FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
PRODUCT PACKAGING SIZES
EQUIVALANCIES TO R12 AND R134a
CHARGING INSTRUCTIONS
USAGE & INSTALLATION
TOXICITY & CORROSIVENESS
FLAMMABILITY
ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFICIENCY & EFFECTIVENESS
MISCELLANEOUS
DURACOOLŽ Refrigerants are
the leading hydrocarbon refrigerant on the market today and that's because it
provides consistently superior cooling capabilities and boasts all the
qualities of a product that is not only safe and highly efficient but it is
also NON OZONE-DEPLETING and NON GLOBAL-WARMING. Here are the facts:
NON CORROSIVE - WON'T
HARM AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENTS:
Guaranteed in writing!
Over 5 million plus
vehicles converted in the last 5 years.
System head pressures
greatly reduced from R134a systems - similar to R12 systems
MUCH COOLER &
MORE EFFICIENT! VERY SIMPLE INSTALL!
Cools extremely better
than R134a - Cools marginally better than FREON
Up to 35% more
efficient than R134a - Moderately more efficient than FREON
VERY SIMPLE INSTALL!
Simple economical
conversions of high/low screw on fittings - NO RETROFIT REQUIRED!
Compatible with mineral
& synthetic oils including Pag & Ester - NO OIL CHANGE REQURED!
No special equipment
required for installation. Use your R12 or R134a equipment and tools
Requires only 40% of
charge by weight of R134a and 35% of FREON R12
BETTER PERFORMANCE
AND SAFETY!
Patented hydrocarbon
friction fighter enhances performances and safety
Auto ignition of 1635°F is
ACTUALLY a higher auto ignition than R134a which is 1328°F
Absolutely non-toxic -
100% natural organic product
The DURACOOLŽ hydrocarbon
refrigerants are available in three packaging sizes.
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ˇ 6 oz. cans (equivalent to 17 oz. R-12 / 15
oz. R-134a) |
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ˇ 30 lb. cylinder (equivalent to 30lbs 134a
/34.4lbs R12) |
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ˇ 50 lb. cylinder (equivalent to 50lbs
134a/57lbs R12) |
EQUIVALANCIES
TO R12 AND R134a
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DURACOOLŽ LIMITED |
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R E F R I G E R A N T S
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A natural solution to a
global dilemma |
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REFRIGERANT QUANTITY EQUIVALENT
BY WEIGHT |
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DURACOOL 12aŽ |
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|
HFC 134a |
CFC 12 |
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|
1
oz |
|
|
|
|
2.5
oz |
|
2.8
oz |
|
|
2
oz |
|
|
|
|
5.0
oz |
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5.7
oz |
|
|
3
oz |
|
|
=
1/2 can |
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7.5
oz |
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8.5
oz |
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|
4
oz |
|
|
|
|
10
oz |
|
11.4
oz |
|
|
5
oz |
|
|
|
|
12.5
oz |
|
14.2
oz |
|
|
6
oz |
|
|
=
1 can |
|
15
oz |
|
17
oz |
|
|
7
oz |
|
|
|
|
1 lb. |
1
oz |
1 lb. |
4
oz |
|
8
oz |
|
|
|
|
|
4
oz |
|
6
oz |
|
9
oz |
|
|
=
1 ˝ cans |
|
|
6
oz |
|
9
oz |
|
10
oz |
|
|
|
|
|
9
oz |
|
12
oz |
|
11
oz |
|
|
|
|
|
11
oz |
|
15
oz |
|
12
oz |
|
|
=
2 cans |
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|
14
oz |
2 lb. |
2
oz |
|
13
oz |
|
|
|
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2 lb. |
