Freon is described as a commercial brand-name for a refrigerant which is patented by DuPont. Even though Freon is known as a “brand name”, it has become a reference in the HVAC industry as a type of refrigerant. This gas is a medium-toxic, stable halocarbon. What this means is that the gas is regarded as slightly toxic, while at the same time it is recognized as chemically stable which means it will not react when it is mixed or combined with other types of substances. Freon is commonly used due to its useful properties which are essential in the industry of air conditioning industries. This has to do with the cooling effect it produces as it evaporates.
What Is Freon Made Of
Refrigerants that are used inside air-conditioners are known as chlorofluorocarbons which are more commonly known as CFCs. Examples of these include R-410A and R-22, which are both heavily utilized within the HVAC industries. However, many industries are now changing to R-410A which is known as a Puron which does not contribute to depleting out ozone layer.
If you know anything about CFCs, they are well-known for a controversial role in an ongoing debate surrounding ozone depletion. This is the reason as to why all the licensed and certified HVAC contractors must harvest these gases when recharging an AC unit, instead of allowing this gas to escape into the surrounding atmosphere. This is also the reason why it is so vital that you use a certified and licensed HVAC contractor to make sure these gases are disposed of in the correct manner.
The Scientific Description Of Freon
Freon is made up of a number of simple “fluorinated aliphatic organic compounds” used in industry and commerce. Over and above carbon and fluorine, Freons will often contain bromine or chlorine and hydrogen. For this reason, the Freons are classified as chlorofluorocarbons also known as CFCs as well as HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) along with related compounds.
Freons are non-flammable, odorless, colorless, non-corrosive liquids or gases of a low toxicity which were first introduced in the form of a refrigerant in the era of the 1930s. These gases also proved to be useful propellants as well as aerosols in various technical applications. The gases low surface tension, viscosity and boiling point is what made them particularly useful as a refrigerant. Freons are also inert compounds which are highly stable.
These Freons neither present fire-hazards or give off detectable odors in the process of their circulation in air-conditioning and refrigerating systems. The more important members in this group feature Freon 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), Freon 11 (trichlorofluoromethane), Freon 22 (chlorodifluoromethane), Freon 114 (dichlorotetrafluoroethane) and Freon 113 (trichlorotrifluoroethane).
In the mid part of the 1970’s the photochemical dissociation of the related CFCs and Freons were all implicated as one of the main causes for the “apparent” degradation of the ozone layer. By the year 1996, the majority of the developed countries had already banned production of just about all the Freons. To know more contact us or visit the website at http://www.bluonenergy.com/freon-replacement/.
