APPLIED THERMAL CONTROL TRANSITIONING TO LOW-GWP REFRIGERANTS IN PROCESS COOLING
TRANSITIONING TO LOW-GWP REFRIGERANTS IN PROCESS COOLING The transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants is reshaping the process cooling landscape. Driven by tightening environmental regulations and sustainability targets, engineers and manufacturers are increasingly required to move away from traditional high-GWP refrigerants toward more environmentally responsible alternatives. Among the most widely adopted options in process cooling are R290 (propane) and R454C, each offering distinct advantages and trade-offs. In practice, the selection of these refrigerants is often driven by system capacity and application requirements, rather than a direct like-for-like choice between the two. This white paper explores: The characteristics of R290 and R454C and how they are applied in different system sizes Key regulatory drivers across major regions (UK, EU, US, UAE) Application considerations when selecting low-GWP refrigerants It is intended to support engineers, OEMs, and technical decision makers navigating this transition.
The Challenge Transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants is not simply a case of replacing one refrigerant with another. Each alternative introduces new considerations around safety, system design, performance, and compliance. In many cases, there is no single “like-for-like” replacement, meaning engineers must balance environmental impact with practical system requirements. Understanding these trade-offs is essential to making informed decisions.
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