Refrigerant Knowledge Center
What Is R513A Refrigerant? Properties, Uses and Safety
R513A is an A1 HFO/HFC azeotropic blend with operating characteristics near R134a and a lower reported GWP, used in approved chillers and medium-temperature refrigeration applications.
What Is R513A?
R513A is an A1 HFO/HFC azeotropic blend with operating characteristics near R134a and a lower reported GWP, used in approved chillers and medium-temperature refrigeration applications.
R513A is classified as azeotropic blend in the HFO/HFC blend family. Its composition is 56% R1234yf / 44% R134a by mass. Refrigerant choice is never based on designation alone: capacity, pressure, lubricant, controls, heat-exchanger behavior, safety standards and local rules all matter.
R513A Technical Properties
General reference values for comparison; a current product specification and applicable regulatory basis govern a transaction.
| Refrigerant designation | R513A |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | HFO/HFC blend |
| Composition | 56% R1234yf / 44% R134a by mass |
| Blend type | azeotropic blend |
| ASHRAE safety class | A1 |
| 100-year GWP | 573 (IPCC AR5 100-year, manufacturer-reported) |
| Ozone depletion potential | 0 |
| Normal boiling reference | -29.6 °C |
Common R513A Applications
Typical references include medium-temperature refrigeration, chillers, and selected R134a conversions.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Advantages and Limitations
Selection advantages
- Established refrigerant designation with published reference data.
- Application history in medium-temperature refrigeration.
- ODP reference of 0.
Important limitations
- A1 safety controls must be applied.
- GWP and lifecycle status can affect long-term selection.
- No refrigerant should be treated as a universal drop-in.
Environmental Impact and Regulation
Its HFC component means regional phase-down and end-use restrictions still need review despite its lower GWP than R134a.
R513A has an ODP reference of 0 and a stated GWP of 573 using IPCC AR5 100-year, manufacturer-reported. Regulations commonly distinguish between manufacturing or import, new equipment, servicing, recovered material and individual end uses.
Safety, Handling and Storage
A conversion still requires an engineered procedure covering capacity, controls, lubricant, seals and labeling; similar properties do not make every system compatible.
The A1 classification describes toxicity and flammability groupings; it does not by itself approve a refrigerant for a particular system. Review the current safety data sheet, cylinder label, transport classification, equipment manual and local code.
R513A Alternatives and Comparisons
Candidate alternatives must be evaluated as system choices, not simple chemical substitutions.
HFC; A1 safety class; GWP 1430 on the stated IPCC AR4 100-year basis.
HFO; A2L safety class; GWP 1 on the stated manufacturer-reported value below 1, rounded for display basis.
Review packaging, documentation and inquiry requirements for R513A.
R513A Frequently Asked Questions
What is R513A made of?
56% R1234yf / 44% R134a by mass; it is categorized as azeotropic blend.
What is the safety class of R513A?
The published classification used in this guide is A1. Equipment approval and local safety rules still apply.
What is the GWP of R513A?
The reference here is 573 on the IPCC AR5 100-year, manufacturer-reported basis. Other assessment bases may show a different number.
Can R513A replace another refrigerant directly?
No universal drop-in claim is made. Compatibility and conversion requirements must be confirmed for the exact equipment.
Where is R513A commonly used?
Typical applications include medium-temperature refrigeration, chillers, and selected R134a conversions, subject to equipment design and local approval.
References and Technical Sources
Source data is summarized for general education. Always use current official documents, standards and supplier-specific safety and technical data for engineering or compliance decisions.
Ask About R513A Refrigerant
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