|
|
5
oz |
|
14
oz |
|
|
|
|
|
3
oz |
|
8
oz |
|
15
oz |
|
|
=
2 ˝ cans |
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|
5
oz |
|
10
oz |
|
1 lb. |
(16
oz) |
|
|
|
|
8
oz |
|
13
oz |
|
|
1 oz |
|
|
|
|
10
oz |
3 lb. |
|
|
|
2 oz |
|
=
3 cans |
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|
13
oz |
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3
oz |
|
|
3 oz |
|
|
|
|
15
oz |
|
6
oz |
|
|
4 oz |
|
|
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3 lb. |
2
oz |
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9
oz |
|
|
5 oz |
|
=
3 ˝ cans |
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|
3
oz |
|
12
oz |
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|
6 oz |
|
|
|
|
7
oz |
|
14
oz |
|
|
7 oz |
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|
|
|
9
oz |
4 lb. |
1
oz |
|
|
8 oz |
|
=
4 cans |
|
|
12
oz |
|
4
oz |
|
|
9 oz |
|
|
|
|
14
oz |
|
7
oz |
|
|
10 oz |
|
|
|
4 lb. |
1
oz |
|
10
oz |
|
|
11 oz |
|
=
4 ˝ cans |
|
|
3
oz |
|
13
oz |
|
|
12 oz |
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|
6
oz |
5 lb. |
|
|
|
13 oz |
|
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|
|
8
oz |
|
2
oz |
|
|
14 oz |
|
=
5 cans |
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|
11
oz |
|
5
oz |
|
|
15 oz |
|
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|
|
13
oz |
|
8
oz |
|
2 lb. |
|
|
|
|
5 lb. |
|
|
11
oz |
|
|
1 oz |
|
=
5 ˝ cans |
|
|
2
oz |
|
14
oz |
|
|
2 oz |
|
|
|
|
5
oz |
6 lb. |
1
oz |
|
|
3 oz |
|
|
|
|
7
oz |
|
4
oz |
|
|
4 oz |
|
=
6 cans |
|
|
10
oz |
|
6
oz |
|
|
5 oz |
|
|
|
|
12
oz |
|
9
oz |
|
|
6 oz |
|
|
|
|
14
oz |
|
12
oz |
|
|
7 oz |
|
|
|
6 lb. |
1
oz |
|
15
oz |
|
|
8 oz |
|
|
|
|
4
oz |
7 lb. |
2
oz |
|
|
9 oz |
|
|
|
|
6
oz |
|
5
oz |
|
|
10 oz |
|
=
7 cans |
|
|
9
oz |
|
8
oz |
|
|
11 oz |
|
|
|
|
11
oz |
|
10
oz |
|
|
12 oz |
|
|
|
|
14
oz |
|
13
oz |
|
|
13 oz |
|
=
7 ˝ cans |
|
7 lb. |
|
8 lb. |
|
|
|
14 oz |
|
|
|
|
3
oz |
|
3
oz |
|
|
15 oz |
|
|
|
|
5
oz |
|
6
oz |
|
3 lb. |
|
|
=
8 cans |
|
|
8
oz |
|
9
oz |
CHARGING
INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for your interest in our product. Using DURACOOL 12aŽ to replace
freon and / or r-134a is extremely easy. DURACOOL 12aŽ is compatible with both
mineral and synthetic oils found in both systems. We recommend that you use the
oil that was originally installed in the system, mineral in old R12 systems and
synthetic oil in old R134a systems.
To replace Freon with
DURACOOL 12aŽ requires the removal of all existing refrigerant. Charge the
DURACOOL 12aŽ using 35% of the original (Freon) charge weight listed on the
system tag. eg; system tag calls for 40oz of Freon, use 14oz DURACOOL 12aŽ.
Since DURACOOL 12aŽ is compatible with the mineral oils there is no need to
change or flush your system. DURACOOL 12aŽ will work with the existing
components. Pull a vacuum to at least -10 in hg.
To replace r-134a with
DURACOOL 12aŽ you must remove all the existing r-134a. Charge the DURACOOL 12aŽ
using 40% of the original (r-134a) charge weight listed on the system tag. eg;
system tag calls for 40oz of r-134a, use 16oz DURACOOL 12aŽ. Since DURACOOL
12aŽ is compatible with the synthetic oils there is no need to change or flush
your system. DURACOOL 12aŽ will work with the existing components. Pull a
vacuum to at least -10 in hg.
In Canada there are no
requirements regarding the conversion of Freon / r-134a to DURACOOL 12aŽ.
