When faced with a loss of cold in the chamber of a household appliance, the owner first of all wonders about the cause of the malfunction, and often suspicion falls on a leak of the working substance. Understanding what what refrigerant circulates in the system is the foundation for competent repairs or calling a technician. For Belarusian brand equipment Atlant this question is especially relevant, since the manufacturer has used different types of gases for decades depending on the year of manufacture and model series.
Incorrectly selected gas or a violation of the filling technology can lead to compressor failure or even an emergency. In this article we will take a detailed look at the evolution of the use of refrigerants in refrigerators Atlant, learn how to read the technical label and identify the key differences between R600a and R134a. This knowledge will help you avoid mistakes when diagnosing and ordering the necessary spare parts.
It is worth immediately noting that modern environmental standards dictate their conditions, and old stocks of freons are gradually becoming a thing of the past. However, the secondary market is still full of devices that require specific maintenance. Let's figure out what exactly is hidden in the circuit of your unit and how it affects its operation.
Evolution of refrigerants in Atlant technology
The history of the production of refrigeration equipment in Minsk goes back more than half a century, and during this time cooling technologies have undergone dramatic changes. For a long time, the standard was considered Freon R12, which had excellent cooling properties, but was recognized as dangerous for the ozone layer of the planet. The production of equipment using this gas was completely stopped in the early 2000s.
It was replaced by R134a, which became the main working substance for most models produced from the mid-90s to the mid-2010s. This gas does not destroy the ozone layer, but requires higher quality oil to lubricate the compressor and careful evacuation of the system during repairs. The pressure in the system with this refrigerant is significantly higher than that of its predecessors.
In recent years, the company Atlant, following global trends in energy efficiency, has massively switched to using isobutane (R600a). This substance has excellent cooling performance in minimal quantities, but it is a fire hazard. That is why modern refrigerators are equipped with special protective measures and require special care from the technician when carrying out work.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to determine the type of gas only by the appearance of the compressor or the year of purchase “by eye”. Incorrectly charging with the wrong refrigerant is guaranteed to put an expensive unit out of commission.
How to determine the type of gas by the factory label
The most reliable way to find out what what refrigerant is used in your refrigerator is to inspect the factory label. The manufacturer is required to provide this information in accordance with international safety standards. Usually the sign is located on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment, on the back wall or on the base of the appliance.
Pay attention to the column “Refrigerant” or “Refrigerant”. An alphanumeric code will be indicated there. Models Atlant are characterized by the designations R134a or R600a. Also, the exact amount of the substance in grams is always indicated next to it, for example, “100 ± 5 g”. This is a critically important parameter, since dosage for isobutane and tetrafluoroethane it differs significantly.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try to find information in the technical data sheet of the product, which is usually included. In extreme cases, the type of gas is often duplicated on the compressor itself, stamped on the metal casing or with a nameplate pasted onto it. Look for labels like "Gas: R600a" or "Refrigerant: R134a".
When reading the label, it is important to pay attention not only to the type of gas, but also to the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Compressors operating on R600aare often filled with synthetic POE oil, which is hygroscopic and resistant to moisture. Compressors under R134a can also use synthetics or semi-synthetics, but the requirements for cleanliness of the circuit remain high.
Technical characteristics and differences between R600a and R134a
Understanding the physico-chemical properties of working substances helps to understand why you cannot simply replace one gas with another. R134a (tetrafluoroethane) is a colorless, odorless gas that does not burn or explode. It operates at a higher condensing pressure, which places additional stress on the compressor, but provides stable cooling even in hot climates.
R600a (isobutane) is a hydrocarbon that is also colorless and odorless, but is flammable. Its main advantage is high efficiency and low operating pressure, which makes compressors quieter and more economical. However, it is flammability that requires compliance with the strictest safety measures: no sparks, open flames and the use of explosion-proof tools.
| Parameter | R134a (Tetrafluoroethane) | R600a (Isobutane) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CH2FCF3 | C4H10 |
| Boiling point | -26.1 °C | -11.5 °C |
| Ozone depletion potential | 0 | 0 |
| Fire hazard | Does not burn | Flammable |
| Oil type | POE / PAG | POE / Mineral (rarely) |
Another important difference lies in the compatibility of materials. R134a may be incompatible with some types of rubber used in older R12 systems, therefore, when switching to it, seals are often changed. Isobutane, in turn, mixes well with mineral oils, but to achieve maximum efficiency in modern compressors Atlant synthetic compounds are also used.
Why is isobutane better for the environment?
