Technical Information

ART-38

DuPont Suva

refrigerants

Replacement for R-13B1: Properties and Operating

Characteristics of DuPont Suva 410A
Refrigerant in Very Low Temperature Systems
Suva 410A provides comparable performance to Operating Characteristics
R-13B1 in most very low temperature (VLT) Suva 410A provides comparable performance to
applications. R-13B1 is an ozone-depleting refriger- R-13B1 in certain VLT applications. Table 2
ant and production has ceased as mandated by the summarizes the operating characteristics of Suva
Montreal Protocol and other legislation. Suva 410A 410A and R-13B1 under conditions experienced in
offers similar performance to R-13B1 in existing a VLT system.
systems, however some equipment modifications
may be required. In addition, new equipment can
be designed to take advantage of the refrigeration Commercial Availability
properties of Suva 410A. This bulletin will discuss Suva 410A is commercially available and can be
the general properties and operating characteristics obtained throughout the world through DuPonts
of Suva 410A in VLT refrigeration applications refrigerant distribution system.
which currently use R-13B1. These systems
typically use single or multistage compressors and Retrofit Considerations
many use cooling water, chilled water or air for the
condenser. Typical evaporator temperature range is R-13B1 is currently used in a variety of very low
from 40C (40F) to 65C (85F). In addition, temperature refrigeration systems, including freeze
some cascade systems use R-13B1 in the low driers and environmental chambers. These types
stage. For these systems, Suva 95 (R-508B) is a of systems typically have unique designs and are
better replacement than Suva 410A. relatively complex compared to standard refrigera-
tion equipment. Because of this, it is difficult to
provide specific retrofit guidelines. A clear under-
Properties standing of the equipment design and a working
Suva 410A is safe to use when proper storage and knowledge of the refrigerant properties are impor-
handling practices are followed. It is a nonflam- tant for a successful retrofit.
mable, low toxicity mixture of HFC-32 and HFC-
125 (50/50 wt %). Suva 410A has been classified CAUTION: Suva 410A will operate at higher
as A1 by ASHRAE and has been assigned the discharge pressure than R-13B1; in some systems,
ASHRAE number of R-410A. It has been listed as this pressure may be significantly higher. Before
acceptable by the U.S. Environmental Protection retrofitting an existing piece of refrigeration equip-
Agency (EPA) under the Significant New Alterna- ment to any alternate refrigerant, always confirm
tives Program (SNAP). Table 1 compares some of the design working pressure with the OEM. Failure
the general properties of Suva 410A and R-13B1. to do so could result in exceeding the OEM's
maximum design working pressure and could result
in personnel injury or death.
 Consult the equipment manufacturer and/or a The mass flow rate of Suva 410A will be much
knowledgeable contractor for advice when lower than R-13B1 for a given cooling load.
considering a retrofit. It may be necessary to reduce the orifice size
of the TXV to ensure adequate control. Elec-
When retrofitting to Suva 410A, an HFC type tronic expansion valves have demonstrated
retrofit procedures (such as the DuPont Suva good performance with Suva 410A in these
404A procedure) can be used as a general applications.
guideline.
O-rings have not been changed in most retrofits
Before beginning the retrofit, the unit should be monitored by DuPont. However, based on the
in good operating condition. Suva 410A will not age and condition of the O-rings, they are a
correct pre-existing problems. possible leak source. A thorough leak test should
Baseline performance data should be recorded be conducted before and after the retrofit.
before and after the retrofit. Below evaporator temperatures of about 65C
The existing oil should be replaced with a high (85F), the cooling capacity of Suva 410A is
quality polyol ester (POE) lubricant, suitable for reduced vs. R-13B1. A thorough system evalua-
use in very low temperature systems. Residual tion is required at these very low temperatures.
mineral oil should be less than 5%. This might The compression ratio for Suva 410A will be
require 3 lubricant flushes. higher than R-13B1; this could increase brake
Since POEs are better solvents than mineral oils, horsepower requirements.
some accumulated sludge in the system may be Recycle or recovery machines designed for use
dissolved into the refrigerant/oil streamdepend- with high pressure refrigerants can be used with
ing on the age and condition of the system. Filters Suva 410A. However, mixing refrigerants should
may need to be changed more frequently during be avoided.
the initial runs after the retrofit.
Existing driers should be replaced with driers
designed for HFC refrigerants.
 Table 1
General Properties of R-13B1 and DuPont Suva 410A
Physical Property Unit Suva 410A R-13B1

Molecular Weight, avg. g/mol 72.58 148.92

Vapor Pressure at kPa abs 1652.9 1618.9
25C (77F) psia 239.73 234.8
Boiling Point (1 atm) C 51.53 57.8
F 60.76 72.0
Critical Temperature C 72.13 67.0
F 161.83 152.6
Critical Pressure kPa abs 4926.1 3964.5
psia 714.5 575
Critical Density kg/m 3* 488.90 745
lb/ft3 30.52 46.5
Liquid Density at kg/m3 1062.4 1538
25C (77F) lb/ft3 66.32 96
Density, Satd. Vapor at kg/m3 65.92 132.43
25C (77F) lb/ft3 4.12 8.27
Specific Heat, Liquid kJ/kgK 1.84 0.870
at 25C (77F) Btu/lb F 0.440 0.208
Specific Heat, Vapor kJ/kgK 0.823 0.468
at 25C (77F) Btu/lb F 0.199 0.112
Heat of Vaporization kJ/kg 276.2 118.8
at Normal Boiling Point Btu/lb 118.8 51.1
Flammability Limit in Air (1 atm) vol % none none
Ozone Depletion Potential CFC-11 = 1.0 0 10
Inhalation Exposure Limit* ppm 1000 1000
(8- and 12-hr TWA)

* The exposure limit is calculated based on the DuPont Acceptable Exposure Limit (AEL) for each component of the refrigerant blend.
AEL is an airborne exposure limit estblished by DuPont that specifies time-weighted average concentrations to which nearly all
workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effects during an 8- or 12-hr workday and a 40-hr workweek.

