Why have we chosen R1234yf gas and not R290 hydrocarbons for the refrigeration circuit?
The ban on fluorinated gases, including R134a, is progressing. By 2025, small power plants will have to use gases with a GWP of less than 150, and the use of environmentally-friendly gases in domestic and professional fountains is mandatory. In addition, all calls for tender in Europe require the use of environmentally-friendly gases for refrigeration circuits.
GWS industries has chosen R1234yf. It has a GWP of 5, well below the threshold of 150 GWP imposed by ecological standards.
It is non-explosive, falling into the A2L low flammability category.
As well as being environmentally friendly, the gas we use offers considerable advantages
Comparison of a low-flammability 2AL gas and a highly flammable 3A (explosive) gas in a water cooler refrigeration circuit
With r1234yf, there are no special requirements for the components of a refrigeration circuit. On the other hand, for R290 gas, in accordance with standard EN 60335, the components must not emit or be likely to emit sparks. It is not compulsory for all components to be ATEX, and it is permissible to use components that are not IP54 class, but they must always be encapsulated. Risk assessment is mandatory
Examples of R290 gas use
With R290 gas, faston cabling is not permitted.
When R290 gas is used, the thermostat cannot be left free, but must be encapsulated.

With R290 gas, brush motors need to be protected.
And so on…
Other highlights for water dispensers
The quantity of charge per installation may not exceed 500 g for R290 gas, and up to 1200 g for R1234yf gas.
In the case of multiple installations, i.e. several installations using flammable or explosive gases, the concentration of gas in the volume of the room must be carefully assessed. For an explosive gas such as R290, the standard recommends a threshold of less than 8 g/m3, while for R1234yf, the threshold is 39 g/m3.
Extraordinary maintenance of a refrigeration circuit using non-explosive gas is much simpler, requiring no special equipment, and is similar to older systems using R134a gas.