Whirlpool R600A - R600 a Introduction and Properties; Approved R600 a Containers; R600 a Use Conditions and Regulations; Storage, Handling, and Transportation

GENERAL INFORMATION
R600A Sealed System 2017
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Introduction
Whirlpool is introducing R600a as a new refrigerant for new
production household refrigerators and freezers. R600a is
a hydrocarbon with the benefits of zero ozone depletion
potential (ODP) and a very low global warming potential
(GWP) as compared to other refrigerants. An important
characteristic of R600a --a hydrocarbon is it's flammability.
This Manual details the procedure for performing sealed system
work on refrigerators and freezers utilizing R600a hydrocarbon
refrigerant. Special attention is given to mitigating flammability
concerns.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are flammable organic compounds made up of
hydrogen and carbon.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are desirable because they have zero
ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low global warming
potential (GWP) compared to other refrigerants.
Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants have been used extensively
in household refrigerators and freezers for over 15 years in
countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and
Japan.
R600a
The EPA is updating the safe handling requirements under
Section 608 that currently applies to ozone depleting
refrigerants and extending them to substitutes like
hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs). These changes strengthen the existing program, in
particular, by requiring a number of industry best practices.
Link to the EPA testing and regulations: https://www.epa.gov/
section608/revised-section-608-refrigerant-management-
regulations
Isobutane is a hydrocarbon approved for use by the EPA
as a refrigerant in household refrigerators and freezers.
As a hydrocarbon, the EPA has exempted R600a from the
requirement to recapture used refrigerant. This service manual
covers the procedure for venting R600a to atmosphere.
Link: https://www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations
R600a is the designation given to refrigerant grade isobutane by
the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). ASHRAE categorizes R600a in
the A3 safety group. The A3 safety group is reserved for
refrigerants with lower toxicity, and higher flammability.
National Refrigerants, INC. Safety Data Sheet Link; www.
refrigerants.com/pdf/SDS%20R600a%20%20Isobutane.pdf
Other uses for Isobutane Link: http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/
ingredient/isobutane
Introducon
Use Conditions
The use condions are:
1) R600a can only be used in new equipment designed
specically and clearly idened for the refrigerant.
2) Refrigerators or freezers using R600a must meet all
requirements listed in Supplement SA to UL 250.
3) A 150 gram charge size limitaon is imposed.
4) Refrigerators and freezers must meet labeling requirements.
5) Idenfying Refrigerators Containing R600a
To implement the proper safety precauons, it is necessary to
idenfy refrigerator using R600a refrigerant.
Check the Model and Serial Number tag inside the refrigerator
compartment. This tag lists the type and quanty of refrigerant
used.
Storage, Handling, and Transportation of R600a
It is the responsibility of the Service Company and Service
Technician to understand and comply with all Federal, and local
laws.
Technician Certification
Technicians must:
¾ Pass a cercaon EPA exam oered by an approved
technician cercaon program in order to maintain, service,
repair, or dispose of appliances containing ODS or substute
refrigerants.
¾ The cercaon exam will be updated to reect the new rules
and new refrigerants prior to this date.
¾ Keep a copy of their cercate at their place of business.
¾ Maintain a copy of their cercate unl three years aer no
longer operang as a technician.
¾ Link; hps://www.epa.gov/sites/producon/les/2016-09/
documents/608_fact_sheet_technicians_0.pdf
(Figure K)
Approved R600a Containers
This is a Example of a Charging kit from Vulkan (Figure K). Follow
all handling instrucons listed on the cylinder or provided by the
supplier. Quanty of R600a transported should be limited to one
420 gram cylinders.