Question

Some chlorinated fluorocarbon refrigerants may decompose into a toxic irritating gas under which of the following conditions?
1. Allowed to mix with compressor oil
2. Exposed to an open flame or hot surface
3. Stored at temperature below 60° F
4. Charged into a system having copper fittings

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Exposed to an open flame or hot surface

Toxic Combustion Products:

• All fluorocarbons will undergo thermal decomposition when exposed to flame or red-hot metal.
• Decomposition products of the chlorofluorocarbons will include hydrofluoric & hydrochloric acid along with smaller amounts of phosgene & carbonyl fluoride.
• The last compound is very unstable to hydrolysis & quickly changes to hydrofluoric acid & carbon dioxide in the presence of moisture.
• In contact with open flame or very hot surface fluorocarbons may decompose into highly irritant & toxic gases: chlorine, hydrogen fluoride or chloride, & even phosgene.