Refrigerator refrigerant science: R600A or R290 which is safer?

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When you move into your new home, you're so happy that you're going to stock up on seasonal fresh food with a stand-up freezer and make every meal feel like home, but in the appliance store by the salesman mouth“R600A refrigerant”, “R290 refrigerant” these terms confused, instantly confused. Don't panic, let's analyze these two kinds of refrigerant, help you choose the safest, most suitable for their refrigerator.

1.Risk of explosion

R600A, chemical name isobutane. Under normal circumstances, it works stably in the refrigerator refrigeration system. If accidentally leaked, as long as the surrounding well-ventilated, did not encounter open fire or high temperature, will not cause danger. Even if it comes into contact with the source of the fire, it will not explode instantly, but will burn slowly, and the user has enough time to deal with it, such as turning off the power of the refrigerator and opening the window for ventilation.

R290, or propane, is highly flammable and has a wide explosion limit in air. Once the leak happens, and happens to encounter open fire or high temperature, it will cause a big explosion, flame and smoke spread rapidly, causing serious harm to the surrounding objects and personnel. So R600A is more reassuring in terms of flammability risk.

2.Limit of filling volume

Because of the high explosion risk of R290, its charge must be strictly controlled very low, usually in tens of grams to more than 100 grams. A few tens of grams is the sensitive balance point, once exceeded, the freezer may become a hazard. Manufacturers use high-precision instruments and strict quality inspection procedures to ensure accurate filling.

R600A has a relatively low risk of deflagration and can be charged at an increased rate, but there is a definite upper limit, usually around 80g to 150g. This is a safe area for R600A to cool without the risk of overcharging.

Practical suggestions: when buying a refrigerator, you can ask the salesperson about the amount of refrigerant charge. If in doubt about the safety of the filling volume, you can ask to see the relevant test report of the product to ensure that the filling volume is within the safe range.

3.Safety of system design

Refrigerators using R290 refrigerant are designed with explosion-proof motors that can withstand possible explosive impacts and protect other parts of the refrigerator. At the same time, strengthen the sealing system, the use of high-quality sealing materials and advanced sealing technology, to ensure that the interface fit, to prevent refrigerant leakage. In addition, the system is equipped with multiple safety protection devices, such as leakage detection devices, overheat protection devices, etc. . If refrigerant leakage or excessive temperature is detected, an alarm will be issued and the power will be cut off automatically.

The R600A freezer system is designed to be relatively simple, but has basic safeguards. For example, to ensure that the refrigeration pipe connection is strong, to avoid refrigerant leakage in transportation and use. Some high-end R600A freezers are equipped with a leak detector that alerts the user when a leak is detected.

4.Practical application scenarios

If the refrigerator is placed in a well-ventilated kitchen, balcony and other space, air circulation is smooth, even R290 leakage can also spread rapidly, reduce the risk of explosion. Moreover, the R290 refrigeration efficiency, can quickly reduce the temperature in the refrigerator, for the need to quickly refrigeration and large storage of food, such as restaurants or frequent family party users.

If the refrigerator is placed in the bedroom, living room and other relatively closed space, air circulation, once R290 leakage, easy to reach the explosion limit concentration, causing danger. At this point, R600A freezers are safer, and their mild features and low deflagration risk are more reassuring. For example, small families, refrigerators can only be placed in the bedroom or living room, select R600A refrigerator can avoid potential safety hazards.

5.Regulations and standards

In order to ensure the safe use of refrigerant freezer, the state and industry has developed a series of strict regulations and standards. These regulations and standards on the type of refrigerant, charge, system design, safety testing and other aspects have made clear and detailed provisions. Manufacturers must strictly abide by the production of freezers, or products can not be listed for sale. Countries and industries will regularly sample the production process and products, found violations will be severely punished.

Conclusion

R600A and R290 refrigerants have their own characteristics and safety differences. R600A moderate stability, suitable for most families; R290 refrigeration efficiency, but the use of conditions and security requirements more stringent. When selecting a vertical freezer, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the factors such as explosion risk, filling amount, system design, use scenarios, regulations and standards, and make a wise choice according to actual needs, so as to select a safe and practical freezer, make life easier and easier.