (R445A), touted as a potential low GWP replacement for R134a in car air conditioning systems.

Factory filling equipment trials along with vehicle trials with from one to three heat exchangers have been completed. SAE’s MAC Refrigerant Blend Cooperative Research Programme team also reviewed the final Phase 3 fault tree analysis based on independent assessment by the UK’s Health and Safety Laboratory in Buxton.

Mexichem’s AC6 is a mixture of 1234ze(E), 134a and CO2 (85%/9%/6%). Although in the “mildly flammable” A2L class like R1234yf, which has been rejected by Mercedes, it is said to be less flammable.

It is also described as non-flammable at normal ambient temperatures, exhibiting flammability onset (by the ASHRAE test method) between 50 and 60°C. Its flammability range is also very small with an LFL higher than 1234yf.

New blend could offer alternative to R1234yf – July 24, 2013