Service Manual
Technical Information
6
Flammability
Three components are needed simultaneously for causing fire:
1. Oxygen
2. Ignition source
3. The flammable concentration of HC
For ignition, the concentration of HC in air has to be between the lower and upper
flammable limits. If the concentration is below the lower flammability limit (LFL) of about
2% by volume in air, there is not enough HC for combustion. If the concentration is
above the upper fl
limit (UFL) of about 10% there is insuffi oxygen for
combustion.
Oxygen 0 % to 100 %
2 %
10 %
HC R-290
Refrigerant
By way of illustration please compare to the schematic view:
Possible ignition sources are:
1. A flame, for example from brazing torch, halide torch leak lamp, match or
lighter, cigarette
2. A spark from an electrical component
3. Static electricity
4. Hot surfaces
Safety Data
Hazard Identification
·
Extremely flammable (F+).
·
Readily forms an explosive air-vapour mixture at ambient temperatures.
·
Vapour is heavier than air and may travel to remote sources of ignition (e.g.
along drainage systems, into basements etc).
·
Liquid releases generate large volumes of flammable vapour (approx 250:1)
·
Cold burns (frostbite) will result from skin / eye contact with liquid.
·
Liquid release or vapour pressure jets present a risk of serious damage to
the eyes.
·
Abuse involving inhalation of high concentrations of vapour, even for short
periods, which can produce unconsciousness or may prove fatal. Inhalation
may cause irritation to the nose and throat, headache, nausea, vomiting,
dizziness and drowsiness. In poorly ventilated areas unconsciousness or
asphyxiation may result.
To ignite HC R-
290, three (3)
components
must exist at the
same time at
work area
to cause the
refrigerant
burning!
1 kg of liquid HC
R-290 refrigerant
creates about
250 litres of gas
Beside the flam-
mability, most
other safety
properties are
similar to other
refrigerants!
Rely always on
best service
practices in
refrigeration!
