HC-12a

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HC-12a, also called ES-12a, OZ-12a, etc. are "drop-in" replacement refrigerants for Freon-12 and to a lesser extent, R-134a. HC-12a is a mixture of hydrocarbons and is therefore considered nearly non ozone depleting when compared to Freon-12 or R-134a. The mixture can be used in refrigeration systems with good cooling results. It is often stated that HC-12a potentially provides better cooling than an R-12 system retrofitted to R-134a.

As of July 15, 1995 it is illegal to replace R-12 Freon with HC-12a, it is not illegal to sell or buy. ^[1]

Some advantages to using the HC-12a mixture over retrofitting to R-134a are cost and labor. Since HC-12a is a "drop-in" replacement, no seals need to be replaced and minimal effort has to be put in to changing the refrigeration system around. Disadvantages to using the HC-12a mixture in R-12 systems is that it is potentially dangerous and is illegal. The refrigerant used is propane and other hydrocarbons which are flammable and explosive.

Material Safety Data Sheet for HC-12a: http://www.hc12ausa.com/hc12/msds.html

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