Converting chillers to CFC-free refrigerants

Phaseout of CFCs and its impact on cooling and refrigeration may be well known, but chiller conversion and replacement programs are not occurring rapidly enough to prevent serious, widespread CFC shortages by 1996. This article looks at the problems plants are facing as a result of the anticipated restricted supply. The author examines conversion and replacement options and discusses in detail the conversion of R-11-based chillers to R-123 and conversion of R-12 and R-500-based machines to R-134a.