Arkema has announced the commercial availability of Forane 516A, a hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) refrigerant blend designed as a replacement for R-134a in HVAC and refrigeration applications. The new refrigerant is non-ozone-depleting and has been approved under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, specifically SNAP 26 and SNAP 27.
Forane 516A has a global warming potential (GWP) below 150 and an A2L safety classification, indicating lower toxicity and lower flammability. The refrigerant also features zero temperature glide and is intended for new installations subject to increasingly stringent refrigerant regulations.
According to Arkema, Forane 516A can improve energy efficiency in various applications, including residential and light commercial cooling, chillers, and commercial refrigeration. The company also identifies data center facility cooling systems and high-temperature heat pumps as potential applications for the refrigerant.
“Forane 516A highlights Arkema’s continued commitment to innovation in low-GWP refrigerants. By combining strong performance, energy efficiency, and a lower GWP, this new refrigerant helps customers prepare for the future of cooling while reinforcing Arkema’s strategic leadership in refrigerant technologies,” said Frederic Gauvard, Vice-President Fluorochemicals at Arkema.
The launch expands Arkema’s portfolio of low-GWP refrigerant solutions for HVAC, refrigeration, and thermal management applications.
