R-12 is a CFC. It releases chlorine and fluorine.
R-12 is dangerous to the ozone layer.
R12, or chlorofluorocarbon-12, reacts with ozone in the stratosphere, breaking down the ozone molecules. This leads to a reduction in the ozone layer, which is important for shielding the Earth from harmful UV radiation. As a result, increased levels of R12 can contribute to ozone depletion.
No, R12 refrigerant is no longer manufactured due to its high ozone-depleting potential. Production of R12 was phased out in the United States and many other countries in the late 1990s, following the Montreal Protocol aimed at protecting the ozone layer. While it is still possible to find recycled R12 in some markets, its use is heavily regulated, and alternatives are now widely encouraged.
As of October 2023, R12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), is largely phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. However, some countries, particularly in the developing world, may still use R12 in certain applications, especially where retrofitting to alternatives is not feasible. This includes some regions in Africa and parts of Asia, where enforcement of international agreements like the Montreal Protocol may be less stringent. Nonetheless, global efforts continue to eliminate the use of R12 and encourage the transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Although less ozone depleting than r12, it's still illegal to discharge r134 into the atmosphere.
Freon is actually a brand name for a class of compounds known that contain fluorine, and are gases at room temperature. If the compound also contains the halogens chlorine or bromine, these compounds are known ozone depleters (CFCs, HCFCs, and so on). The fluorine presents no challenge, but the other halogens do. For instance, Freon R-12 is CCl2F2. These compounds were commonly used until it was discovered that they can catalytically destroy ozone. Bromine from Halons has a very similar effect. Here is what happens when these man-made molecules are released into the atmosphere: # They mix in the troposphere # They mix into the stratosphere # When exposed to UV light, the C-Cl bond is broken and the free radical Cl. is formed # Cl. reacts with ozone (O3) to form O2 and ClO, another radical. # ClO reacts with O to form O2 and Cl. # Go back to step 4. and the process repeats itself until the Cl is rained out as HCl. It could repeat ozone destruction 10,000 times plus or minus, depending only on other compounds to tie it back up, and UV not to release it again. The net chemical reaction is this: O3 + O --> 2O2 CFC's remain in the atmosphere for something like 50 years, continually destroying ozone. Since they were banned by the Montreal Protocol, they have largely been replaced by similar molecules, but these new ones are less stable. These new molecules are destroyed before they are able to reach the stratosphere, where the protective layer of ozone is found, and do not destroy ozone. Many developing nations continue to use the old dangerous CFC's however. The R12 Freon (for one example of hundreds) refrigerant was phased out due to being a Ozone (O3) destroying / interactive chemical. It was replaced with R134. Since the phasing out of R12, measurements of the Antarctic Ozone layer show that the Ozone is recovering and is therefore cited as a positive change resulting from environmental policy. Update: record size ozone hole in 2007, and near record in 2008. R12 may be reduced, but other compounds have apparently stepped in.
R12 I owned a 91 Volvo 240 with inop AC for 6 years. I refused to get the R12 system fixed because of the damage that R12 does to the ozone (it is also expensive and restricted in distribution). I just sold that car last week and got a car with an R134a AC system..........I feel better. == == == ==
The use of R-12 refrigerant, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane, was largely phased out in the United States starting in 1996 due to its ozone-depleting properties. The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer, led to the gradual reduction of R-12 production and consumption. By 2010, the production and import of R-12 were banned in many countries, solidifying its discontinuation.
If your looking to change from R12 to R134a why not purchase a refill kit from Red Tek which will refill either type of system. It is an EcoSafe Non-Ozone Depleating alternative to Freon. I've used the product and it works well. Go to http://www.redtek.com/ for more details.
The CFC's leaking from the car, for the most part, will never reach the ozone layer. R12 and other CFC's are heavier then air and will tend to sink. The issue remains though that it is a gas, gases will mix in our atmosphere though and small amounts of this gas may well reach the stratosphere and start to cause issues. The volume though is extremely small. The portion that does make it to this layer could takes anywhere from a few weeks to several years.
how to convert r12 to134r
As of now, the production of R12 refrigerant, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane, is largely banned or heavily restricted in many countries due to its ozone-depleting properties. However, some countries may still produce or use R12 in limited quantities, particularly where regulatory enforcement is weaker or in applications such as servicing older equipment. Notably, countries that are not part of the Montreal Protocol may have less stringent regulations regarding R12 production. It's important to check specific national regulations for the most current information.