Which refrigerant is primarily used in commercial refrigeration applications?

The refrigerant primarily used in commercial refrigeration applications is R-22. R-22, also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), has been widely utilized due to its effective cooling properties and ability to function efficiently in various systems, particularly in air conditioning and refrigeration setups.

R-22 is favored in commercial refrigeration due to its moderate pressure conditions, which help in achieving the desired cooling effects without requiring excessively high system pressures. Additionally, it has suitable thermodynamic properties that allow commercial refrigeration systems to operate effectively over a range of temperatures.

While other refrigerants mentioned, such as R-12 and R-134a, have their own applications, they are generally not as prevalent in commercial refrigerant systems as R-22. For example, R-12 was phased out due to its high ozone depletion potential, and R-134a is commonly used in automotive air conditioning rather than in commercial refrigeration contexts. R-717, or ammonia, is utilized in industrial settings but poses safety challenges due to its toxicity and flammability, which limits its use in more widespread commercial applications.

In summary, R-22's balance of efficiency, temperature range capability, and historical prevalence in commercial refrigeration makes it the primary choice in this sector.