In both the refrigeration and air conditioning industries, refrigerants play a key role. Since the 1930s, when the first synthetic gases were used, the industry has undergone a huge evolution. Changing environmental regulations and the growing need for efficient and safe installations have caused refrigerants to evolve, and with them the requirements for the installation of pipes and the used connectors.
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Refrigerants in the past: CFCs and HCFCs
The first popular refrigerants were chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-12 and R-22. They enjoyed great popularity due to their thermodynamic properties and low flammability.
They were widely used in commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and home refrigerators. Unfortunately, the discovery of their destructive impact on the ozone layer led to the introduction of global regulations that began the process of phasing out CFCs and HCFCs.
As CFCs and HCFCs were phased out, the industry turned to greener solutions. HFCs were returned, as they were supposed to be safer for the environment. Refrigerants such as R-134a and R-404A became widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Although they did not have a negative impact on the ozone layer, their high GWP also turned out to be a problem. As a result, even more environmentally friendly alternatives were sought.
Refrigerants Today: CO2, Ammonia and HFO
In response to global climate change and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the refrigeration industry has begun to implement greener refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO2, R-744), ammonia (R-717), propane (R-290) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) such as R-1234yf.
CO2, despite being a demanding refrigerant due to its high operating pressures, has gained popularity in large refrigeration systems, such as those used in supermarkets. Ammonia, which has been used in industrial refrigeration for years, is also valued for its exceptional thermodynamic properties. HFOs, on the other hand, are modern refrigerants with a very low GWP, which are gradually replacing HFCs.
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K65, >B< ACR and >B< MaxiPro connectors and modern refrigerants
The technological changes associated with the evolution of refrigerants have also had a major impact on the requirements for the installation of pipelines and fittings used in refrigeration systems. Depending on the type of refrigerant, the working pressure and the specifics of the system, different fittings are used, such as K65, >B< ACR and >B< MaxiPro fittings .
K65 System
K65 fittings are designed for modern refrigeration systems using high pressure refrigerants such as CO2 (R-744). CO2 is increasingly used in refrigeration systems, especially in larger installations such as supermarkets, where high efficiency and low operating costs are required.
K65 fittings are made of a copper-iron alloy (a material developed together with Wieland), which gives them exceptional mechanical strength while maintaining ease of installation. They are ideal for pressures up to 130 bar, making them an excellent solution for CO2 installations. In addition, the K65 system ensures simplicity in installation, which speeds up project implementation and increases the safety of installers.
>B< ACR
>B< ACR (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) are traditional copper fittings that are widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems using refrigerants such as HCFC, HFC, HFO and HC. The connection of the fittings to the pipes is achieved by capillary brazing, using solders containing at least 2% silver.
>B< MaxiPro
>B< MaxiPro connectors are an innovative solution that is becoming increasingly popular in the refrigeration industry. This press-fit system has been designed for quick and safe assembly without the need for soldering. The use of >B< MaxiPro in installations significantly speeds up the installation process, eliminating the need for open flames, which increases work safety.
>B< MaxiPro is perfect for refrigeration and air conditioning installations using refrigerants such as HFC, HFO and propane.
Compared to traditional brazing methods, the >B< MaxiPro series offers a number of benefits, such as time savings, no nitrogen purge during connection, reduced risk of fire and increased durability of the installation. For installers and designers of refrigeration systems, the >B< MaxiPro is a modern and effective solution that meets the needs of today's installations.
Which connectors should I choose?
With the evolution of refrigerants, from CFC and HCFC to HFO, CO2 or ammonia, changes have also occurred in the technology of installing refrigeration systems. Connectors such as K65, >B< ACR and >B< MaxiPro are therefore a response to the growing requirements for working pressures, safety and efficiency of installations, as well as ecology.
Depending on the refrigerant used, choosing the right fittings is key to ensuring the longevity and reliability of the system. K65 is suitable for high-pressure CO2 systems, >B< ACR is a universal solution for most traditional refrigerants and refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and the >B< MaxiPro press-fit system offers a modern solution, ideal for quick and safe installations.
Changing environmental requirements and regulations mean that the future of the refrigeration industry will require even greater flexibility and innovation in the technologies used.
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