The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society said it has released a fourth edition of its Hydrocarbon Refrigerants study guide, exam and eLearning course through the RSES online store.

RSES said the materials cover the most recent practices for refrigerant families including HC R-290 (propane); HC R-600a (isobutene); HC R-441A (a blend); HC R-170 (ethane); HFC R-32 (difluoromethane); and HFC R-454B.

RSES said the 94-page guide and learning course “are designed to assist HVACR professionals in understanding the requirements to safely maintain and service systems that utilize flammable refrigerants currently approved under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program.”

The eLearning course and book are broken down into thirteen sections: Introduction to Hydrocarbon Refrigerants; Regulations and Standards; Servicing Procedures; Refrigerant Safety; Compressor Terminal Venting; Compressor Changeout (Defective Compressor); System Flushing, Purging and Pressure-Testing for Leaks; Proper Evacuation Techniques; Compressor Misuse; Compatibility; Service Procedures and Refrigerant Handling; and the Refrigeration Cycle. 

RSES said the fourth edition includes an expanded appendix to include the EPA Regulations as of July 2024; EPA charge size tables; TP temperature charts for the HCs, R-32, R-454B as well as some HFOs; refrigerant properties; and temperature and pressure conversion tables.