Refrigerant NH₃

Ammonia (NH₃ or R717 as a refrigerant) is a natural refrigerant with a long history. Its physical properties require proper handling in order to ensure safe system operation.  

Ammonia is toxic: in high concentrations it can cause serious health problems such as irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs. In extreme cases, it can cause asphyxiation. It is important to take appropriate safety measures to limit exposure to ammonia and ensure adequate ventilation.  

Even at low concentrations in the ambient air, ammonia has a high signalling effect on us humans. However, the concentrations that occur in our systems are not harmful to health. As a positive side effect, it can be assumed that all ammonia systems are 100% leak-proof.  

Ammonia reacts with metals such as copper and zinc, which can lead to corrosion and possible failures in the corresponding systems.  

Because of the classification in safety group B2L, precautions must also be taken with regard to flammability. 

The worldwide use of R717 shows that these properties can be well controlled by safety measures and techniques, and that cooling tasks can be managed efficiently.