Refrigerant R142b

Introductions

1-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (HCFC-142b, also known by trade names including Freon-142b) is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) with the chemical formula CH₃CClF₂. Other names Freon 142b; R-142b; HCFC-142b; Chlorodifluoroethane. It is primarily used as a refrigerant.^[2]

For the most part, concentrations of HCFCs in the atmosphere match the emission rates that are reported by industries. The exception to this is HCFC-142b which has a higher concentration than the emission rates suggest it should.^[3] The Montreal Protocol calls for an end to the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons(HCFCs) to mitigate the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer.

Applications

HCFC-142b is used as a blowing agent for foam plastics production, as a refrigerant, and as feedstock to make polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).^[4] It was mainly used to replace the CFCs that had been initially banned by the Montreal Protocol, but now HCFCs are also banned due to their ozone-depletion ability. The EPA states that CFCs and HCFCs can now only be used in processes that result in the transformation or destruction of the HCFCs, such as using HCFC-142b as feedstock to make PVDF.^[5] They can also be used in equipment that was manufactured before January 1, 2010. The point of these new regulations is to phase-out HCFCs in much the same way that CFCs were phased out.

Handling & Storage

R142b refrigerant cylinder is a pressurized container, which should be stored away from fire, heat source, avoid direct sunshine, and usually stored in a cool, dry and ventilated warehouse. When handling, it should be lightly loaded and unloaded to prevent damage to cylinders and valve accessories.