About this ebook
This book was developed by the ESCO Institute to serve as both an instructional resource and a field reference for working with A3 hydrocarbon refrigerants such as propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a). It combines essential background knowledge with step-by-step safety practices, guided by the latest codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Technicians using this manual will gain:
-A clear understanding of hydrocarbon refrigerant properties, environmental considerations, and system applications.
-Knowledge of the governing codes and standards that define safe installation, servicing, transportation, and storage.
-Practical field procedures designed to minimize hazards and ensure compliance with best practices.
-Tools such as pressure–temperature charts and sample safety data sheets to support daily service activities.
Whether used in the classroom or on the job, this book and its accompanying certification are intended to protect technicians, customers, and the environment, while supporting a successful transition to next-generation refrigerants.
About the author
Patrick Murphy, CM has dedicated more than 50 years to the HVACR industry. He began his career in the commercial HVACR sector, specializing in supermarket systems, before transitioning into education as a classroom instructor. While teaching he was invited to assist with the development of the certification for vocational educators by the National Board of Professional Teaching in the late '90s. He eventually transitioned from just teaching to being a testing and certification specialists within the HVACR Industry.
In recent decades, Patrick has held leadership roles with several prominent trade associations, including NATE and RSES. Today, he continues to serve the HVACR Industry as a curriculum and testing consultant as well as a contract assessor for the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), conducting personnel certification accreditation assessments for Certified Food Protection (CFP) and ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Conformity Assessment.
Jason Obrzut, CMHE, is the Director of Industry Standards and Relations at ESCO Institute. In this role, he acts as the liaison to numerous government and industry organizations. He has taken on the following roles in the HVACR industry; technician, contractor, instructor, HVACR program chair, director of education, and author. Some of the publications authored and co-authored by Jason include Brazing & Soldering, Gas Heating, Low GWP Refrigerant Safety, Quick Guide to Refrigeration Cycle, System Recovery & Evacuation, Water Heaters by ESCO Institute, and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology by Cengage. He presently serves on the AHRI Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force (SRTTF). In 2016 he was recognized as one the ACHR News "Top 40 Under 40" and took first place in the Teachers-N-Trainers Competition hosted by HVAC Excellence.
