Old refrigerants

I'm not sure if this is the best section to post this but I figured i'd give it a shot.

I'm currently restoring two monitor top refrigerators, a 1933 and a 1934. Both are methyl formate and work great.

I'm looking for anyone experienced with these as I am trying to learn as much as I can in regards to their operation and history.


Now the reason I picked this section. 1927-1932 MT's used SO2 as refrigerant. Then 1933-1934 used methyl formate. And then they went back to SO2.

I'm curious if anyone knows why GE only used methyl formate for 2 years and then went back to SO2?

I'm also curious if anyone has considered using methyl formate in modern units. Reason being it seems superior to R290 as it operates below atmospheric pressure ergo will not leak into a room rapidly if the system develops a leak. Obviously methyl formate is highly flammable, but then again so is R290.

Please, go easy on me. Trying to learn ;)

MrTube,
a picture of these would be interesting.
As an apprentice the co i worked for had a timber display case with methyl chloride in a float valve type evap,,,i had the job of removing refrigerant,,,,i had a bit of a leak when i removed the float and under the oil was more liquid,,,,cleared the 2 building adjoining ours,,,horrible stuff,,,,,we replaced it with

R12,,,,worked fine,,,maybe R134a would be ok.

hi lowrance, those where the good old days, drive your horse drawn carrrage 5 miles to the buchers shop breath in some R 12 or smoke a fag breath in some phosgene, them where the days, I beleave its better now?
sedgy

Hi Lawrence,

I believe methyl formate and methyl chloride are two different chemicals. Methyl formate has a pleasant ether smell although is still toxic.

Unfortunately I cannot post pictures as I have not made 15 posts yet :(

Hi MrTube.
an interesting project you have started. Keep us up-to-date with progress.
I re-call servicing a sulphur dioxide refrig., as an apprentice in the late 60's , scared the hell out of me.
magoo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Magoo

Hi MrTube.
an interesting project you have started. Keep us up-to-date with progress.
I re-call servicing a sulphur dioxide refrig., as an apprentice in the late 60's , scared the hell out of me.
magoo

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I will keep everyone up to date. Will also post pictures as soon as I am allowed.


I still want to know why methyl formate was only used for two years. I'm also curious why they used rotary compressors with the methyl formate, but used recip compressors with the SO2. Perhaps methyl formate operated at lower pressures but much higher volume?