The USA EPA requires that
the Freon system be retrofitted to r-134a prior to the use of DURACOOL 12aŽ in
such systems. The EPA does not state what constitutes a retrofit, but at
minimum you must change your high and low side fittings and properly label your
system.
CHARGING PROCEDURE
1. Recover any existing refrigerant charge into a suitable container,
regulations vary by region and the recovery of existing refrigerant may need to
be completed by an authorized technician. Leak test the system, if a leak is
detected the system must be repaired prior to charging. DURACOOL 12aŽ is
flammable and should only be leak tested with an electronic hydrocarbon leak
tester, soap bubbles or fluorescent tracer fluid. If leaks are detected,
ventilate area, keep away from flames and repair the leak. After repair,
continue with the charging procedure. Pull a vacuum of at least 25 cm Hg (10 in
Hg).
2. Locate low side service
port of the AC system. Generally it will have a blue or a black cap (Do not
connect to high-pressure side. This may cause the components to fail and cause
bodily injury.)
3. Remove low side dust
cap. Connect hose to system by pushing on to the male service port fitting;
ensure that the coupler fits snugly into place. The installation of conversion
service port fittings may be required to permit connection.
4. Using only a device
designed for the purpose, connect charging hose to the DURACOOL 12aŽ container.
Ensure that you are only charging liquid DURACOOL 12aŽ into the low side of
system.
5. After a minimum charge
is achieved, start compressor and set system to high. When compressor cycles on
and off about every 45 to 60 seconds stop the flow of refrigerant. Check vent
for cooling. If cooling is inadequate or compressor is cycling excessively add
small amounts of DURACOOL 12aŽ by opening and closing valve handle. Low side
pressures should read between 30 and 38 psi.
6. Do not overfill.
Exercise patience and let the system operate for several minutes before adding
refrigerant.
7. Apply refrigerant
identification tag on dry area near installation port.
8. DO NOT OVERCHARGE!
Exceeding 60 psig on low side may damage compressor. In some cases, clearing
the site glass overcharges the unit. Any overcharging may cause loss of cooling
efficiency.
When charging systems with
DURACOOL 12aŽ the pressures should be the same for the low side and about 5-10%
lower on the high side than they would be if you were to use R-12 or R-134a.
Is DURACOOL 12aŽ a
"drop in replacement"?
It is important to understand that there are two types of automobile air
conditioning units, those charged with R12 and those charged with R134a (R134a
is in all automobiles manufactured after 1994, some during 1993). DURACOOL 12aŽ
is a drop in replacement for R134 automobiles, but requires a high and a low
side fitting to convert R12 systems. This is a very inexpensive conversion
(generally under $20).
Does the system need to
be completely empty?
Although mixing DURACOOL 12aŽ with R12 or 134a in your AC system would not
damage or harm your system, it is illegal to charge your AC system without
first evacuating the refrigerant that is currently in the AC unit.
Are the pressure and volume
charts absolutely correct?
No, just like any other refrigerant, the pressure and volume charts should be
used as a GUIDE.
We have found that you can
have three of the same cars, same age, and they will all take different amounts
of refrigerant, not significant differences, but different in volume still. The
key is to use the chart as a guide rather than the rule. Often systems have
component changes such as longer or shorter hoses - these types of changes may
affect the volume which will affect the stated or recommended charge.
I'm charging a car and
it's not going into the system, what's wrong?
It could be one of a number of issues:
If the compressor is
working well and the kit seems to be working well but the refrigerant is not
flowing into the system, you can contact us at (780) 449-4777.
Why can't I fit the low
side fitting on to my low side?
The low fittings are internationally generic on every R134a system. This would
mean everything from 1993/94 onwards. The high side fittings have changed
slightly during specific model years but generally the DC401 or 403 kits should
accommodate most models and years.
If you find that the
fitting appears to be too large to fit the hose attachment, this means that you
are trying to fit the hose onto the "high fitting".
