EPA Proposes to Approve New Refrigerants for Use in Refrigeration and A/C Equipment
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to allow the use of five new refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The proposed rule would add HFC-32, ethane, isobutene, propane and R-441A to its list of approved refrigerants under the Significant New Alternatives Policy regulations. If the move is finalized, importers and manufacturers would be able to introduce these substances into commerce, as long as they meet certain marking and use requirements, and are only used for approved uses. Comments are due Sept. 8.
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The approved uses EPA is proposing include isobutene (R-600a) in retail food refrigeration; ethane (R-170) in very low temperature refrigeration and non-mechanical heat transfer; propane (R-290) in household refrigerators and freezers; R-441A, isobutene and propane in vending machines; and propane, difluoromethane (HFC-32 or R-32), and R-441A in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pumps.
(Federal Register 07/09/14)