The Chemours Company (Chemours), a global chemistry company with market positions in Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions, and Advanced Performance Materials, began taking orders from North American customers in December for its Opteon™ XL41 (R-454B) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant, which the company will start fulfilling by the end of Q1 2023.
Opteon™ XL41 is an R-410A replacement in new air conditioning and heat pump applications, offering zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and an approximate 78% reduction in global warming potential (GWP) when compared to R-410A (AR4 GWP).
Optimal balance of performance
One of the latest next-generation solutions in the Chemours Opteon™ portfolio, in addition to being the lowest GWP replacement for R-410A alternatives on the market, Opteon™ XL41 offers the optimal balance of performance, sustainability, and cost, and is classified as a low-flammability (A2L) refrigerant.
Opteon™ XL41 offers the optimal balance of performance, sustainability, and cost
The availability of Opteon™ XL41 refrigerant comes approximately one year ahead of the next major scheduled step-down outlined in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. Starting January 1, 2024, regulations will require an additional 30% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and consumption. Amidst this regulatory landscape, Opteon™ XL41 will offer customers product longevity.
Sustainable refrigeration solutions
“As the industry prepares for the next HFC phasedown, Chemours is fully committed to supporting a diverse group of HVACR applications in making a successful transition to sustainable refrigeration solutions,” said Alisha Bellezza, President of Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours.
“We are excited that so many of the major players in equipment manufacturing recognize the environmental and performance efficacy of Opteon™ XL41. Together, we are ensuring the refrigerant and equipment are readily available to support an industrywide move to the lowest possible GWP operation without sacrificing performance.”
Without sacrificing performance
Overall, OEM system design changes required for Opteon™ XL41 will be minimal
Opteon™ XL41 has already been selected by most global OEMs, including Carrier, Johnson Controls, and Rheem, which have announced alignment with Chemours for the utilization of this product.
Overall, OEM system design changes required for Opteon™ XL41 will be minimal, and it is expected that new equipment filled with refrigerant will be available to customers before 2025. In addition to product innovation, Chemours commits extensive resources to provide customers with the training, technical support, customer service, and product supply necessary to upgrade, maintain, and service new equipment.
Corporate responsibility targets
Chemours will spotlight Opteon™ XL41—which was recently selected as the cooling category winner in the 2023 AHR Expo Innovation Awards—and other solutions in the Opteon™ portfolio at the 2023 AHR Expo. Chemours will exhibit at booth C-6425 at the Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, from Feb. 6-8, 2023.
Supporting the anticipated growth in demand for Opteon™ XL41 and steady demand growth for other ultra-low GWP refrigerants in the Opteon™ portfolio, Chemours’ $80 million capital expansion project and debottlenecking efforts at Chemours in Ingleside – located 20 minutes outside of Corpus Christi, Texas – will increase production capacity by approximately 40%. The expansion project will help Chemours meet the significant increase in product orders and aligns with the company’s corporate responsibility targets.
