Propane based Refrigerant vs. Propane powered vehicles

[ImpSvcs@xxxxxxx]

John,
       I think it depends entirely on the situation.  Most propane conversions are done either by the manufacturer, or by a qualified converter.  All components (hoses, hard lines, tanks, filters, etc.) are brand new, and intended for use in that application.  All materials are designed for use with propane, and fittings are designed and tested to withstand the rigors of years of over-the-road use.  Required scheduled maintenance includes leak checks.

       Compare that to the refrigerant lines in our Imperials.  These lines probably had a design life of 10 years (Carmine, can you comment?).  It's truly a testament to the quality of these vehicles that they held the R-12 charge as long as they did... but there would be no need to charge or convert if the system didn't leak.  The fact that my system is out of gas tells me that things have either fatigued or worn to the point that the system is no longer able to contain the gas.  Even if I locate and repair the source of the leak, how long before this 30-40 year old system springs a new leak?

       The propane used in the Duracool refrigerant is refined so that it does not have the explosive characteristics that the propane that powers vehicles does.  The Duracool is still a hydrocarbon blend, however, which under the right conditions can cause explosion and fire.  At as little as a 1.9% concentration in air, with a suitable source of ignition (leaky plug wires? a dirty battery contact?  the starter solenoid? horn relay?) Duracool could ignite.

       Think of it like you would any other hydrocarbon... gasoline burns much easier than diesel, for instance.  Premium burns slower (less explosively) and smoother than unleaded.  The propane in Duracool is still called propane, but it behaves differently due to the way the propane is formulated.

       R-12, the old refrigerant of choice, would burn.  The byproduct of the combustion contained Phosgene gas, which I believe is toxic. 

       Hope I didn't just add more fuel too the ... oops, sorry....

Steve Charette


In a message dated 7/8/02 8:07:48 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

I'm wondering if using propane as a refrigerent is any less safe then =
using propane to power a vehicle. Here in Arizona, you see propane =
powered vehicles on a fairly regular basis & these carry a fairly large =
amount of propane.
John

Thanks,
Steve Charette
Imperial Services
www.imperialservices.net