The low fitting is usually
on the line from the accumulator or on the accumulator itself. The accumulator
generally sits (on most cars) to the left of the engine rear (when facing the
automobile as the installer). A line will run from the compressor to the
accumulator, through the accumulator and run down towards the firewall. The low
side fitting will be somewhere between the compressor and the firewall
(generally); however, there are some cars that have their low side fitting
under the car before the hose runs back into the compressor (such as some '92
Pontiac Grand Prix's which is right underneath the car). If the low side cannot
be located, our technical assistance line may be able to locate it in the
Mitchell Automotive Air Conditioning and Heating manual(s) - if the low fitting
has been indicated on the engine diagrams. If not available, the only
alternative is to contact a dealership and request further information.
How come the air is too
cold/too warm?
Too warm:
Too cold:
When you reclaim
DURACOOLŽ do you have to use separate containers from the other refrigerants if
you are not reusing and if you are reusing.
Whether you are reusing the refrigerant or arranging for disposal, you should
always use separate reclaiming bottles for different refrigerants, for the
following reasons; reused refrigerants cannot be blended by law and secondly,
disposal of the individual refrigerants require different disposal procedures.
Can you use the same
tank for different refrigerants? Is there residual refrigerants left in the
cylinders?
Yes you can use the same cylinders and there will be some residual refrigerant
left in the cylinder, but not enough to affect performance.
When you recycle does
the oil separate, friction-fighting additive.
The oil will not separate when the refrigerant is being recycled and will not
separate when a system has leaked.
What setting should the
evacuator be on when evacuating a system?
Vacuum settings should be set between 7-15 inches on the low side ideally. If a
major evacuation has happened and a major component has been changed such as a
compressor or evaporator then a hard vacuum should be pulled to 29 inches.
Does high head pressure
get dangerous as it goes up? What is the maximum head pressure.
High head pressures can damage the compressor and other components, this is one
of the attributes of DURACOOLŽ in that it allows AC systems to operate
effectively at lowered head pressures. Because damage can occur if head
pressures are very high, it is important to be cognazant of this and measure
the psi accordingly. On the high side, head pressures should not exceed 260.
Will this product harm
my evacuator?
Absolutely not, it is not corrosive and therefore cannot harm your evacuator.
DURACOOLŽ is one of the friendliest products produced today. It will actually
enhance performance and provide natural lubrication.
Will DURACOOLŽ harm my
Air Conditioning and/or it's components?
DURACOOLŽ will not harm your AC system or it's components. In fact, it will
actually add life to air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. This is
because it is non-corrosive as compared to R134a and the R22 products that may
breakdown into highly corrosive components.
Is DURACOOLŽ toxic?
No. DURACOOL 12aŽ is non-toxic, and totally organic. This is one of the major
differences between the DURACOOL 12aŽ product and the R134a product that is
highly toxic.
Is DURACOOLŽ flammable?
Like all hydrocarbons, DURACOOLŽ is flammable, and must be handled accordingly.
Practically all lubricants, additives and oils used in the engine of a car are
flammable. Gasoline is flammable. Hair spray, deodorant and whipped cream
aerosol propellants are flammable. All must be transported, handled and
utilized (or installed) using safe practices and following instructions where
possible.
Have there been studies
to determine the potential level of incidence, in terms of ignited automobile
compartment leakage?
Internationally respected risk assessors Arthur D. Little, in a detailed
UK-based study, estimated the risk of an ignited refrigerant leak in the
passenger compartment of a motor vehicle as being in the area of 3 in 10
million. Their findings, from a local perspective, mean that if every car in
the USA (some 50 to 60 million vehicles) were to use a hydrocarbon refrigerant
such an accident might occur once in every 50 years.
What would the impact of
and "incident level, once every 50 years" ignited automobile
compartment leakage actually be?
In terms of the "impact", it is important to recognize that
automobiles generally have 12-15 ounces of DURACOOLŽ refrigerant. If there were
a full amount leak into an automobile compartment and it ignited, it would
theoretically create a "flash" which would last 1-1.5 seconds.
What is the auto
ignition for the DURACOOL 12aŽ product?
The world recognized LPG laboratory, SIMTARS, in Australia, has certified the
ignition temperature of DURACOOL 12aŽ as being 1635°F or 891°C. SIMTARS reports
(B/R 1/081 294) determined that the "temperature of probe at
ignition" was:
|
% Gas in Air
|
There are eminent Risk
Assessment Reports available which document the safety of hydrocarbon
refrigerants in motor vehicle air conditioning systems.
