What type of refrigerant gases do marine-refrigeration systems use?
The well known gases R22 and R12 are being phased out due to the CFC effects on the ozone layer. This has been driven also by the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. As a result the industry has had to come up with new refrigerant gases that comply with this. There have been some 12 new refrigerants and 4 different types of oils. This means that you have to exercise caution as any mismatch will substantially affect the system performance and reliability or even destroy the marine-refrigeration system. Looking at frig systems? West Marine- America’s Favorite Boating Supply Source The main refrigerant gas being used is HFC-134a, which is also known as R134. There are now standards labeling, service equipment and service connectors to reduce the chances of mixing systems and the adverse results of oil and gas cross-contamination. While industry has implemented these measures boat and marine-refrigeration systems tend to lag, and systems should be clearly labeled with the type of oil and viscos
