Opteon™ XL20 (R-454C) Refrigerant
A Low GWP Replacement for Many Diverse Industrial Systems
The refrigerant industry continues to evolve, seeking refrigerant replacements that offer both performance and environmental sustainability. Chemours is developing refrigerants that balance those properties while providing easy, cost-effective alternatives for older refrigerant systems.
With a global warming potential (GWP) of 148, the non-ozone depleting, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based Opteon™ XL20 (R-454C) refrigerant offers similar performance to the refrigerants—like R-404A and R-22—it was designed to replace.
Opteon™ XL20 allows much higher charge sizes than other highly flammable refrigerants. It is considered mildly flammable and labeled with an ASHRAE A2L safety classification. Check local regulations and standards to verify the allowable filling change, new equipment design, and safe handling requirements for its intended application.
Because this refrigerant works in low- and medium-temperature commercial/industrial refrigeration systems, choosing to convert from a R-404A or R-22 system design requires minimal changes and demands less capital and time compared to re-designing a new system or replacing an old system.
Systems where Opteon™ XL20 can be used include:
Supermarket refrigeration systems, including distributed systems, walk-in coolers/freezers, and food prep rooms
Condensing units used for food services
Cold storage
Self-contained systems
Hermetically sealed refrigeration systems
Features and Benefits
Opteon™ XL20 has a GWP of 148 (a 96% reduction versus R-404A). This falls under the important limit of 150, specified in the European Union F-Gas regulation and Ecodesign Directive, enabling Opteon™ XL20 refrigerant adoption as a long-term solution.
This refrigerant allows larger refrigerant charges versus highly flammable refrigerants with an ASHRAE safety classification of A3. (Check local regulations and standards). Opteon™ XL20 also provides:
A close performance match to R-404A and R-22
Miscibility with polyolester (POE) oil lubricants
An easy top-off after leak repair