What is the difference
between regular propane and the refrigerant propane that is used to manufacture
the DURACOOLŽ products?
The propane that is regularly used for barbecues, and general consumer or
commercial use is a by product of the hydrocarbon manufacturing process (the
production and refining of raw oil products). The propane used for standard
applications (such as your home barbecue). In order to utilize the product as
"refrigerant grade" the product is further refined to render out
methane gases and other impurities. This refrigerant propane is different in
many ways, most notably is the disparity in the auto ignition. Essentially this
refining makes the product safer and more stable. The Auto ignition for regular
grade propane is 842 F, while the DURACOOLŽ product's auto ignition is 1635 F.
Why does DURACOOLŽ have
the scent of propane?
The additive "ethyl mercaptin" is actually a stenching agent that is
added for safety reasons. Mercaptan, as it is commonly known, is added to
natural gas, propane, butane and virtually all gases as an agent that will
alert the user to any leakage. The addition of mercapan should be viewed as
a safety feature (see below). Mercaptan is also condensable in the AC
system and cannot limit performance in any way and will not negatively impact
components. The mercaptan smell is not detectable under regular working
conditions or under normal install conditions.
Note: It is important to
recognize that, whether a refrigerant is toxic or flammable, the risk of
leakage into the automobile compartment is very, very minimal. The great thing
about DURACOOL 12aŽ is that the product provides for a built-in safety feature
that ensures IMMEDIATE notification to the driver and the driver's family when
there is a leak. Overall, the safety aspects of the DURACOOLŽ Refrigerants by
far outweigh those of the toxic alternatives available today.
Is DURACOOLŽ
Environmentally friendly?
Yes. The DURACOOLŽ line of products is NON-OZONE DEPLETING and NON-GLOBAL
WARMING. Only hydrocarbon refrigerants can claim to achieve both of these
criteria. GREENPEACE have been long singing the praises of the hydrocarbon
technology, and encouraging governments and industry to adopt it over the
current products.
Is Global Warming really
an issue?
The Government first found that use of R12 greatly contributes to the depletion
of our ozone and has accordingly outlawed the use of the R12 through a
phased-out plan that was greatly accelerated. Now the Government has found that
134a greatly contributes to the high global warming potential (GWP). The GWP
issue has been the focus of the Kyoto Protocol Branch of the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization and the issues of temperature changes
throughout the world are receiving a great deal of focus. In fact, there has
been an agreement with the countries in the United Nations to go forth with a
gradual phase-out of HFC's such as R-1349 (following in the footsteps of R12).
We anticipate that the phase-out will be accelerated just as the R12 phase-out
was as investigation and forecasting of global warming is completed and
published.
Does Environment Canada
endorse this product?
Environment Canada does not endorse or approve any refrigerant. They do,
however, regulate refrigerants that are found to be harmful to the environment
(products such as R12 and R134a, both of which are regulated by Environment
Canada). Because DURACOOLŽ is not harmful to the environment, this product is
not regulated.
IS DURACOOL 12aŽ
efficient?
Yes. It has been found to operate even more efficiently than FREON R12, and significantly
better than 134a. We have recorded energy savings up to 35%. There are also
efficiency increases over the long term because the DURACOOL 12aŽ offers
longevity to the air conditioning systems and components. This equates to long
term savings on repairs and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning
equipment.
Do you have clear
supporting evidence of higher efficiency, etc?
DURACOOLŽ labs have converted and documented the energy effectiveness and the
superior cooling capabilities. These studies are available through our customer
service department of Deepfreeze Refrigerants, the contact information can be
found at the back of this document.
Does DURACOOLŽ
manufacture any other hydrocarbons under private label?
No, however, there have been businesses in the US, Canada or via the Internet
which have claimed that their product is DURACOOLŽ "private labeled"
and this is absolutely untrue. These businesses are attempting to pass off a
poor quality product using the DURACOOLŽ name for its reputation and
acknowledged level of integrity.
