Prime Prime Refrigerant
Prime Refrigerant R438A (MO99) is a blend of HFC refrigerants designed to retrofit R22 installations. R438A offers similar performance to R22 usually without any need for modification to the existing R22 installation. It can be used to retrofit low temperature refrigeration equipment and air conditioning installations. It is non-toxic and non-flammable meeting the highest A1/A1 classification. According to the manufacturer R438A retrofits can be performed without oil changes dependent on system design and condition. HFC's are a type of synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) having global warming potential. To reduce emissions of these gases globally a HFC phase-down under the Montreal Protocol was agreed in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016. Commencing in 2018, the Australian phase down will conclude in 2036 reaching an 85% reduction target. Low GWP alternatives like Solstice N20 are HFC/HFO blends that could be used to retrofit current systems running on R438A. Longer term the use of HFO A2L refrigerants such as R444B (Solstice L20) will possibly be used in new equipment.
