Refrigerant - Genetron® 409A

honeywell Genetron® 409A is an alternative refrigerant designed toreplace CFC-12 in low and medium-temperature refrigeration systems. Systems where Genetron® 409A is suitable for use include: supermarket display cases, walk-in coolers, beverage dispensers, vending machines, water coolers, domestic/ commercial refrigerators/freezers and transport refrigeration. Genetron® 409A is a blend containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals currently regulated by law and scheduled for control beginning in 1996. Genetron® 409A is a mixture of HCFC-22, HCFC-124, and HCFC-142b.

Where feasible, the preferred retrofit for CFC-12 is HFC-134a, a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant that will replace CFC-12 in most OEM applications. In some cases, however, retrofitting with HFC-134a may be difficult because nearly all of the mineral oil in the system must be removed. For these instances, an interim-service fluid such as Genetron® 409A may be preferred. Service technicians should keep in mind that future regulations may restrict the use of HCFC-containing refrigerants and dictate the ultimate use of HFC-134a for servicing CFC-12 equipment.

Genetron® 409A is not a "drop-in" replacement for CFC-12. As such, service technicians must acquaint themselves with the proper service procedures to perform each retrofit effectively. Two key points to be aware of are:

  • Mineral oils, which have been used traditionally with CFC-12, are much less miscible with Genetron® 409A than with CFC-12. Therefore, to assure good oil return, the proper lubricant to use is an alkylbenzene.
  • Genetron® 409A is a blend that can segregate. For this reason it is essential that systems be charged only with liquid from the cylinder, not vapor. Vapor- charging Genetron® 409A may result in the wrong refrigerant composition and could damage the system.