Table 2
Theoretical Performance Comparison of DuPont Suva 410A and R-13B1
Physical Property Suva 410A R-13B1

Cooling Capacity (R-13B1 = 1) 0.88 1

Energy Efficiency (R-13B1 = 1) 1.02 1
Suction Pressure kPa, (psia) 104 (15) 138 (20)
Discharge Pressure 1484 (215) 1470 (213)
Discharge Temperature 128 (263) 92 (197)
Assumed operating conditions:
Evaporator temp. = 51C (60F)
Condensing temp. = 21C (70F)
Subcooling = 5.5C (10F)
Superheat = 22C (40F)
Compressor properties: Single stage compressor
Clearance volume = 3%
Isentropic efficiency = 0.7

Note: This is a theoretical comparison and actual performance will vary depending on the operating conditions, specific equipment
design, and the overall mechanical condition of the system.
For Further Information:
DuPont Fluorochemicals
Wilmington, DE 19880-0711
(800) 235-SUVA
www.suva.dupont.com

Europe Japan DuPont Far East Inc.

DuPont de Nemours Mitsui DuPont Fluorochemicals 6th Floor Bangunan Samudra
International S.A. Co., Ltd. No. 1 JLN. Kontraktor U1/14, SEK U1
2 Chemin du Pavillon Chiyoda Honsha Bldg. Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park
P.O. Box 50 5-18, 1-Chome Sarugakucho 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 101-0064 Japan Phone 60-3-517-2534
Geneva, Switzerland 81-3-5281-5805
41-22-717-5111 DuPont Korea Inc.
Asia 4/5th Floor, Asia Tower
Canada DuPont Taiwan #726, Yeoksam-dong, Kangnam-ku
DuPont Canada, Inc. P.O. Box 81-777 Seoul, 135-082, Korea
P.O. Box 2200, Streetsville Taipei, Taiwan 82-2-721-5114
Mississauga, Ontario 886-2-514-4400
Canada DuPont Singapore Pte. Ltd.
L5M 2H3 DuPont China Limited 1 Maritime Square #07 01
(905) 821-3300 P.O. Box TST 98851 World Trade Centre
1122 New World Office Bldg. Singapore 0409
(East Wing) 65-273-2244
Mexico
DuPont, S.A. de C.V. Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong DuPont Far East, Philippines
Homero 206 8th Floor, Solid Bank Bldg.
Col. Chapultepec Morales Phone: 852-734-5398
Fax: 852-236-83516 777 Paseo de Roxas
C.P. 11570 Mexico, D.F. Makati, Metro Manila
52-5-722-1100 Philippines
DuPont Thailand Ltd.
9-11 Floor, Yada Bldg. Phone: 63-2-818-9911
South America 56 Silom Road Fax: 63-2-818-9659
DuPont do Brasil S.A. Suriyawongse, Bankrak
Alameda Itapecuru, 506 Bangkok 10500 DuPont Far East Inc.
Alphaville 06454-080 Barueri Phone: 66-2-238-0026 7A Murrays Gate Road
So Paulo, Brazil Fax: 66-2-238-4396 Alwarpet
55-11-7266-8263 Madras, 600 018, India
DuPont China Ltd. 91-44-454-029
DuPont Argentina S.A. Rm. 1704, Union Bldg.
Casilla Correo 1888 100 Yenan Rd. East DuPont Far East Inc.Pakistan
Correo Central Shanghai, PR China 200 002 9 Khayaban-E-Shaheen
1000 Buenos Aires, Argentina Phone: 86-21-328-3738 Defence Phase 5
54-1-311-8167 Telex: 33448 DCLSH CN Karachi, Pakistan
Fax: 86-21-320-2304 92-21-533-350
Pacific
DuPont Australia DuPont Far East Inc.
P.O. Box 930 P.O. Box 2553/Jkt
North Sydney, NSW 2060 Jakarta 10001, Indonesia
Australia 62-21-517-800
61-2-99236111

The information contained herein is based on technical data and tests which we believe to be reliable and is intended for use by persons having
technical skill, at their own discretion and risk. Because conditions of use are outside of DuPont control, we can assume no liability for results
obtained or damages incurred through the application of the data presented.

Copyright 2005 DuPont or its affiliates. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont, The miracles of science and Suva
are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
NO PART OF THIS MATERIAL MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY
FORM OR BY ANY MEANS ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR OTHERWISE WITHOUT THE
PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DUPONT.

(4/05) 300382 Printed in U.S.A.

[Replaces: H-75366]
Reorder No.: H-75366-1