US EPA SNAP-lists Arkema’s R449B

USA: Arkema’s lower GWP R404A replacement refrigerant R449B has been SNAP-listed as suitable for use in a number of specific refrigeration applications.

Marketed as Forane 449B, the new refrigerant joins similar HFO/HFC blends R448A and R449A from competitors Honeywell and Chemours in being listed as acceptable for use in the USA. 

In this latest update of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) programme, R449B has been listed as acceptable for use in new and retrofit commercial ice machines, refrigerated transport, retail food refrigeration (refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment), retail food refrigeration-low-temperature stand-alone equipment (ie equipment designed to maintain internal temperatures at 0°C or below) and retail food refrigeration (supermarket systems and remote condensing units).

Honeywell’s R448A (Solstice N40) and Chemours’ R449A (Opteon XP40) are also listed as acceptable for new and retrofit retail food refrigeration (refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment) in this latest update. Both refrigerants were previously SNAP-listed for the other refrigeration applications last year.

All three refrigerants are non-flammable and have similar GWPs at around 1300.

Arkema’s R449B blend of R32, R125, R134a and the HFO R1234yf is very similar to the Chemours blend R449A in its make-up. Honeywell’s R448A differs in that it also includes a small amount of the HFO refrigerant R1234ze(E).