What are the replacement blended refrigerants called?

Blended refrigerants, which consist of a mixture of different refrigerants to achieve desired thermodynamic properties, are typically referred to as azeotropes or zeotropes. Azeotropes maintain a constant boiling point and composition during phase changes, while zeotropes have varying compositions that result in different boiling points throughout the phase change process.

These blends are utilized to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining efficiency in refrigeration systems. Using azeotropes or zeotropes allows for a better balance of desired properties like energy efficiency and lower global warming potential.

Halocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons represent specific classes of chemicals or refrigerants, but they do not specifically denote the blended nature of refrigerants as azeotropes or zeotropes do. Halocarbons are a broader category of compounds that include various types of refrigerants, and while chlorofluorocarbons were once common, they are being phased out due to their ozone-depleting properties. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are also being phased out and do not directly refer to blends. Therefore, the term azeotropes or zeotropes is the most accurate descriptor of replacement blended refrigerants.