Refrigerant Knowledge Center
What Is R717 Refrigerant? Properties, Uses and Safety
R717 is refrigerant-grade ammonia, a high-efficiency natural refrigerant widely used in industrial systems, with zero ODP and negligible direct GWP but higher toxicity and lower flammability classification B2L.
What Is R717?
R717 is refrigerant-grade ammonia, a high-efficiency natural refrigerant widely used in industrial systems, with zero ODP and negligible direct GWP but higher toxicity and lower flammability classification B2L.
R717 is classified as single component in the natural refrigerant family. Its composition is 100% refrigerant-grade ammonia. Refrigerant choice is never based on designation alone: capacity, pressure, lubricant, controls, heat-exchanger behavior, safety standards and local rules all matter.
R717 Technical Properties
General reference values for comparison; a current product specification and applicable regulatory basis govern a transaction.
| Refrigerant designation | R717 |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | natural refrigerant |
| Composition | 100% refrigerant-grade ammonia |
| Blend type | single component |
| ASHRAE safety class | B2L |
| 100-year GWP | 0 (commonly reported direct 100-year GWP) |
| Ozone depletion potential | 0 |
| Normal boiling reference | -33.3 °C |
Common R717 Applications
Typical references include industrial refrigeration, cold storage, food processing, and large heat pumps.
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.
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 industrial refrigeration.
- ODP reference of 0.
Important limitations
- B2L 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
Workplace, environmental, pressure-system and fire-code obligations vary by charge size, occupancy and jurisdiction.
R717 has an ODP reference of 0 and a stated GWP of 0 using commonly reported direct 100-year GWP. Regulations commonly distinguish between manufacturing or import, new equipment, servicing, recovered material and individual end uses.
Safety, Handling and Storage
System design and operation require ammonia-specific materials, machinery-room safeguards, detection, ventilation, emergency planning and trained personnel.
The B2L 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.
R717 Alternatives and Comparisons
Candidate alternatives must be evaluated as system choices, not simple chemical substitutions.
natural refrigerant; A1 safety class; GWP 1 on the stated CO2 reference value, 100-year basis.
hydrocarbon; A3 safety class; GWP 3 on the stated IPCC AR4 100-year basis.
HFC blend; A1 safety class; GWP 3985 on the stated IPCC AR4 100-year basis.
R717 Frequently Asked Questions
What is R717 made of?
100% refrigerant-grade ammonia; it is categorized as single component.
What is the safety class of R717?
The published classification used in this guide is B2L. Equipment approval and local safety rules still apply.
What is the GWP of R717?
The reference here is 0 on the commonly reported direct 100-year GWP basis. Other assessment bases may show a different number.
Can R717 replace another refrigerant directly?
No universal drop-in claim is made. Compatibility and conversion requirements must be confirmed for the exact equipment.
Where is R717 commonly used?
Typical applications include industrial refrigeration, cold storage, food processing, and large heat pumps, 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.
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