Introduction
Refrigerants like R404A and R452A play a crucial role in cooling systems, from supermarket freezers to refrigerated trucks. While these chemicals are essential for maintaining cold temperatures, they also have varying impacts on the environment. This article breaks down what R404A and R452A are, their everyday uses, how they differ, and how they are categorised in the KEY ESG platform.
What Are R404A and R452A?
R404A is an older type of refrigerant used extensively in commercial and industrial refrigeration, such as supermarket freezers and large cold storage facilities. It has been effective in maintaining low temperatures but has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of about 3,922. This means that if R404A leaks into the atmosphere, it contributes significantly to global warming.
R452A is a newer refrigerant developed to replace R404A. It offers similar cooling capabilities but with a much lower environmental impact. Its GWP is around 2,140, which is about 45% lower than R404A. This makes it a more sustainable option for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. R452A is often used in transport refrigeration, such as refrigerated trucks that transport fresh produce or frozen goods.
What Is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures how much heat a refrigerant traps in the atmosphere over 100 years compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂). A higher GWP means the substance has a more significant impact on global warming. For example:
CO₂ has a GWP of 1.
R404A has a GWP of 3,922, meaning it is over 3,900 times more potent than CO₂ in terms of trapping heat.
R452A has a GWP of 2,140, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to R404A, although not as low as some other alternatives: TecumsehRefrigerant HQFluorocarbons.
Everyday Uses of R404A and R452A
R404A: This refrigerant is commonly used in supermarket refrigeration systems, large-scale cold storage units, and industrial food processing facilities. Think of the giant freezers in grocery stores that keep ice cream and frozen foods at the right temperature.
R452A: This newer refrigerant is used in refrigerated transport, like trucks and trailers that carry perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy, and frozen items. It’s designed to provide similar cooling performance as R404A but with less environmental impact: Home
Where Are R404A and R452A Categorised in the KEY ESG Platform?
In the KEY ESG platform, both R404A and R452A are categorised under Scope 1 > Fugitive Emissions. Scope 1 emissions include direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that an organisation controls. Fugitive emissions specifically refer to leaks or unintentional releases of gases, such as refrigerants, from equipment. Since R404A and R452A can leak during use, maintenance, or disposal, they are recorded under this category. Tracking these emissions helps organisations manage their environmental impact better and align with regulatory requirements for GHG reporting.
Where to Find More Information
If you want to explore further details about these refrigerants and how they impact sustainability reporting, check out these resources:
Honeywell Refrigerants: Solstice® 452A – Offers detailed product information on R452A.
Fluorocarbons.org: R452A vs. R404A – Provides an overview of R452A as a replacement for R404A in various applicationsFluorocarbons.
Refrigerant HQ: R404A vs. R452A Comparison – Discusses the transition from R404A to R452A and its impact on the refrigeration industryRefrigerant HQ.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between R404A and R452A is essential for making informed choices about refrigerants, especially if your organisation aims to reduce its environmental footprint. While R404A has served the industry for many years, R452A offers a more sustainable path forward with lower GWP. For more guidance or assistance with reporting, feel free to reach out via our in-platform chat or contact us at support@keyesg.com.