Quote:
Originally Posted by CWW
When you're talking about excessively high head pressures, you're not figuring into the equation that you use significantly less hydrocarbon refrigerant than you would R134.
So you'd be right, if you would actually use 2lbs of propane to replace 2lbs of R134. But you don't. You only use .5lb or so. The pressures aren't an issue, because of the reduced volume allowable by propane's higher efficiency. It's a total non-issue. Your actual head pressures with hydrocarbons will actually turn out to be significantly lower than with R134a.
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I am talking about pressure-temperature curves and critical temperatures, and specifically not saying that you use the same quantity of propane as you would R12 or R134a.
Adding isobutane (R600a) reduces the pressure quite a bit. That's why it is added to propane. But any leaks will not leak the two gasses at the same rate, which is why it is not a good idea to top off a blend. You should always reclaim and recharge instead. Then dispose of the reclaimed refrigerant properly.
Now, I don't see anything in the EPA regulations which prevent me from disposing of such a blend in my backyard gas grill. Perhaps there is something there though.