R290 Propane Refrigerant
R290 is refrigerant-grade propane, a single-component hydrocarbon refrigerant used in purpose-designed refrigeration and selected heat-pump equipment.
Its very low GWP and strong thermodynamic performance are major advantages, but R290 is classified A3 and therefore requires equipment, charge limits and service procedures designed for a highly flammable refrigerant.
Reference packaging includes 380 g, 400 g and 5 kg formats. Confirm current filling specification, valve type and transport requirements for each order.
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Description
R290 Propane Refrigerant
R290 is refrigerant-grade propane (C3H8), a single-component hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and a very low direct climate impact.
It is widely associated with small self-contained commercial refrigeration and is increasingly important in purpose-designed heat-pump and refrigeration platforms where A3 safety requirements can be managed.
The U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference table lists R290 at a 100-year GWP of 3.3. However, low GWP does not create blanket application approval: charge limits, equipment listing, ignition-risk controls, installation rules and service procedures remain central.
See the R290 refrigerant profile, Natural Refrigerants Guide and Heat Pump Refrigerants for deeper application context.
Key R290 Refrigerant Properties
Key product-identification, climate and safety data for refrigerant-grade R290.
R290 Technical Specifications
R290 is chemically propane, but refrigeration use requires refrigerant-grade product quality and equipment designed for R290.
| Refrigerant Designation | R290 |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Propane |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₈ |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 44.1 g/mol |
| Normal Boiling Point | Approx. -42°C |
| Refrigerant Type | Single-component hydrocarbon |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0 |
| 100-Year Global Warming Potential | 3.3 — U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A3 |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.1 |
Use refrigerant-grade R290 from a controlled supply source. Generic fuel propane or LPG should not be assumed to meet refrigeration purity, moisture or contaminant requirements.
Typical R290 Applications
R290 is used where equipment is specifically engineered and approved for an A3 hydrocarbon refrigerant.
Self-Contained Commercial Refrigeration
R290 is widely used in purpose-designed display cases, beverage coolers, freezers and other compact commercial refrigeration equipment.
Domestic Refrigeration
Some household refrigeration platforms use hydrocarbon refrigerants, including R290 in equipment designed and approved for the required charge and safety controls.
Heat Pumps
R290 is an important very-low-GWP route in selected purpose-designed heat pumps, particularly where system architecture can safely accommodate A3 requirements.
Explore Commercial Refrigeration, the Refrigerants for Applications hub and Heat Pump Refrigerants for application-specific selection.
R290 Safety and Handling Considerations
A3 flammability is the defining R290 safety consideration and must be managed at equipment, installation and service levels.
A3 Flammability
R290 is highly flammable. Control ignition sources, use approved components and follow the charge limits and mitigation requirements that apply to the equipment.
Purpose-Designed Equipment
Use R290 only in equipment approved for it. Do not convert another refrigerant system solely to lower GWP.
Service & Recovery
Technicians need hydrocarbon-compatible recovery, charging, ventilation and leak-checking procedures appropriate to the jurisdiction and equipment.
The molecule is propane, but refrigeration systems require controlled product quality. Fuel-grade propane can contain contaminants or moisture and should not be treated as specification-grade R290.
R290 Product Specification & Documentation
Order documentation should identify the product as refrigerant-grade R290 and confirm the actual cylinder / can specification.
| Refrigerant Identity | R290 / refrigerant-grade propane |
|---|---|
| Composition | Single-component propane |
| Supplied Form | Liquefied flammable refrigerant gas |
| Transport Classification | Class 2.1 flammable gas |
R290 Refrigerant Packaging Options
The supplied product information includes small-container and cylinder R290 formats.
| Packaging Type | Reference Size | Supply Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small Can | 380 g / 400 g | Small-volume refrigerant supply |
| Cylinder | 5 kg | Service, distributor and equipment-manufacturing supply |
Packaging design, valve configuration, permitted transport quantity and handling requirements must match flammable-gas regulations in the destination market.
R290 Is a Very-Low-GWP New-Equipment Route, Not a Universal Retrofit
R290 is increasingly important because it combines very low GWP with strong refrigeration performance, especially in low-charge or tightly controlled purpose-designed equipment.
Its A3 classification means the transition to R290 is normally an equipment-platform decision rather than a simple refrigerant substitution.
- Commercial refrigeration: strongest fit is often purpose-designed, low-charge self-contained equipment.
- Heat pumps: growing use in platforms engineered for A3 safety and the required operating envelope.
- Existing equipment: keep the OEM-specified refrigerant unless a formal conversion has been approved.
R290 should not be charged into an R134a, R404A, R32 or other system merely because pressure or cooling performance seems similar. Safety class, electrical design, charge, components and certification are different.
R290 Refrigerant Frequently Asked Questions
What is R290 refrigerant?
R290 is refrigerant-grade propane, a single-component hydrocarbon refrigerant.
What is the GWP of R290?
The U.S. EPA Technology Transitions reference table lists R290 at a 100-year GWP of 3.3.
Is R290 flammable?
Yes. R290 is classified A3, so equipment and service procedures must address higher flammability.
Where is R290 used?
Common applications include purpose-designed self-contained commercial refrigeration and selected heat-pump and refrigeration platforms.
Is R290 the same as LPG propane?
The molecule is propane, but refrigerant-grade R290 has controlled quality requirements. Generic fuel propane should not be assumed suitable for refrigeration.
Can R290 replace R134a or R404A directly?
No direct retrofit should be assumed. The equipment must be designed and approved for R290 and its A3 safety requirements.
Product information on Refrigerants.net is provided for product identification, comparison and B2B purchasing research. Final refrigerant specification, packaging, availability, transport requirements, permitted use and equipment compatibility should be confirmed against current product documentation, SDS, OEM requirements and applicable regulations before purchase or use.
Additional information
| Application | Commercial Refrigeration, Domestic Refrigeration, Heat Pumps |
|---|---|
| Composition Type | Single Component |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A3 |
| Package Size | 380 g, 400 g, 5 kg |
| Packaging Type | Disposable Cylinder, Small Can |
| Refrigerant Number | R290 |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.1 |
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