R516A Refrigerant77.5/8.5/14 R1234yf/R134a/R152a · Forane R516A · Sub-150 R134a-class platform
R516A is an azeotropic A2L blend designed to provide R134a-like thermodynamic performance at a much lower climate impact. It contains 77.5% R1234yf, 8.5% R134a and 14% R152a by mass, has zero glide and an EPA GWP of 140. EPA SNAP Rule 26 opened multiple new commercial-refrigeration uses, and Rule 27 further expanded R516A into new residential/light-commercial AC, heat pumps and chillers subject to use conditions.
What is R516A refrigerant?
R516A is a sub-150 A2L refrigerant engineered around the R134a capacity/pressure envelope. Arkema describes it as design-compatible with existing R134a or R1234yf component concepts, but A2L safety means existing A1 R134a equipment cannot automatically be field-converted. Its combination of zero glide, R134a-like capacity and GWP 140 makes it an important new-equipment platform.
R516A refrigerant properties
Use these values for research and screening. For equipment design, charging and compliance, use the exact supplier PT data, SDS, OEM documentation and regulation that governs the project.
| Property | Reference | Engineering / source note |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | R516A | ASHRAE designation / Forane R516A |
| Nominal composition | R1234yf/R134a/R152a = 77.5/8.5/14 mass % | Arkema / NIST REFPROP |
| Refrigerant type | Azeotropic HFO/HFC blend | Zero glide |
| Molecular weight | ≈102.6 g/mol | Arkema |
| Normal boiling point | ≈ −29.4°C | Arkema |
| Critical temperature | ≈97.2°C | Published REFPROP-based data |
| Critical pressure | ≈36.5 bar | Published data |
| ODP | 0 | Arkema |
| 100-year GWP | 140 | EPA Technology Transitions |
| Safety classification | A2L | Lower flammability |
EPA Technology Transitions uses the values shown on this page. Older product literature may use IPCC AR4/AR5 or another assessment, so a different number is not automatically an error.
Where is R516A used?
Applications must be evaluated by system type, charge, compressor, heat exchanger, safety class and current regulation. The examples below describe recognized use contexts, not automatic approval for every installation.
Positive-displacement chillers
EPA SNAP Rule 27 lists R516A for new chillers subject to use conditions.
Centrifugal chillers
Rule 27 also added new centrifugal chiller use.
Residential & light-commercial AC / heat pumps
EPA Rule 27 lists R516A for new equipment subject to A2L conditions.
Medium-temperature refrigeration
Arkema positions R516A as an R134a-class solution.
Stand-alone & supermarket refrigeration
EPA Rule 26 lists R516A in multiple new commercial-refrigeration categories.
Cold storage / remote condensing / industrial process refrigeration
Rule 26 includes R516A subject to use conditions.
Continue through the Refrigerant Replacements and Low-GWP Refrigerants hubs for broader selection context.
Why R516A is an azeotrope with zero glide
R516A contains three components, yet the selected composition behaves azeotropically. Arkema specifies zero glide and a single normal boiling point near −29.4°C.
This simplifies PT interpretation and heat-exchanger temperature behavior compared with zeotropic sub-150 blends such as R454C or R455A.
Zero glide does not remove the need for correct refrigerant identification; R516A remains a defined multi-component mixture.
R516A was engineered to preserve the R134a equipment footprint
Arkema positions R516A as a very close match to R134a properties and reports good compatibility with component designs used for R134a or R1234yf.
Published comparative work shows capacity and efficiency close to R134a/R513A-class refrigerants, which can help manufacturers retain compressor and heat-exchanger footprints.
The key redesign is safety: R134a is A1, while R516A is A2L.
Why R516A is a new-system solution rather than a casual R134a retrofit
An existing R134a system may contain compressors, relays, electrical enclosures, room-charge assumptions and service procedures designed around A1 refrigerant.
Even if thermodynamic performance matches, those safety provisions do not automatically become suitable for A2L operation.
Arkema literature discusses design compatibility; EPA SNAP Rule 27 listings are for new equipment in the major HVAC/chiller end uses. Treat equipment approval and A2L compliance as mandatory.
EPA Rule 26 and Rule 27 made R516A much more relevant
EPA Rule 26 listed R516A in a broad group of new commercial/industrial refrigeration applications subject to A2L use conditions, including supermarket, remote condensing, cold storage and stand-alone equipment.
EPA SNAP Rule 27, published in 2025, further listed R516A in new residential/light-commercial AC and heat pumps and in new positive-displacement and centrifugal chillers subject to use conditions.
With EPA GWP 140, R516A also falls below the 150 numerical threshold used in many Technology Transitions refrigeration categories.
