Refrigerant

Name:
Refrigerant
Detailed information:
Any substance that by undergoing a change of phase (solid to liquid or liquid to vapor) lowers the temperature of its environment because of its latent heat. Melting ice, with latent heat of 80 calories per gram removes heat and exerts a considerable cooling effect. Most commercial refrigerants are liquids whose latent heat of vaporization results in cooling. Ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and ethyl or methyl chloride were once widely used. The flammablity and toxicity of these compounds led to a search for safer refrigerants that resulted in the discovery of halogenated hydrocarbons, especially fluorocarbons, which are nonflammable. Under various trademarks, these are now generally used for domestic refrigeration and air-conditioning. Ice and circulating brine are still used for preservation of fish at sea, and ammonia systems are operated for seafood storage in warehouses.