Product Overview
R290 is the technical designation for propane (C₃H₈) when used as a refrigerant . It is a natural, environmentally friendly refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and ultra-low global warming potential (GWP of approximately 3) . R290 is increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution for commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and residential air conditioning systems.
R290 has excellent thermodynamic properties. Its high latent heat and high thermal conductivity allow for smaller pipe sizes and reduced refrigerant charge compared to synthetic refrigerants. For small cooling capacity systems, R290 can be a direct replacement for R22, R404A, and R134a .
Please read the following safety information carefully
⚠️ Critical Safety Warning: R290 is classified as A3 (highly flammable) under ASHRAE Standard 34 . Its lower flammability limit (LFL) is approximately 2.1% by volume in air, and it has a minimum ignition energy of 0.25 mJ . It is extremely flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. This product is intended for use only in equipment specifically designed, tested, and approved for hydrocarbon refrigerants. Strictly observe all applicable safety regulations and handling procedures. In many applications, refrigerant charge limits are restricted (e.g., to 150g) under safety standards like IEC 60335-2-89 .
📋 Physical Properties
· Chemical Name: Propane
· Chemical Formula: C₃H₈
· CAS Number: 74-98-6
· UN Number: 1978
· Molecular Weight: 44.1 g/mol
· Boiling Point (101.3kPa): approx. -42.1°C
· Critical Temperature: approx. 96.7°C
· Critical Pressure: approx. 42.5 bar (4.25 MPa)
· Liquid Density (25°C): approx. 492 kg/m³ (0.492 g/cm³)
· Vapor Pressure (25°C): approx. 9.5 bar
· Vapor Pressure (50°C): approx. 17.1 bar
· ODP: 0 (Zero Ozone Depletion Potential)
· GWP: 3 (100-year)
· Appearance: Colorless gas/liquid
· Odor: Slight characteristic odor (typically odorized for safety)
· Safety Class: A3 (Highly flammable)
📋 Quality Standards
· Purity: ≥99.5% (meets AHRI-700 standard)
· Water Content: ≤10 ppm by weight
· Safety Class: A3 (Highly flammable)
· ODP: 0
· GWP: 3
· Standard: AHRI-700 compliant
· Packaging: Various sizes available (e.g., 8 oz, 10.6 oz, 20L, 80L cylinders)
Applications
R290 is widely used in:
· Commercial refrigeration – supermarket display cases, beverage coolers, freezer cabinets
· Domestic refrigerators and freezers – as a replacement for R134a and R600a blends
· Heat pumps – air-source and ground-source heat pumps with flow temperatures up to 75°C
· Residential air conditioning – wall-mounted and cabinet AC units, with careful safety design
· Retrofit replacements – for R22 and R404A in small-capacity systems
ℹ️ Note: R290 has excellent miscibility with mineral oils (MO), alkylbenzene (AB), and polyalphaolefin (PAO) oils, making it easier to retrofit into existing systems without oil changes . However, due to its high flammability, it is generally not recommended as a drop-in replacement in existing systems without proper safety assessments and system modifications. Its use is often limited by charge size restrictions (common limit is 150g for refrigeration and AC equipment) .
Documentation & Compliance
· COA (Certificate of Analysis) available with every shipment
· MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) provided upon request
· AHRI-700 purity standard certified (≥99.5% purity)
· Full shipping documents for smooth customs clearance
Storage & Handling
· Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from all sources of ignition (fire, sparks, hot surfaces)
· Keep cylinders upright and secured during storage and transport
· Do not refill or reuse disposable cylinders
· Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
· Ensure work area is well-ventilated
· Do not expose to temperatures above 50°C
· Ground all equipment during transfer to prevent static discharge
· Dispose of empty cylinders in accordance with local environmental regulations
· Emergency response: In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources and ventilate the area immediately
Ordering Information
Item Detail
Packaging 5kg cylinder sizes available (inquire for options)
MOQ Inquire for details
Lead Time Inquire for details