What is R717 used for?

R717 (Ammonia) is refrigerant grade Ammonia (NH3) used in low and medium temperature refrigeration. It is a colourless, pungent, highly toxic gas but is a very efficient refrigerant with zero Global Warming Potential (GWP).

What is R717 refrigerant?

R717 is refrigerant grade high purity ammonia (NH3). The product typically is 99.98% pure with minimal levels of moisture and other impurities (< 200 ppm and < 5 ppm oil), making it ideal for use in all types of refrigeration systems, especially in the air conditioning industry.

Why is ammonia called R717?

Ammonia Gas or Refrigerant R717 It is also the only refrigerant outside the halocarbons group, still being used to a great extent. Ammonia refrigerant is commonly known as R717 and its chemical formula is NH3. Its molecular weight is 17 and boiling point is -28 degree F (-2.22 degree C).

Does R717 deplete the ozone layer?

It has a low boiling point and is favoured because it is a highly energy efficient refrigerant which also has minimal environmental impact. Ammonia is environmentally friendly, having zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and zero GWP (Global Warming Potential).

What are the concerns if R717 is used as the refrigerant?

Danger to life in case of refrigerant leakage! Ammonia (R717) is toxic and, when present in high concentration, causes burns to the skin, mucous membranes and eyes and leads to paralysis and suffocation! In liquid form, it can cause frostbite on contact with the skin!

Is R717 flammable?

R717 has a relatively high saturation temperature at atmospheric pressure, is highly toxic, mildly flammable and has a pungent odour.

Is R717 refrigerant flammable?

How is refrigerant leak detected?

Infrared leak detection is a technology in which infrared light is applied to detect refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs some of the infrared light, and the degree of change in refrigerant concentration is measured. This is a sensitive and accurate technology.

Why ammonia is used in cold storage?

For large cold storage facilities, ammonia has become the refrigerant of choice because it produces the greatest net refrigerating effect (btu/lb), and often the lowest brake horsepower per ton of refrigeration (BHP/TR) of any industrial refrigerant.

What is the safety classification of R717?

Ammonia (NH3) is classified as a toxic and flammable refrigerant (L2 type) hence the use and transport of this product are subject to a certain number of safety requirements and regulations.