I'm currently repairing a Jouan -85 cascade freezer. It had a leak on the second stage which i have located and repaired. The second stage runs on R170 ethane. I've been trying to locate some in australia but have been quoted some absorbently high prices. $1100 AUD per kg. At that price i'm thinking of charging with 508b still $900 AUD per kg. (pose a problem during charging ie static. pressures different) I would prefer to stick with manufacturers specs.
Does anyone in Australia know of somewhere to obtain it cheaper? None of my usual refrigeration suppliers seem to want to know about it. What is a reasonable price for ethane in the rest of the world? I know that low temp refrigerants are exspensive but i thought being a hydrocarbon, ethane would be cheaper than ***** alternatives. Any help would be appreciated.