R06 -- Refrigerant System Chemistry - (I-P)
System chemistry deals with chemical reactions between refrigerants, lubricants, and construction materials of various sys-tem components (e.g., compressor, heat transfer coils, connecting tubing, expansion device). Higher temperatures or contaminants such as air, moisture, and unwashed process chemicals complicate chemical interaction between components. Phase changes occur in the refrigeration cycle, and in particular the temperature extremes in a cycle from the highest discharge line temperature after the compression to the lowest evaporating temperature are of importance to the end user. This chapter covers the chemical aspects of refrigerants and lubricants, and their effects on materials compatibility. Detailed information on halocarbon and ammonia refrigerants is provided in Chapters 1 and 2, respectively. Contaminant control is discussed in Chapter 7, and lubricants are discussed in Chapter 12.More information on various refrigerants can be found in Chapters29 and 30 of the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook -- Fundamentals. Chapter Table of ContentsRefrigerants