Basic Properties (22K PDF)
Pressure-Temperature Chart (477K PDF)
Thermodynamic Properties (ENG) (2M PDF)
Thermodynamic Properties (SI) (66K PDF)
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart (ENG) (280K)
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart (SI) (361K)
Technical Data Sheet (13K PDF)
MSDS

Forane® 407A (R-407A) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting blend of HFC refrigerants R-32, R-125, and R-134a. R-407A was developed as a retrofit refrigerant for some R-22 applications.

Application:
R-407A is an R-22 retrofit for medium and low temperature refrigeration systems. It is not intended for air-conditioning applications, nor recommended for use in systems with flooded evaporators.

Properties & Performance:
R-407A is designed to meet the needs of many new and existing refrigeration systems. R-407A is a zeotropic HFC refrigerant blend, which is rated A1 by ASHRAE (lowest levels of toxicity and flammability) and has zero ozone depletion potential.

R-407A is a close match to R-22’s capacities and flow rates, making it well suited as a retrofit for R-22 in supermarket and food storage applications. Additionally, R-407A is one of the more  energy efficient R-22 retrofit options available for refrigeration applications.

Discharge temperatures of R-407A will be noticeably lower than those seen with R-22. System pressures for R-407A are higher than R-22, particularly in high ambient environments. Consult the system or component OEMs for recommendations on how best to accommodate the changes in operating pressures.

Lubrication:
As with many HFC blends, R-407A will require a change to polyolester oil (POE) to ensure reliable oil return and circulation throughout the system. For systems currently using an oil separator, multiple oil flushes may not be required.

Charging:
Due to the zeotropic nature of the R-407A blend, it should be charged as a liquid to prevent fractionation (changes in the designed refrigerant composition). For installations where vapor is normally fed into the low side of a running system, a flash valve should be installed in the charging line to prevent liquid from entering the compressor. When retrofitting from R-22 to R-407A, the new charge weight will typically be 95 – 100 % of the original charge weight of R-22.

Retrofit:
In most cases, overall system capacities and efficiencies of an R-407A retrofit will be similar to those of
R-22. Differences in actual performance will depend largely on system design, operating conditions, and ambient temperatures. Refrigerant flow rates for R-407A are slightly higher than R-22. Expansion valves that are operating properly with R-22 will typically not have to be replaced. Slight expansion valve adjustments may be required to optimize system performance.

Operating pressures will be higher, and may require changes to cut-out settings and pressure relief devices. Always consult the OEM for recommendations before performing any system retrofit.

Retrofit Procedure

1. Establish baseline performance. Note the oil type in use and any system operating data (if system is operating properly). Check for existing leaks and identify any needed repairs.

2. Recover the existing refrigerant charge (DO NOT vent to atmosphere). Weigh the amount of refrigerant removed.

3. Perform any repairs identified in step 1 and fix any leaks.

4. Replace the filter-drier and, if necessary, elastomeric seals (O-rings, sight glasses, etc.). Verify the condition of the system oil; replace if necessary.

5. R-407A is immiscible with mineral oil and alkylbenzene and will require most of the original system oil to be replaced. Drain existing mineral oil or alkylbenzene from the compressor sump, suction line accumulators, etc. Record the amount of oil removed.

6. Add an equivalent amount of OEM recommended POE oil.

7. Evacuate the system (less than 500 microns) and ensure it maintains a vacuum. If vacuum is lost, it may indicate that leaks are present in the system.

8. Charge system with R-407A refrigerant. Remove refrigerant as liquid only from cylinder. The initial weight should be approximately 95% of the standard charge for R-22, charging up to 100% if necessary.

9. Adjust TXV set-point and/or refrigerant charge to achieve the desired superheat. Low side pressure control settings may also need to be adjusted.

10. Monitor oil level in the compressor. If necessary, adjust oil amount to attain normal operating level (mid-sight glass).

11. Label system clearly, indicating the type and amounts of system refrigerant and oil.

Properties	R-407A
Average Molecular Weight (g/mol)	90.1
Normal Boiling Point (°F)	-49.0
Critical Temperature (°F)	180.1
ASHRAE Safety Group Classification	A1
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)	0
Global Warming Potential (GWP)	2,107