Forane^® R-22 Retrofits

Retrofit Solutions

Arkema recommends Forane^® 407C, 407A, and 427A as retrofit options for many R-22 applications. All are SNAP approved. When reviewing the various retrofit considerations – GWP, capacity, efficiency, operating pressures, flow rates – you will find that these products represent some of the closest overall performance matches to R-22 available on the market today. R-407C has the closest capacity to R-22 for air conditioning, while R-407A offers performance similar to R-22 in supermarket refrigeration. R-427A is a hybrid blend that mirrors R-22's operating pressures, allowing it to be used in a wider range of systems.

Forane^® 404A and 507A can also be used to retrofit some
R-22 refrigeration systems. However, these products typically
require additional system modifications to achieve similar performance.
For further information on retrofitting your existing system, please use our Retrofit Data Sheet.

Retrofit Solutions:

 LT=Low Temperature   MT=Medium Temperature

* A lubricant change may not be required, but POE is always recommended for optimal performance.

Retrofit Procedure for R-22: R-407C, R-407A, or R-427A

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, Schrader valves, etc.). Verify the condition of the system oil; replace, if necessary.
   • POE is the recommended lubricant for R-407C, R-407A, and R-427A.
   • For R-427A, if an oil separator is in use and reliable oil return with R-22 is established, replacement of the original mineral oil/alkylbenzene may not be needed (skip to step 7). Otherwise, proceed to next step below.
   • Drain the existing mineral oil or alkylbenzene from the compressor sump, suction line accumulators, etc... Record the amount of oil removed.
5. Add an equivalent amount of OEM-recommended POE oil. In some cases, additional oil flushes may be required to meet OEM recommendations. With R-427A, multiple oil flushes are typically not required.
6. 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.
7. Charge the system with the new refrigerant as liquid only from cylinder. The charge weight for
   R-407C and R-407A/R-427A should be approximately 90-95% and 95-100% of the weight of R-22, respectively.
8. Adjust TXV set-point and/or refrigerant charge to achieve the desired superheat. Low side pressure control settings may also need to be adjusted.
9. If possible, monitor the oil level in the compressor. Adjust oil amount as necessary to attain normal operating level (mid-sight glass). Perform additional flushes only as required.
10. Label system clearly, indicating the type and amounts of system refrigerant and oil.