I've been informed that
if I put DURACOOLŽ in my AC system, that it will void the compressor warranty.
Many compressor manufacturers claim that they will void a warranty if there is
any product other than R12 or R134a installed in the system. We can only
speculate as to why this statement has been made, with all the benefits over
the 134a product. This statement is biased and demonstrates a strong allegiance
between the OEMs and the compressor manufacturers - such is business these
days. These statements are made despite the fact that the DURACOOLŽ product is
less corrosive and has been repeatedly tested and proven to NOT harm any
portion of the air conditioning system.
Although the compressor
companies have made this statement it is virtually untrue. Additionally,
compressor manufacturers freely admit that their business is fully aware that
DURACOOLŽ cannot harm the system. Compressor manufacturers also freely admit
that they do not return compressors when DURACOOLŽ is installed, although their
printed warranty states otherwise.
Are the DURACOOLŽ
products guaranteed?
Yes. DURACOOLŽ LIMITED guarantees that the DURACOOLŽ products will perform as
an efficient refrigerant, and will not harm any air conditioning or
refrigeration components and equipment.
Where is DURACOOLŽ
Manufactured?
The DURACOOLŽ product is manufactured by DURACOOLŽ LIMITED. DURACOOLŽ is a
company incorporated and operating in Alberta, Canada. DURACOOLŽ has made
Quality Control the over-riding goal, and offer comprehensive technical and
back up service. The company is built on integrity and professionalism, and
their distributors and employees reflect this in their work ethics and honesty.
Is DURACOOLŽ
all-natural?
Yes, DURACOOLŽ is absolutely all natural and organic. All components and
additives are also natural and organic and the blends are fully
"condensable" which means that they condense within the AC system.
Are hydrocarbons used in
other areas of the world?
Overall, the experiences in Europe with ozone depletion and global warming have
facilitated the need for government and industry to recognize and deal with the
ever-growing environmental issues that face the planet. This has essentially
galvanized many world leaders and governments to swing in behind the trend to
hydrocarbon technology.
Overseas, there have been
over 8 million domestic refrigerators and freezers manufactured out of Germany
over the last few years alone, using hydrocarbon refrigerant.
Europe has adopted a new
Standard (EN-378) that recognizes the use of hydrocarbons. The Danish
government has embraced the use and development of hydrocarbons and
applications. German technology is leading the world in applications of
hydrocarbon technology in domestic refrigeration.
Most countries have
embraced the commitment of the Kyoto agreement to phase out HFCs, which
includes the R134a product, and all SNAP approved products. Most
countries have recognized that the only alternative is hydrocarbons.
Have there been many
automobiles converted to Hydrocarbons? What do you base your conversion
estimates on?
In Canada and the United States it is estimated that there have already been
approximately 5.5 million conversions to hydrocarbon refrigerants within
automobiles. These estimates have been based solely on the sales figures for
hydrocarbon refrigerant sales (since 1990) and the average system installation
charge.
Does DURACOOL 12aŽ
contain an additive?
Yes. It is a patented special mineral-based additive that we import especially
for our manufacturing process. The additive is a hydrocarbon friction fighter,
and a lubricant that enhances performance and safety to both DURACOOL 12aŽ and
the equipment that it operates in.
Are there major
differences between the DURACOOL 12aŽ product and the HFC R134a product?
Yes, incredibly so! This
chart clearly illustrates the differences:
|
DURACOOLŽ |
HFC R134a |
|
Non
Global Warming (GWP negligible) |
Global
Warming (GWP of 3200 on Greenpeace calculations and publications) |
|
Both products non-ozone
depleating |
|
|
Non
Toxic |
|
|
Compatible
with both mineral and synthetic oils, including PAG and ester oils. |
Not
compatible with mineral oils. Need Ester and PAG oils. Ester oils are very
hydroscopic. PAG oils are subject to toxic registration in certain
states/regions. |
|
Non
corrosive |
Highly
Corrosive |
|
Pressure
"high side" of MVACS approx. 150 psi |
Pressure
"high side" on MVACS approx. 300 psi |
|
Energy
efficient compared to FREON R12 |
Not
energy efficient compared to FREON R12 |