CHICAGO — ICOR Intl. Inc. featured two new additions to its product line: a line of hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants (R-290 and R-600a) and small, 28 ounce cans of NU-22B.
The refrigerant-grade propane and isobutane will be complemented by associated service kits, and ICOR is also offering online certification and training.
ICOR launched its hydrocarbon line last spring, and Gordon McKinney, vice president and COO, said demand has been strong.
“Natural refrigerants are something everyone has been talking about for some time, but now it’s becoming much more of a reality that equipment using naturals is out there,” he said. “And slowly but surely that equipment is coming into service and is requiring service gas.”
McKinney said refrigeration contractors are stocking up on HCs to be prepared. In many cases, they have service agreements with companies that are installing HC-based equipment. He noted some national companies, such as Starbucks, have been installing this equipment in their stores nationwide.
“On our website, you can get a list of commercial and residential equipment manufacturers that are using either R-290 or R-600a,” he said. “The list is long now, and it’s growing.”
McKinney noted the refrigerant-grade R-290 and R-600a are used in specific applications based on their operating characteristics. R-290 has a lower boiling point, and it’s typically used in lower-temperature applications; many manufacturers who were producing R-404A equipment have moved to R-290. R-600a is being used more in domestic appliances, such as household refrigerators that previously had been manufactured to use R-134a.
ICOR HCs are provided in DOT-certified packaging for HCs. In addition, the company is offering online training
and certification.
“Even though technicians are not required to have certifications to purchase HCs or service HC equipment, for liability purposes, it’s best for them to show they’ve made a concerted effort to educate themselves on these products,” McKinney said. “So, we’ve put our products and all this information out there and made it easy to access so everyone in the channel — from the equipment manufacturer to the equipment owner — is in compliance and safe.”
The new 28 ounce cans of NU-22B are designed primarily for the appliance service market. McKinney noted many companies that service small-charge equipment designed for R-22, such as window air conditioners, PTACs, and dehumidifiers, prefer a smaller cylinder to save space in their service vehicles.
Publication date: 2/26/2018
