Multi-blend HC refrigerants HCR188C/R441A and HCR188C/R443A

Developed by A.S. Trust & Holdings and manufactured in Texas by ComStar International, multi-blend hydrocarbon refrigerants HCR188C/R441A and HCR188C/R443A are designed as energy saving, climate friendly alternatives to synthetic refrigerants such as R134A and R22. Advantages of the products include reduced charge, lower flammability and flexible operational properties.

The refrigerant HCR188C/R441A, a blend of ethane, propane, isobutane and n-butane, has already received approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for usage in residential refrigerators and stand-alone freezers and vending machines.

Other applications for the HCR188C/R441A submitted for SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) approval are:

Residential window air-conditioners
Automotive air-conditioning systems and retrofit safety valve (this refrigerant was originally developed for automotive applications)
Refrigerated transport systems and commercial refrigerators, stand-alone freezers and display cases

Whereas the refrigerant HCR188C/R443A, a blend of propylene, propane and isobutane , has been developed for residential central split-system air conditioning, heat pumps and portable (floor) air conditioning systems. HCR188C/R443A is a replacement for R22 and R410A.

Advantages of the HC multi-blends

HCR188C/R441A operates with mineral oil and can be used as a direct replacement in residential appliances, commercial refrigeration units and automotive cooling systems designed for R12 and R134A. The blend functions with only one-fourth of the amount that an HFC refrigerant does, which can reduce the flammability factor that hydrocarbons pose.

Other advantages of both HCR188C/R441A and HCR188C/R443A are:

Flexible operational properties allow refrigerant to be “tuned” to the application as opposed to working under one set of operating conditions
Smaller size system components necessary/ reduced wear
Improved cooling capacity
Faster cooling operation
Energy saving
Climate friendly

According to developer A.S. Trust & Holdings and manufacturer ComStar, the product can incentivise compressor manufacturers to develop systems for the lower refrigerant volumes offered by HCR188C/R441A and HCR188C/R443A. In addition, some refrigeration systems could benefit from using a temperature-control system with adjustable parameters to recognise the lower pressure operation of HCR188C/R441A and HCR188C/R443A.

The American-developed products have been recently commercialised in Japan through a new exclusive distributor Newtech Co., Ltd. (http://www.Newtech-jp.com). The HC multi-blends Manufactured in Texas by ComStar International.

About A.S. Trust & Holdings

Located in Hawaii, A.S. Trust & Holdings has developed a line of refrigerants based on a blend of pure hydrocarbons. The unique formula of the initial product has been designated R441A by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) since January 2011.

About ComStar International Inc.

ComStar International Inc. is a New York based company specialising in the development, manufacturing and marketing environmentally safe, industrial strength chemical products for the HVAC&R sector. ComStar distributes more than 300 specialty chemical products specifically designed to save energy, protect the environment and provide user safety. Outside the U.S., ComStar has operations in China, Japan, the UK and Canada.