What kind of freon is in a Biryusa refrigerator: a complete guide to refrigerants R12, R134a and R600a

Refrigerators Biryusa are one of the most common in Russia due to their reliability and affordable price. But when it comes to repairs, especially refilling with freon, owners are often faced with confusion: what kind of refrigerant is used in their model? The answer depends on the year of manufacture, the type of compressor and even the series of equipment. In old Soviet ones Biryusha it was used R12, in models of the 90s - R134a, and in modern ones (after 2010) - environmentally friendly R600a (isobutane).

An error in choosing freon can lead to compressor failure, leakage or even explosive situation (especially when mixing R600a with air in high concentration). In this article, we will look at how to determine the type of refrigerant by marking, year of manufacture and external signs, as well as what to do if freon has leaked or requires refilling.

1. The evolution of freons in Biryusa refrigerators: from R12 to R600a

Over 60+ years of production Biryusa it has replaced several generations of refrigerants, following global environmental standards. Let's consider the key stages:

• 🔹 1960–1980s (USSR): Used R12 (difluorodichloromethane) - highly effective, but depleting the ozone layer. Today its production is prohibited by the Montreal Protocol.
• 🔹 1990–2005: Transition to R134a (tetrafluoroethane) - less harmful to ozone, but with a high global warming potential (GWP=1430).
• 🔹 2006–2010: The emergence of transitional models with R134a and experimental mixtures (for example, R404A in some industrial refrigerators).
• 🔹 2010–present: Mass transition to R600a (isobutane) - a natural hydrocarbon with GWP=3, but flammable at a concentration in the air >1.3%.

Important: Biryusa not uses R22 (freon for air conditioners) or R410A —these refrigerants are found only in climate control equipment, and not in household refrigerators.

2. How to determine the type of freon by model and year of manufacture

The most reliable way is to find nameplate (a metal plate) on the back wall of the refrigerator. Look for inscriptions like:

• 🔍 Refrigerant: R134a or Refrigerant: R600a
• 🔍 Climate Class: N/ST (freon may be indicated next to it)
• 🔍 Serial number, where the first digits often indicate the year of manufacture (for example, 912... = 2012).

If the nameplate is missing or the information has been erased, use the compatibility table:

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 1995 and there is no freon marking on it, with a 99% probability it is R12. Its refilling is prohibited by law - a complete replacement of the refrigerant is required R600a with flushing the system and changing the oil.

3. Signs of a freon leak: when to sound the alarm

Freon in the refrigerator Biryusa circulates in a closed circuit. If the seal is broken, the refrigerant evaporates and cooling efficiency decreases. You can determine the leak by the following symptoms:

• ❄️ The freezer does not freeze, and in the main compartment the temperature is above +10°C.
• ⏳ The compressor works without stopping (normal cycle: 20–30 minutes of operation, 10–15 minutes of rest).
• 🔥 The condenser (grid at the back) does not heat up or only partially heats up.
• 💧 Oil on the floor under the refrigerator (if there is a leak in the compressor).
• 🚨 Smell of burning or chemicals (for R600a - faint smell of gasoline).

For accurate diagnosis, use leak detector (electronic or ultraviolet) or apply a soap solution to suspected leak locations (pipes, connections, compressor). The appearance of bubbles will confirm the problem.

4. Is it possible to replace R12 with R600a: refrigerator retrofit

Yes, but this not a simple refuelingis not a full-fledged modernization of the system. Here's what's required:

1. Rinsing the circuit with a special solvent (for example, RC-141b) to remove residual old oil.
2. Changing the oil to polyester (POE) - mineral oil from older models is incompatible with R600a.
3. Replacing the filter drier (it is saturated with moisture and R12 residues).
4. Soldering of new service ports (for R600a valves with left-hand threads are used).

The cost of retrofit in the service center: from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles (depending on the model). Doing it yourself not recommended - errors when soldering or refilling can lead to a fire.

