USA: Refrigerant manufacturer DuPont has warned of damaging and potentially dangerous counterfeits of R22 and the DuPont patented R22 drop-in replacement blend MO99 (R438A).
According to DuPont, illegally imported R22 and R22 substitutes have been found to contain a combination of hydrocarbons, which make the refrigerants flammable. These pose a significant risk to business owners and equipment owners, both financially and from a safety standpoint, the company warns.

'There have been a number of indications in the marketplace that illegal imports are on the rise as well as illegally imported China-produced R438A,' said Jim Bachman, North American sales and marketing manager, DuPont Refrigerants. 'We encourage vigilance and smart procurement practices. It is more important than ever to know who you're buying from.'

'We are asking distributors, contractors and end-users to alert DuPont if they encounter product in the marketplace that may be illegally imported,' said Bachman. 'We have become aware of products in the marketplace that mirror the marketing claims and product packaging of DuPont Isceon MO99 refrigerant. The Isceon MO99 brand has tremendous market awareness and contractor preference as an R22 alternative, making it a target for illegal imports.'

DuPont warns that other products being marketed as generic R438 may also contain propane.

In its legal form, R438 is classed as non-flammable and predominantly comprises R125 and R134a with 8.5% R32 and small amounts of butane and iso-pentane.