Thermophysical Properties of Environmentally Acceptable Refrigerants

Abstract

It is well known that the generalized use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) is one of the major causes contributing to the ozone depletion. Therefore it is highly recommended to banish these substances from use as soon as possible (1996), as agreed in the Copenhagen Meeting of November 1992.

The replacement of these compounds by HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) should be gradual but easy and efficient. The implementation of HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) transition compounds should be restricted to the cases where their thermophysical properties will not necessitate the quick replacement of existing equipment such as new equipment for refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, and expansion foams, as well as the construction of new plants for the manufacturing of new products. Important examples are HCFC 22 and its binary mixture with CFC 115, also known has R502.

It is of crucial importance to appeal for the governments, industry, and manufacturers of new equipment to invest in research of the thermophysical properties for the environmentally acceptable refrigerants. This investment should be channeled to university groups that have the expertise to obtain the best possible data in the shortest possible time.

To focus on this problems a Workshop was organized by PROTECT (Properties of Fluids Tomorrow, Environmental Concern Today) in Ericeira, Portugal, 19–21 November 1992. The workshop gathered thirty-eight scientists from several countries, namely: Germany, the US, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, and the UK. They discussed the measurement and correlation of transport and equilibrium properties for the alternative refrigerants, as well as future international collaborations and their coordination.

In this contribution we will report the conclusions of this workshop as well as the research currently ongoing in Lisbon in this area.