Westron R404A is a non-ozone-depleting, non-toxic, and non-flammable refrigerant designed for medium- and low-temperature refrigeration applications. Because of its wide application range, it is commonly used in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
Westron R404A is an HFC refrigerant blend containing R143a (52%), R125 (44%), and R134a (4%). Therefore, it is suitable for food display cases, deep freezers, cold storage rooms, ice machines, food processing units, and industrial refrigeration systems.
In addition, Westron R404A is used in transport refrigeration, including refrigerated trucks, containers, vessels, and trawler cold rooms. Since R404A is a blended refrigerant, it should be charged in liquid form to help maintain the correct refrigerant composition.
Lubrication Requirements
The Westron R404A requires polyolester (POE) lubricant for proper refrigerant and compressor oil miscibility. As a result, effective oil return helps support proper compressor operation, particularly in systems with long piping runs.
However, POE oil is highly hygroscopic and can quickly absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, the oil and refrigeration equipment should be handled carefully to minimize moisture contamination.
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Pentafluoroethane, 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane |
| Chemical Formula | CHF₂CF₃, CH₃CF₃, CH₂FCF₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 97.6 |
| Odor | Faint ethereal odor |
| Specific Gravity | 1.08 @ 21.1°C (70°F) |
| pH | Neutral |
| Boiling Point | -47.8°C (-54.0°F) |
| Freezing Point | Not determined |
| Vapor Pressure | 182.9 psia at 21.1°C; 370.9 psia at 54.4°C |
| Vapor Density | 3.43 (Air = 1.0) |
| Evaporation Rate | >1 |
| % Volatiles | 100% |
Key Applications
The Westron R404A is suitable for:
- Food display cases
- Deep freezers
- Storage cases
- Cold storage rooms
- Ice machines
- Food processing units
- Industrial refrigeration systems
- Refrigerated trucks
- Refrigerated containers
- Vessel and trawler cold rooms
