Honeywell has announced that Bitzer has approved the use of HFC-407F (marketed by Honeywell as Genetron® Performax™ LT refrigerant in North America) as an HCFC-22 retrofit solution for medium-temperature systems, such as supermarket refrigerated cases.

Bitzer U.S. has received approval from UL to use R-407F in its reciprocating compressors.

“This demonstrates Bitzer’s continued efforts to be on the forefront of technology, and to providing cost effective solutions to our ever-changing environmental issues,” said Kurt Bickler, national sales manager, Bitzer U.S.

According to a press release from Honeywell, R-407F “is specifically designed to replace R-22 that is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. It can be utilized in R-22 retrofits as well as in new supermarket installations.”

Honeywell said the refrigerant provides similar performance to R-22, can be retrofitted with minimum equipment modifications, has low global warming potential, and offers improved energy efficiency. The combination of these factors provides for the lowest total CO2 footprint with a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, the company said.

“Our supermarket customers not only want to keep food cold for their customers, they also want to avoid equipment malfunctions,” said Chris LaPietra, marketing manager for the refrigerants business of Honeywell Fluorine Products. “Performax LT preserves superheat. Preserving superheat prevents floodback issues, which protects expensive compressors.”

Honeywell noted that at this time, Bitzer low-temperature system conversions must be “pre-approved.” Contractors can contact a Honeywell or Bitzer representative prior to deciding to convert to low temperature Bitzer system for use with R-407F. For medium-temperature system retrofit guidelines specific to Bitzer compressors, contractors should contact Bitzer U.S. at techsupport@bitzerus.com.

Performax LT, which is manufactured at Honeywell’s refrigerant facility in Louisiana, is available through Honeywell Genetron wholesale suppliers.

For more information about R-407F, visit www.genetronperformaxlt.com.

Publication date: 06/27/2011