Case Study - Bringing a Next-Generation Refrigerant to Market
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ASHRAE Standard 34 Refrigerant Flammability
DEKRA can fully assist you with your ASHRAE 34 refrigerant blend testing and HVAC / HVACR application needs. We can help at each step of the process - from obtaining the necessary components for your blend, performing the required analyses and testing per ASHRAE Standard 34, and preparing and submitting your application for submission to ASHRAE. We will even attend the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Convention to present the application on your behalf.
Our ASHRAE 34 Services include:
Fractionation Analysis
Determination for the Worst Case Formulation (WCF) and Worst Case Fractionated Formulation (WCFF) is conducted using the NIST Refleak program under the conditions required by Standard 34.
Fractionation Validation
Testing to confirm the Worst Case Formulation (WCF) that produces the Worst Case Fractionated Formulation (WCFF), verifying Refleak simulated results as required by Standard 34.
Flammability
The WCFF and WCF are tested for Lower Flammable Limits (LFL) under the required conditions with equipment required by ASHRAE Standard 34 and ASTM E681.
Leak/Recharge
Testing is performed according to ASHRAE Standard 34. This test includes all the required repeats, calibrations, and analysis and may also incorporate moderate mixing of the blend.
Burning Velocity
Testing is conducted per ISO 817 which is one method in compliance with the ASHRAE Standard 34. This method provides a visual measurement of the burning velocity in a vertical tube.
Preparation and Submission of Application
We will prepare the application for consideration by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The required number of hard copies and disks of the application will be submitted to ASHRAE for distribution to committee members. This includes:
Toxicity Study – A three-component toxicity section is prepared by our toxicity consultant.
Physical Characteristics - Calculation of required physical characteristics of the refrigerant blend and components.
Safety Data Sheet - DEKRA will prepare a basis for Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of your blend.
ASHRAE Meeting Attendance
Our representative will attend either of the two biannual ASHRAE conventions on the client’s behalf, to present the application.
ASHRAE Standard 34 is an internationally recognized standard used to designate and classify refrigerants according to their toxicity and flammability characteristics. The resulting refrigerant safety classification helps manufacturers, regulators, equipment designers, and end users understand how a refrigerant should be handled and used.
Refrigerant flammability testing evaluates characteristics that help determine the appropriate safety classification for a refrigerant. The results can support product development, regulatory compliance, equipment design, transportation, storage, and safe use decisions.
ASHRAE Standard 34 testing is commonly performed for new refrigerants, refrigerant blends, reformulated products, and alternative refrigerants developed to meet environmental or performance goals. Testing may also be appropriate when changes to a formulation could affect its toxicity or flammability characteristics.
An ASHRAE 34 classification combines a letter representing toxicity with a number representing flammability. The letter A indicates lower toxicity, while the classifications A1, A2L, A2, and A3 represent different flammability characteristics. A1 indicates no flame propagation under specified test conditions, A2L indicates lower flammability with a lower burning velocity, A2 indicates flammability, and A3 indicates higher flammability.
Organizations often conduct refrigerant flammability testing during product development, formulation changes, regulatory submissions, classification updates, or preparation for entry into new markets. Early testing can help teams understand safety characteristics and address classification requirements before commercialization.
Yes. ASHRAE 34 refrigerant testing can provide data used to support refrigerant classification, safety evaluations, regulatory submissions, and other compliance activities. The specific testing and documentation required may depend on the refrigerant, intended application, and applicable regulations.
Refrigerant flammability testing services are commonly used by refrigerant manufacturers, chemical companies, HVAC and refrigeration equipment manufacturers, equipment suppliers, research organizations, and product development teams. These services can support both new refrigerant development and the evaluation of existing formulations.
After testing, the refrigerant testing laboratory typically provides results and supporting documentation. Organizations can use this information for ASHRAE 34 classification activities, product development decisions, regulatory submissions, and internal safety reviews.
An independent refrigerant testing laboratory provides specialized expertise, standardized testing methods, objective results, and clear documentation. Working with an experienced laboratory can help organizations obtain reliable data for refrigerant classification testing, product development, safety evaluations, and compliance efforts.
