Refrigerants are the working fluids in refrigeration, air-conditioning,and heat-pumping systems. They absorb heat from one area, such as anair-conditioned space, and reject it into another, such as outdoors, usually throughevaporation and condensation, respectively. These phase changes occur both inabsorption and mechanical vapor compression systems, but not in systemsoperating on a gas cycle using a fluid such as air. (See Chapter 2 for moreinformation on refrigeration cycles.) The design of the refrigeration equipmentdepends strongly on the selected refrigerant’s properties. Tables1 and 2 liststandard refrigerant designations, some properties, and safety classificationsfrom ASHRAE Standard 34.

Refrigerant Properties
Refrigerant Performance
Safety
Leak Detection
Compatibility withConstruction Materials

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