A HYDROCARBON refrigerant blend has been approved for use in the US. Approval of HCR188C1 - a blend of ethane, propane, butane and isobutane - by the US Environmental Protection Agency paves the way for the sale of a hydrocarbon refrigerant in the USA for the first time.

The US has previously shunned the use of hydrocarbons in refrigeration and air conditioning systems on safety grounds but earlier this year the EPA announced that it proposed allowing the use of hydrocarbons in new household refrigerator and freezer equipment, as well as new stand-alone commercial refrigeration units.

HCR188C1 will soon be in the public comment stage as solicited by ASHRAE and results are expected by October for a final SNAP ruling to list the coolant as an approved alternative refrigerant for use in household refrigerators and stand-alone freezers. The move will bring the US into line with Europe and other developed countries where hydrocarbons in such installations have become the norm.