Flammable Gas
R1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant. HFO refrigerants are composed of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon atoms, but contain at least one double bond between the carbon atoms. Due to its composition, R1234yf does not damage the ozone layer or has minimal global warming impact. You do not need a ARCTick refrigerant handling licence or a refrigerant trading authorisation to handle, sell or store this refrigerant.
No. The R1234yf system refrigerant circuit is accessed using service couplers that are a different size to those of a R134a system.
The service coupler hose connection also has a left-hand thread that requires a matching hose for connection. Hence the need for an R1234yf gauge set.
R1234yf is classified as an A2L mildly flammable refrigerant, and requires the use of equipment designed for use with such a refrigerant.
The exception is an electronic leak detector. Several manufacturers produce detectors that are suited to both refrigerants. Check with your refrigerant wholesaler.
No. R134a systems were not designed to operate using a flammable refrigerant.
R134a systems should not be converted to use R1234yf as these systems are unable to be converted to a level that satisfies the requirements of international standards (SAE J639 and SAE J2842) set for systems that use R1234yf.
The standards lay down specific requirements for system design. For example, the R1234yf evaporator is significantly stronger than the one you would commonly find in an R134a system.
Aside from the safety aspects, although the two refrigerants have similar thermodynamic properties, they are not the same. Therefore, compressor damage or system performance limitations may be experienced by attempting to convert an R134a system to R1234yf.
R-1234yf Regas and Repairs
The refrigerant currently used in most vehicles is R134a and this is about to change over the next few years to r1234yf.
The refrigerant is being changed owing to being less environmentally friendly than a refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) R-1234yf has a 99.7 percent lower global warming potential (GWP), the standard of measurement used to describe greenhouse gases’ effect on the environment.
R-1234yf Refrigerant is very similar to R134a, which results in not having to make drastic changes to current products
R-1234yf AC Regas Checklist:
Recover all refrigerant from the system
Remove and replace the receiver/dryer- if necessary
Check the condition of the AC components
Check the condition of wiring harnesses
Pressure test with nitrogen if the system has no gas in the system
Check for leaks with diagnostic tools
Vacuum system with a two-stage high flow pump
Test system is holding vacuum
Add UV dye additive if not detected in system
Recharge with R-1234yf refrigerant to vehicle specifications
Test system operation, pressures, condenser fan operation, blower fan operation,and vent temperature Service