Just because you can… Koura publishes retrofit guides

Koura has launched Klea Edge 444A across the UK and Europe and positioned it as a direct aftermarket replacement for R-1234yf in automotive air-conditioning systems.

The new refrigerant is claimed to offer enhanced vehicle performance and reduced environmental impact at a lower cost than current alternatives but has a higher global warming potential than the YF it purports to replace, rated at 92 GWP under AR4.

Retrofitting systems to a higher-GWP refrigerant is, at the very least, frowned upon and, depending on jurisdiction, could be prohibited.

Koura has introduced ‘global service standards’ covering retrofitting, recovery, leak testing, and charging for both Klea Edge 444A and Klea 456A (another refrigerant, designed to replace R-134a).

The documentation urges technicians to consult local regulations and vehicle warranties before undertaking any servicing work with alternative refrigerants.

Last year, Honeywell pulled a similar move, releasing literature outlining a five-step process for retrofitting R-134a systems with R-1234yf (substantially reducing GWP but moving up a flammability category).

As covered in SightGlass Issue 34, there are multiple hurdles for alternative refrigerant retrofits to overcome before reaching regulatory and OEM approval as well as liability concerns, the potential lack of compatible service equipment, and ongoing controversy over PFAS and TFA.

Some industry players are also concerned that blends such R-444A and R-456A could present servicing and even operating challenges, especially in mobile applications, due to glide (the temperature difference at a given pressure whereby the components of the blend change phase).

Klea Edge 444A is a blend of 83 per cent R-1234ze(E), 12 per cent R-32, and five per cent R-152a.

According to Koura, third-party tests show it can reduce cabin temperatures up to four minutes faster than R-1234yf. It also claims to offer greater energy efficiency, potentially boosting fuel economy in combustion vehicles and extending range in electric models.

“With increasing environmental regulations in the EU and UK for refrigerants, we’re committed to leading the industry with solutions that lower the environmental impact significantly without compromising on performance,” said Michael Mukai, who is global market management director for refrigerant at Koura parent company Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials.

Koura says 444A is fully compatible with existing R-1234yf systems and equipment, requiring no special tools or system redesign.

Service equipment manufacturer Texa has approved the use of R444A, with additional certifications underway.

“Proactively setting these service procedure guidelines is crucial for the successful adoption of R-444A and R-456A in the automotive aftermarket,” said Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials global marketing manager Chuck Abbott.

“By providing clear guidelines, we are supporting technicians and the entire industry in safely transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants.”

The documents describe how to convert vehicles from R-1234yf to R-444A and from R-134a to R-456A, including refrigerant recovery using certified equipment, proper port adaptations, vacuum testing, and precise recharging by pressure or weight.

When servicing vehicles already equipped with R-444A or R-456A, Orbia recommends using dedicated service stations capable of handling refrigerant recovery, leak testing, and recharging.

While the guidelines recommend keeping refrigerants separate, Orbia notes that R-444A is compatible with R-1234yf systems, and the lubricants used with both R-456A and R-134a are cross-compatible.

Although its actions could be seen as legitimising the grey area around retrofits, Koura is likely acknowledging what is already organically happening in the market and providing this technical information to help ensure best practice.