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ICESQUARE / Natural refrigerants

R290 propane refrigerant applications, charge and safety

IceSquare manufactures chillers with R290, refrigerant-grade propane, for process cooling and chilled water. Our typical configurations carry up to 6.5 kg. The model data sheet confirms the charge and how it is distributed across circuits.

  1. Identify the application
  2. IceSquare · up to 6.5 kg in typical configurations
  3. Assess indoor or outdoor location
  4. Verify installation and service
How IceSquare R290 chiller charge is documented
IceSquare equipmentCharge data in kgWhere to confirm it
IceSquare R290 chiller for process cooling and chilled waterUp to 6.5 kg in typical configurationsCheck the equipment data sheet or nameplate for the total and the breakdown by circuit.
Multi-circuit R290 chiller, where specified for the projectTotal charge in the unitAdd up the circuit charges in the equipment documentation.
Project with multiple IceSquare unitsInstalled charge at the siteIdentify each unit’s charge and location in the project.

What is R290 used for?

IceSquare manufactures R290 chillers for process cooling and chilled water. The propane cools water or glycol in a heat exchanger. An outdoor chiller can circulate water or glycol to processes, cold rooms or air handlers while keeping the refrigerant circuit in the outdoor unit. Commercial refrigeration equipment and heat pumps designed for this refrigerant also use R290.

How many kilograms of R290 can equipment contain?

Charge depends on equipment design, circuits, location and applicable requirements. In typical IceSquare configurations, R290 chillers can carry up to 6.5 kg. Confirm the charge using the data sheet or nameplate for the model and serial number. Distinguish each circuit’s charge from the unit total. IEC 60335-2-89 covers certain commercial appliances, and IEC 60335-2-40 covers certain heat pumps and air-conditioning equipment. Industrial process chillers are assessed against the requirements applicable to the project.

What should be checked indoors?

Assess occupancy, room dimensions, equipment location and where the gas could travel if a leak occurs. The design determines whether ventilation, detection, alarms or interlocks are required, along with control of ignition sources. Review low areas where vapor may collect and, where applicable, consider a machinery room.

What should be checked outdoors?

Choose a location with airflow and service access. Check air intakes, doors, windows, drains, pits, ignition sources and partially enclosed areas. A walled courtyard or roof with parapets requires a dispersion review. Check clearances and the protective zone against the manual and site design.

What should you ask the manufacturer for?

For chiller selection, request capacity at your water and ambient conditions, kg of R290 per circuit and per unit, the installation drawing, access points and proposed safety measures. Service personnel should be trained for A3 and use tools suitable for that refrigerant.

Guide for trained technicians. Follow the manufacturer’s procedure and limits for the refrigerant and equipment model being serviced.

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Technical references

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