RP-1665 -- Examination of the Reaction of R40 with Refrigeration System

This report contains the results of ASHRAE Research project 1665, presented by McCampbell Analytical Inc, located in Pittsburg CA, USA. The purpose of this research was to investigate the reactivity of various weight % R40 in R134a, with Al alloy, POE oil and Fe, Cu, Silicate & Alumina catalysts. This investigation was prompted by three fatalities world-wide caused by the explosion of refrigeration compressors. At least three more incidents of exploding compressors without fatalities and / or of pyrophoric refrigeration fluids have been reported within the past three years at various industry conferences.