HCFC-124; Applications, properties and comparison with CFC-114

HCFC-124 (R-124) is the leading candidate to replace CFC-114 (R-114) as a refrigerant for marine refrigeration, in stationery chiller, as a component of ternary blends, and as a blowing agent. With an ozone depletion potential of 0.02 and a global warming potential of 0.10 R-124 offers attractive environmental properties. The article presents results of compatibility studies of R-124. A special focus is on its application in marine refrigeration (both shipboard and land-based) where disrupting service and without jeopardizing performance, safety or reliability of equipment. A three-phase investigation has been completed that determines general properties of R-124/lubricant mixtures, compatibility with metallic and polymeric compressor materials, and the effect of high moisture levels, which is a special consideration for marine systems. The baseline for comparison throughout these investigations was the R-114/paraffinic mineral oil mixture presently used in many marine refrigeration systems.