R516A vs R513A
The table highlights engineering differences rather than implying direct interchangeability.
| Characteristic | R516A | R513A |
|---|---|---|
| EPA GWP | 140 | 630 |
| Safety class | A2L | A1 |
| Phase behavior | Azeotropic, zero glide | Near-azeotropic, negligible glide |
| R1234yf fraction | 77.5% | 56% |
| R134a-class pressure/capacity intent | Yes | Yes |
| Sub-150 | Yes | No |
| Primary equipment pathway | New A2L designs | A1 retrofit/new transition |
R516A safety: zero glide does not remove A2L requirements
R516A is A2L. Its azeotropic behavior simplifies refrigerant-side calculations, but flammability controls still govern system architecture. Charge limits, ignition-source control, ventilation, equipment listing, service tools and any required detection/mitigation must follow the applicable A2L standards.
A2L system design
Use equipment approved for R516A / lower-flammability refrigerant.
Zero glide ≠ A1
Phase behavior and flammability classification are independent properties.
Service transition
Technicians need A2L-compatible recovery, evacuation and leak-detection procedures.
Actual risk depends on charge, release rate, pressure, room volume, ventilation, ignition sources, equipment construction, alarm logic and service condition.
See the Refrigerant Safety Guide for classification context.
R516A refrigerant leak detection
Validate detector response to the finished blend
R516A does not currently have a dedicated GasNose public profile. Use a sensor or service detector explicitly validated for R516A or for the exact finished blend response. NDIR and semiconductor methods can be suitable depending on the required concentration range and equipment standard.
Portable service leak detectors, fixed area monitors, A2L mitigation sensors and refrigerant identifiers perform different functions. Define the alarm action and concentration range before selecting the technology.
Regulatory position of R516A in 2026
United States
EPA SNAP Rule 26 lists R516A as acceptable subject to use conditions in multiple new commercial/industrial refrigeration end uses. SNAP Rule 27 further lists R516A for new residential/light-commercial AC and heat pumps and for new positive-displacement and centrifugal chillers subject to use conditions. EPA Technology Transitions GWP is 140, below the 150 threshold used in many long-term refrigeration categories.
European Union
R516A’s sub-150 GWP gives it stronger numerical alignment with EU F-gas thresholds than R513A/R515B, but it remains a fluorinated A2L blend and must still satisfy equipment-specific safety rules and later application restrictions.
Is R516A being phased out?
R516A is positioned as a long-term lower-GWP option for A2L-capable R134a-class equipment. Its future is more dependent on A2L product adoption and broader fluorinated-chemical policy than on near-term numerical GWP thresholds.
U.S. refrigeration limits differ by cold storage, supermarket, remote condensing, stand-alone product, industrial process and chiller category. A refrigerant may fit one pathway and fail another.
Use the Refrigerant Regulations Hub for regional research.
What should be compared with R516A?
Compare the real equipment pathway: retrofit vs new system, A1 vs A2L capability, GWP threshold, glide, compressor envelope, energy efficiency and service ecosystem.
Practical misconceptions about R516A
“R516A is A1 because it has zero glide.”
Glide and safety classification are unrelated; R516A is A2L.
“R516A can be poured into any R134a system.”
Thermodynamic similarity does not override A2L equipment and approval requirements.
“R516A GWP is exactly 142.”
Arkema AR4 literature shows 142; current EPA Technology Transitions uses 140.
“R516A and R513A are the same type of transition.”
R516A is sub-150 A2L new-equipment oriented; R513A is A1 and higher-GWP, often retrofit-friendly.
R516A refrigerant FAQ
Concise answers to common composition, retrofit, glide, safety and regulation questions.
What is R516A?
What is the composition?
What is the EPA GWP of R516A?
Is R516A flammable?
Does R516A have temperature glide?
Is R516A similar to R134a?
Can R516A retrofit existing R134a equipment?
Where is R516A SNAP-approved?
Does R516A meet a 150-GWP limit?
How should R516A leaks be detected?
R516A sources and further reading
This profile uses current EPA regulatory references plus refrigerant supplier, NIST, scientific and GasNose resources. Re-check the latest edition before design or compliance decisions.
Working with R516A or planning a refrigerant transition?
Compare GWP, safety class, temperature glide, equipment compatibility and regulatory lifetime before selecting a refrigerant.
Technical Notice: This page is for refrigerant research and general technical reference. Refrigerant suitability, permitted charge, equipment approval, leak mitigation, servicing procedures and regulatory compliance depend on the exact equipment, installation and jurisdiction. Always verify current manufacturer documentation, SDS, applicable standards and local regulations before selecting, replacing, charging or servicing a refrigerant.