⚠️ Attention: If there was already a leak in the refrigerator with R12 and the system was refilled with “what was at hand” (for example, R22 or autofreon), retrofitting on R600a may be impossible. In this case, it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 24 hours|Check the compressor for operation|Buy POE oil (for example, Emkarate RL68H)|Prepare a cylinder with R600a (at least 100 g)|Wear protective gloves and glasses-->

5. How to fill the Biryusa refrigerator with freon yourself

If you are confident in your skills and you have equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station, cylinder with freon), follow the instructions. For beginners: it is better to contact the service - errors during refilling can cost more than repairs.

Step-by-step instructions for R600a:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator, drain the remaining freon (if any) through the service port.
2. Connect vacuum pump and pump out the system to pressure -1 bar (minimum 30 minutes).
3. Close the pump valve, watch the pressure gauge for 10 minutes - if the pressure does not rise, the system is sealed.
4. Connect the cylinder with R600a (turned upside down!) and fill in portions of 20-30 g, controlling the pressure.
5. Normal operating pressure for R600a: 0.2–0.5 bar on the suction side and 8–12 bar on the discharge.

For R134a the process is similar, but the pressure in the system is higher: 0.5–1 bar at suction and 10–14 bar at discharge. After refilling, turn on the refrigerator and check the temperature in the chambers after 2–3 hours.

What happens if you recharge freon?

Excess refrigerant leads to increased load on the compressor, its overheating and reduced service life. In the case of R600a, the risk of leakage through the compressor seal also increases. Symptoms of recharging: the compressor operates with pauses of less than 5 minutes, the condenser is cold, not hot.

6. Where to buy freon for Biryusa and how much it costs

Refrigerants are sold in cylinders of different sizes. To fill one refrigerator Biryusa enough:

• 🛒 R600a: 100–150 g (a 500 g container costs ~1,500–2,000 rubles).
• 🛒 R134a: 150–200 g (1 kg cylinder ~2,500–3,000 rubles).

Where to buy:

• 🔧 Service centers (they sell small cylinders with a valve for one-time refilling).
• 🏪 Refrigeration equipment stores (for example, Holod-Service, Freon-Market).
• 🌍 Online sites (AliExpress, 220-volt —but check the reviews!).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing R600a, specify what you need pure isobutane (not a mixture with propane!). Low-quality freon may contain moisture or impurities that will clog the capillary tube.

7. Common mistakes when working with freon

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes. Here's what you cannot do when refueling Turk:

• 🔥 Use an open fire to check for leaks (R600a is flammable!).
• 🔄 Mix freons (for example, add R134a to a system with residual R12).
• 🛠️ Soldering the tubes without nitrogen purge —oxides inside the circuit will clog the capillary.
• ❄️ Refill "by eye" — excess or lack of freon worsens the efficiency of the system.

If after refueling the refrigerator does not cool, check:

1. Pressure in the system (with a pressure gauge).
2. The operation of the thermostat (call with a multimeter).
3. Condition of the capillary tube (can be clogged with moisture or dirt).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to fill a 1995 Biryusa refrigerator with freon R600a without retrofit?

No. Pre-2000 models use mineral oil, which is not compatible with R600a. Without flushing the system and changing the oil, the compressor will fail in a few weeks.

What kind of freon is in the Biryusa-18 refrigerator? Does it depend on the year of manufacture?

Yes. Models Biryusa-18 before 2005 were refueled R134a, after 2010 - R600a. Check the nameplate on the back wall.

What is dangerous about R600a in the refrigerator?

Isobutane (R600a) is flammable at a concentration in the air of 1.3%. However, in domestic conditions, leakage rarely reaches dangerous levels - freon quickly evaporates. The main danger is explosion during soldering without preliminary purging with nitrogen.

How much freon is needed to refill Biryusa-130?

In the model Biryusa-130 (R600a) are usually charged with 100–120 grams refrigerant. The exact quantity depends on the length of the tubes and the volume of the system (check in the passport).

Can I use autofreon (R134a) for a refrigerator?

Theoretically yes, but not recommended. Automotive R134a often contains air conditioning additives that can damage the refrigerator's capillary tube. Use only pure refrigerant for household appliances.