• HFC-143A/R143A

    1,1,1-Trifluoroethane (HFC-143a)

    CAS No.: 420-46-2 UN No.: 2035 CLASS No.: 2.1 Molecular formula: CF₃CH₃

    It is mainly used as a raw material for special refrigerants or mixed refrigerants such as R404, R408, R507, etc.

  • R143A

    R143a (trifluoroethane) is a flammable (A2), high-GWP (4470) refrigerant. It is not used alone but as a key component in commercial blends like R404A/R507A to provide capacity and stability. Due to its severe environmental impact, it is being phased out globally.

  • Applications

    Refrigerant Blends Component

    Primary component in R-404A, R-407A, R-407B, R-407C, R-407D, R-407E, and R-507A blends used in commercial refrigeration systems.

    Centrifugal Chillers

    Used as a component in refrigerant blends for centrifugal chillers in large commercial and industrial air conditioning systems.

    Medium-Temperature Refrigeration

    Applied in supermarket display cases, walk-in coolers, and food processing refrigeration systems.

    Industrial Process Cooling

    Used in industrial chillers for plastics manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and chemical processing.

    Transport Refrigeration

    Component in refrigerant blends for truck, trailer, and shipping container refrigeration units.

    Propellant Formulations

    Used in specialized aerosol propellant applications where specific thermodynamic properties are required.

  • Physical & Chemical Properties

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight: 84.04 g/mol

    Boiling Point (1 atm): -47.2°C(-53.0°F)

    Freezing Point: -111.3°C (-168.3°F)

    Critical Temperature: 73.1°C(163.6°F)

    Critical Pressure: 3.76 MPa (545 psia)

    Liquid Density (25°C): ~950 kg/m³

    Vapor Density (air=1): 2.9

    Specific Heat (Liquid, 25°C): ~1.45 kJ/(kg·K)

    Chemical & Safety Properties

    Flammability: Class A2 - Flammable (Not A2L). Higher flammability than R32.

    Lower Flammability Limit (LFL): 6.0% by volume in air (More flammable than R32's 14.4%)

    Upper Flammability Limit (UFL): 11.4% by volume

    Auto-Ignition Temperature: ~705°C (1,300°F)

    ODP (Ozone Depletion): 0

    GWP (Global Warming): 4470 (IPCC AR5) - Extremely High

    Atmospheric Lifetime: ~52 years

    Toxicity: Class A (Low toxicity at normal exposure)

    Stability: Stable under normal conditions. Decomposes in flames to toxic HF/COF₂.

    Thermodynamic & Application Notes

    Performance: Used primarily as a component in blends (e.g., R404A, R407C, R507A) to provide capacity and reduce flammability of other components like R32.

    Glide: Used in zeotropic blends; rarely used as a pure refrigerant.

    Oil Compatibility: Requires Polyol Ester (POE) oils.

    Material Compatibility: Compatible with standard metals; use HNBR/EPDM elastomers.

  • Packaging, Storage & Transportation

    Cylinder Sizes

    Available in 10 lb, 25 lb, 30 lb, 50 lb disposable cylinders. Also offered in 100 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb recovery cylinders for reclaimed R143a.

    Bulk Containers

    For large-scale use: 1-ton cylinders and ISO tank containers are available for industrial applications and reclamation facilities.

    Storage Conditions

    Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, open flames, and ignition sources. Cylinder temperature must not exceed 52°C (125°F). Keep cylinders upright and secured, and avoid mixing with oxidizers, corrosive substances, or other refrigerants.

    Transportation

    Classified as UN 3252, 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane (R143a), a Class 2.1 Flammable Gas. Transport using dedicated hazardous goods vehicles with fire-fighting equipment and anti-leakage measures. Secure cylinders upright with valve protection caps in place; avoid high-temperature exposure and direct sunlight. Drivers and handlers must hold hazardous goods operation certifications.

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