Isobutane (R600a) has negligible global warming potential (GWP = 3), while R134a has a global warming potential of 1430. This means that one kilogram of R134a released into the atmosphere would cause 470 times more climate damage than a kilogram of isobutane. That is why the European Union and other regions are actively promoting the transition to hydrocarbon refrigerants.
Leakage symptoms and the need for refilling
It is possible to determine that there is not enough refrigerant in the systemby a number of indirect signs. First of all, pay attention to the operation of the compressor: if it turns on, runs for a long time without shutting down, or, conversely, starts for a few seconds and stalls, this is an alarming signal. The normal operating cycle involves periodic switching on and off.
The second sign is insufficient cooling of the products or a complete absence of cold when the engine is running. If you notice that the back wall of the refrigerator (crying type) is no longer covered with frost or condensation, and the ice is melting in the freezer, most likely the amount of freon in the circuit has decreased critically. Another sign may be swelling of the side walls of the case due to corrosion of tubes embedded in the metal.
Sometimes a leak is accompanied by the appearance of oily spots under the refrigerator or near the compressor. Since the oil circulates with the gas, the release of refrigerant is often accompanied by the release of lubricant. In the case of R600a a leak can sometimes be heard as a hiss if it occurs in an accessible place, although most often the process occurs slowly and unnoticed.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning conductivity or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the appliance. In case of leakage isobutane this can prevent fire.
Instructions for safe replacement of refrigerant
Replacing refrigerant is a complex technical process that requires special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, scales and a burner. An independent attempt to “just add gas” without evacuation of the system is doomed to failure, since air and moisture will remain in the circuit, which will lead to blockage of the capillary and combustion of the compressor.
The first step is always the removal of residual old gas. If there was R134ain the system, it is vented in a well-ventilated area. If there was R600a, you need to be extremely careful with open fire: the gas is heavier than air and can accumulate below, forming an explosive mixture. Before soldering, the circuit must be purged with nitrogen.
After replacing the filter-driers and sealing the system, a deep vacuum is performed. This is a mandatory step for both types of gases, but for isobutane it is critical due to the requirements for cleanliness of the circuit. Evacuation should last at least 30-40 minutes until a pressure close to absolute zero is reached.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for repairs
Refueling is carried out strictly according to the weight indicated on the factory sticker. Using cylinders without scales is unacceptable, especially for R600awhere an error of 5-10 grams can disrupt the operation of the entire system. After refueling, check the tightness of the connections with a soap solution and monitor the compressor consumption currents.
Common mistakes when servicing refrigerators
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the replacement of the filter-drier. Many craftsmen believe that if the old filter “looks” normal, then it can be left. This is a misconception: when the system depressurizes, moisture enters it, which the old zeolite will no longer absorb. As a result, after a couple of months an ice plug forms in the capillary.
Another mistake is using the wrong oil. If the system contained R134a synthetic POE oil, and mineral oil was added during repairs, liquid separation will occur. The compressor will be left without lubrication, which will cause it to wedge. Always use only those oils recommended by the manufacturer of the compressor Atlant or the motor itself (for example, Embraco, Danfoss).
Neglect of purging the circuit with nitrogen is also common. When soldering copper tubes, scale forms inside, which over time clogs the thinnest capillary. Pressurized nitrogen purging blows out all debris and oxides, keeping the system clean for many years.
Do not forget about proper heating of the solder. Overheating of the tubes leads to the formation of carbon deposits inside, and underheating leads to a leaky seam. Use only high-quality solder containing silver (for example, 15% or 30% Ag), which provides a strong and elastic connection that is resistant to compressor vibrations.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to fill an Atlant refrigerator with R134a instead of R600a?
No, this is strictly prohibited. These gases have different operating pressures, temperature characteristics and lubrication requirements. A compressor designed for R600awill not be able to operate normally at R134awhich will lead to overheating, high energy consumption and rapid breakdown.
How many grams of freon are needed for an Atlant refrigerator?
The quantity depends on the specific model and chamber volume. Typically, two-chamber refrigerators Atlant require from 90 to 140 grams of refrigerant. The exact figure can only be found on the factory sticker or in the technical documentation.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze after refueling?
There may be several reasons: insufficient vacuuming (moisture remains), incorrect gas dosage, capillary blockage or malfunction of the compressor itself. It is also possible that there is old oil in the system that is incompatible with the new refrigerant.
Is it dangerous to breathe freon vapors from the refrigerator?
In low concentrations, modern freons (R134a, R600a) are low toxic, but displace oxygen. In a confined space, a large leak may cause suffocation. In addition, upon contact with an open fire, freons can decompose to form toxic phosgene. Ventilate the room during any work.