Purity requirements for CO₂ as a refrigerant R744

For industrial applications, CO₂ as a refrigerant requires a very high level of purity to ensure efficiency and safety in the cooling process. When using CO₂ as a refrigerant R744, purity is of paramount importance. Contamination with moisture or other gases, such as nitrogen, can significantly impair the functioning of the cooling circuit:

• Moisture: Excessive moisture content in CO₂ leads to the formation of carbonic acid, which causes corrosion in the cooling pipes and components.
• Heavy metal contamination or nitrogen: These contaminants increase the condenser pressure and impair the efficiency of the system by disrupting the evaporation process.

For these reasons, a CO₂ purity of 99.995 % (CO₂ 4.5) is recommended for use as a refrigerant R744. High purity not only ensures stable and safe operation, but also optimizes the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

Safe handling of CO₂ as a refrigerant R744

Handling CO₂ as a refrigerant R744 requires special care, as it is a compressed gas. Correct storage and handling are crucial to prevent accidents or system failures. Measures such as the use of pressure reducers, safety valves, and pressure relief valves are necessary to ensure stable and safe operation.

CO₂ as a refrigerant R744 and the F-Gas Regulation

The F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014) aims to reduce the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). By 2030, the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases is to be reduced by up to two-thirds compared to 2014. In this context, CO₂ (R744) plays a central role, as it complies with EU emission reduction requirements and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional F-gases.

Areas of application for CO2 as a refrigerant R744

CO₂ is increasingly being used in various industrial and commercial applications, including:

• Supermarkets and cold stores:
  CO₂ is used as a refrigerant for cooling food and beverages in supermarkets and wholesale companies. Transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems achieve high cooling capacities while minimizing emissions.
• Industrial cooling:
  CO₂ is used to cool machinery, production processes, and large plants, particularly in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries.
• Mobile air conditioning systems:
  CO₂ is also used in mobile air conditioning systems and vehicle air conditioning systems to maximize efficiency and sustainability in air cooling.

Conclusion: CO₂ as a refrigerant R744

CO₂ (R744) offers numerous advantages as a refrigerant in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It is a natural refrigerant that is environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient. Its excellent thermodynamic properties and high availability make CO₂ an ideal choice for industrial cooling and air conditioning.

The high purity and quality of CO₂ (R744) are crucial for the safety and efficiency of the systems. Messer supplies CO₂ R744 with a purity of 99.995% and will be happy to advise you on the optimal use of this refrigerant in your company.

For further information or offers on CO₂ R744 as a refrigerant, please contact us.