Refrigerant Properties
The refrigerants provided below consist of the major industrial and process refrigerants in common use. The data presented in these reference bulletins was generated by a software program called RefProp 8.0. This program was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA.
The pressures referenced in these bulletins are based on absolute pressure: psia or bar A.
The reference bulletin files are in PDF format. The articles may be downloaded using Acrobat® Reader® software.
Notes:
- The local atmospheric pressure should be added to any gauge pressure recorded from a refrigeration system to use these tables in absolute pressure.
- The reference point for enthalpy uses the ASHRAE standard of -40°F (-40°C). Do not mix data from different sources as each source may use a different reference point.
- The temperature ranges shown were selected to encompass the anticipated normal operating conditions found in industrial refrigeration systems.
- The disclaimer covering your use of this material is available here.
Saturated Refrigerant Properties in US Customary units (IP)
R-717 / Ammonia (-80°F to 130°F)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°F increments (55KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 1 psi increments (52KB)
R-744 / Carbon Dioxide (-69°F to 87°F)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°F increments (40KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 1 psi increments (106KB)
R-290 / Propane (-80°F to 140°F)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°F increments (46KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 1 psi increments (52KB)
R-1270 / Propylene (-80°F to 140°F)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°F increments (46KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 1 psi increments (57KB)
Saturated Refrigerant Properties in SI Units
R-717 / Ammonia (-60°C to 60°C)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°C increments (27KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 0.1 bar increments (37KB)
R-744 / Carbon Dioxide (-56°C to 30°C)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°C increments (24KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 0.1 bar increments (71KB)
R-290 / Propane (-60°C to 60°C)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°C increments (27KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 0.1 bar increments (38KB)
R-1270 / Propylene (-60°C to 60°C)
Temperature vs. Pressure – 1°C increments (27KB)
Pressure vs. Temperature – 0.1 bar increments (38KB)
Vapor Pressure Curve Example
An example of a typical vapor pressure curve is available below. This curve is useful for describing the relationship of the saturation temperatures and pressures of refrigerants.
This curve also shows the effect of changes in pressure or temperature and the resulting change in subcooling of liquid or superheating of vapor.
Be sure to see the CO2 Refrigeration page for information about the use of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. See Industrial Refrigeration for an overview of refrigeration systems.