Just some info, I am not trying to say this is good or bad but want to make sure everyone knows the facts. I was contemplating using this too at one time. Duracool is a hydrocarbon based refrigerant and very flammable. Just did some research on this from the EPA site:
3. What is the legal status of hydrocarbon refrigerants such as HC-12a® and DURACOOL®?
It has been illegal since July 13, 1995 to replace CFC-12 with the HC-12a® formulation that was submitted for SNAP review in any refrigeration or A/C application other than industrial process refrigeration. The same prohibition for OZ-12® took effect on April 18, 1994. Because DURACOOL 12a® has the same chemical composition as the HC-12a® formulation that was submitted for SNAP review (i.e., Hydrocarbon Blend B), DURACOOL 12a® is also subject to the same restrictions.
HC-12a®, as reformulated to meet DOT requirements, is not the same as Hydrocarbon Blend B and has not been submitted for SNAP review. OZ Technology is therefore prohibited from marketing this blend as a substitute for any ozone-depleting substance. In addition, any use of this blend as a substitute for CFC-12 or any other ozone-depleting chemical, in industrial process refrigeration or any other refrigeration or A/C end use, is prohibited under the Clean Air Act.
Since HC-12a®, as submitted for SNAP review, is chemically different from HC-12a®, as reformulated to meet DOT requirements, and since it has a different legal status under the Clean Air Act, users of any substance marketed as HC-12a® should be aware of which HC-12a® they have purchased.
Note: Many states prohibit using flammable refrigerants in motor vehicles, regardless of which original refrigerant was used in the vehicle.
4. May hydrocarbon refrigerants be used to replace CFC-12, commonly referred to as "Freon® ," in cars?
No. It is illegal to use hydrocarbon refrigerants like HC-12a® and DURACOOL 12a® as substitutes for CFC-12 in automobile or truck air conditioning under any circumstances.
5. Why is it legal to use hydrocarbon refrigerants as CFC-12 substitutes in industrial process refrigeration, but not elsewhere?
EPA has not yet received data that adequately address the safety issues of hydrocarbon refrigerants in applications other than industrial process refrigeration. Flammability risks depend on the type of refrigeration or air-conditioning system. Industrial process refrigeration, for instance, does not include air conditioning, which pipes refrigerated air directly into occupied areas. Industrial process refrigeration generally refers to complex customized appliances used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and manufacturing industries. Direct risk to human health is reduced in industrial process refrigeration; for example, access to areas near the system is typically restricted. In addition, other regulations exist to protect the safety of industrial workers.
EPA will review any additional material that is submitted under SNAP regarding the safety considerations of using hydrocarbon refrigerants in systems other than industrial process refrigeration.
Yes that information is on the web site. I am not a business so they sent me the refrigerant. Everything that I read about its performance was great. It has passed all environmental testing in Canada the U.S. always drags their feet approving anything.
We all know the R-12 blow up was a hoax also. Freon is a heavy gas and in now way could have ever got to the ozone layer to do anything. There were studies showing that the ozone levels in the 50's was more out of whack before there were hardly any air conditioners and much less refrigeration.
There was probably some politics in both of the situations.
Studies made using the ginkgo tree have shown that carbon gas levels were higher millions of years ago than they are now. That tree has been growing and still lives for over 270 million years so fossils give details of how the air was in history. I guess the flintstones cars didn't have catalytic converters.
Loud exhaust is illegal also but not going to take that off either.
When I work on my car I always try to find something better and this sounds like a great product that will eventually be allowed here. It will be an interesting test to see how cold the air is coming out of the vents.
I am not going to do something that would harm anyone and yes you cannot go to the local shop and get them to install the duracool in your car but you can.
I would see a CNG vehicle as a much more dangerous fire and explosion hazard over a few ounces of duracool. I ran my van with a dual fuel system back about 1975 when gas got scarce. There was enough propane in the 32 gallon tank and 20 gallon gas tank to take out several city blocks if it leaked out.
I still think it is all political when you see all the buses, trucks and about every brand of car has CNG which will one day be in the headlines when a station or vehicle blows.
I have a friend that when he cranks up his monster 66 GTO that is over 500 CI it makes ice on the intake manifold so much gas is getting vaporized. He thought something was wrong the first time he cranked it and called someone at Roush and they just laughed and told him it was acting like an air conditioner due to the volume of air going into the engine.
Some resist change I embrace it. Some things work some don't but if you don't try you will never know.
David
