Overview
One of the major catalysts for laboratory innovation is the need to comply with new environmental regulations while reducing ecological impact. OHAUS Corporation is executing a strategic transition across its entire refrigerated Frontier centrifuge portfolio, migrating from the synthetic Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blend R452A (Global Warming Potential (GWP): 2140) to the natural hydrocarbon R290 Propane (Global Warming Potential (GWP): 0.02).
Why Download This White Paper?
Explore the technical and practical insights found in our latest guide regarding the thermodynamic and regulatory benefits of natural refrigerants:
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Global Regulatory Readiness: Stay ahead of European Union (EU) Regulation 2024/573, United States Environmental Protection Agency Significant New Alternatives Policy (US EPA SNAP), and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) standards regarding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) "forever chemicals".
- Hassle-Free Logistics: Learn about our hermetically sealed engineering that makes R290 safe for standard air shipment globally, as the charge is less than 100 grams and exempt from "Hazardous Goods" shipping restrictions.
Technical Comparison: Redefining Standards
| Feature |
R452A (Synthetic) |
R290 (Natural Propane) |
R744 (Carbon Dioxide - CO2) |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) |
~2140 |
0.02 |
1 |
| Temperature Glide |
~3.8 K |
0 K (Zero) |
0 K |
| PFAS-free Coolant |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Cooling Efficiency |
Moderate |
High |
Variable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is OHAUS transitioning Frontier centrifuges to R290 refrigerant?
The transition is driven by new global legal requirements and a commitment to performance. R290 offers a 99.8% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to R452A while providing much better heat transfer capabilities for faster, more stable cooling.
Is R290 refrigerant safe for use in a laboratory?
Yes. Although R290 is flammable, OHAUS safety is "built-in" through a hermetically sealed system. We use an extremely small charge volume – often less than the butane in a few lighters – and every unit is factory-validated to meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61010-2-020 safety standard.
What is "Zero Temperature Glide" and why is it critical?
R452A is a mixture of gases that evaporate at different temperatures (glide), which can lead to uneven cooling (thermal stratification). R290 is a pure substance with Zero Glide. It ensures perfectly consistent cooling across the evaporator coils – the metal pipes that chill the centrifuge – which is critical to prevent delicate samples from degrading due to micro-variations in temperature.
How does this change affect the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
R290 reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by lowering energy consumption due to its high efficiency. It also extends equipment life because the compressor works under less strain (lower pressure and stress). Additionally, R290 is exempt from "carbon taxes" and Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) quotas, which are increasing the price of maintaining old, synthetic-based equipment.
Are there issues with shipping R290 equipment?
On the contrary, there is a logistical advantage. By keeping the charge below 100 grams, OHAUS centrifuges are not classified as "Hazardous Goods". This allows for seamless global air transport, avoiding the delays and high costs associated with shipping restricted chemical substances.