MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Honeywell launched Genetron® Performax™ LT, a commercial supermarket refrigerant “designed to provide superior performance in both new equipment and HCFC-22 retrofits,” according to the manufacturer.

The HFC provides similar performance to R-22, but requires fewer equipment modifications with improved energy efficiency, said the company. It received the official designation of R-407F by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

“Supermarket customers are looking for an R-22 replacement that can work in both retrofits and new equipment installations,” said David Diggs, global business director for the refrigerants business of Honeywell Fluorine Products. “Performax LT not only meets their requirements, but it also has lower-global-warming potential.”

Frank Davis, refrigeration energy manager at Sprouts Farmers Markets in Phoenix, has been using Genetron Performax LT in retrofits. “We were trying to find a refrigerant we could drop in and run the same as R-22. We looked at other proposals. Everyone else was proposing to change out valves. When we talked to Honeywell, they said with Performax LT we could use the same valves. That was a plus.”

The Montreal Protocol calls for the phaseout of ozone-depleting substances, including HCFCs. As a result, many owners of equipment using R-22 need to service the equipment with recycled or reclaimed R-22, use a retrofit fluid, or replace the equipment.

According to Honeywell, R-407F provides the closest match to R-22 performance in supermarket R-22 retrofits. It is an A1-rated refrigerant, indicating it has low toxicity and is non-flammable. The refrigerant is a blend of R-32, -125, and -134a.

In an additional statement, Honeywell said, “As with all 400 series blends with high glide, fractionization can be an issue. However, refrigeration systems have extended run times and when leaks occur, one component of the blend will not leave the system at a higher rate than the other molecules. This is due to the constant circulation of the fluid.

“The 400 series blends have been used successfully in refrigeration systems for more than a decade. The 400 series blends must be charged as a liquid into the system. Systems can be topped off after leak repair.

“Also, because of the glide, 400 series refrigerants are not recommended for use in flooded evaporator systems.”

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

For more information, visit www.genetronperformaxlt.com.

Publication date: 08/23/2010