Old and new refrigerants are grouped in the following classes: CFC, HCFC, FC, HFC, HC and inorganic refrigerants. CFC refrigerants may no longer be used, HCFC refrigerants must be phased out by the year 2000 (in Denmark), and FC refrigerants are not recommended due to their very slow degradability. The refrigerants of the future are therefore to be found amongst HFC, HC and inorganic refrigerants.

The latest news is that the Danish Minister for the Environment, Mr. Svend Auken, stated on September 5, 1996 that he would work for the HFC class to be phased out globally. If this is achieved, only halogen-free HC and inorganic refrigerants will be available in the long term.

The article covers the following topics:

• Overview and Legislation
• Replacement Refrigerants Containing Halogen
• Halogen-free Replacement Refrigerants
• Refrigerant Blends
• High-pressure Refrigerants
• Flammable Refrigerants
• Oils
• Materials