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Q Introduction of ISOBUTHANE Refrigerant Gas R600a

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1. Introduction to R600a

R600a refrigerant: alias R600a, Chinese name isobutane, English name isobutane, trade name Reflube 600a

Application: refrigerant;

Chemical formula: C4H10;

Type: Hydrocarbon refrigerant;

2. Application of R600a

It is mainly used to replace R12 and R134a refrigerants in refrigerators, freezers, and other small refrigeration equipment; because R600a is flammable, it is usually only used in low-temperature refrigeration equipment with a small amount of liquid. It is also often used as a mixed refrigerant. Two components; R600a is compatible with traditional lubricants;

High-purity isobutane is mainly used as standard gas and the preparation of special standard mixed gas;

Used in the synthesis of isooctane, as a gasoline octane improver, used in the production of isobutylene, propylene, methacrylic acid, and used as a refrigerant.

3. Physical Properties of R600a

Physical Properties
Molecular Formula	(CH₃)₂CHCH₃
Molecular Weight	58.123
Boiling Point ℃	-11.7
Freezing Point	N/M
Density 30° C(kg/m3)	221
Critical Temperature (℃)	134.9
Critical Pressure (MPa)	3.648
ODP	0
GWP	3

4. Quality Index of R600a

Quality Index
Purity	≥ 99.90%
Sulfur content ppm by weight	less than 1.0
Water content ppm by weight	less than 10
Acidity ppm by weight	less than 1.0
Evaporation residue	≤ 0.01%
Appearance	Colorless and clear
Odor	Odorless

5. R600a refrigerant packaging (for reference only)

Disposable steel bottle packaging: 6.5kg/bottle, 11.5kg/bottle

Reusable steel bottle packaging (recycled packaging steel bottle): 60kg/118L, 200kg/400L, 400kg/800L,470kg/926L

6. R600a refrigerant storage and transportation

(1) R600a storage

R600a refrigerant cylinders are pressure vessels. They should be stored away from fire, heat sources, and direct sunlight. They are usually stored in a cool, dry and ventilated warehouse;

R600a is stored separately from oxidants, combustibles or combustibles, and aluminum. Remember to store them together.

The storage area should be equipped with leakage emergency treatment equipment

Pay attention to the product name and the date of acceptance during acceptance, and use advanced warehouses first;

(2) R600a transportation

You must wear the safety helmet on the cylinder when transporting the cylinder. Place the steel cylinders horizontally with the mouth of the cylinder facing the same direction. Do not store them crosswise;

Please load and unload lightly during transportation to prevent damage to accessories such as cylinders and valves.

In summer, it should be transported in the morning and evening to prevent sun exposure and away from heat sources;

It is forbidden to drop off during railway and road transportation;

Do not mix with oxidizers, combustibles or combustibles, active metals, etc.;

Q R600a Refrigerant Temperature and Relative Pressure

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R600a Refrigerant Temperature and Relative Pressure
Temp.	Pressure kpa	Temp.	Pressure kpa	Temp.	Pressure kpa	Temp.	Pressure kpa	Temp.	Pressure kpa
-50	0.0168	-10	0.108	14	0.252	38	0.511	70	1.087
-45	0.0221	-9	0.113	15	0.261	39	0.524	75	1.21
-40	0.0287	-8	0.117	16	0.27	40	0.538	80	1.344
-35	0.0367	-7	0.122	17	0.277	41	0.552	85	1.487
-30	0.0466	-6	0.127	18	0.287	42	0.566	90	1.642
-29	0.049	-5	0.131	19	0.294	43	0.581
-28	0.051	-4	0.133	20	0.305	44	0.596
-27	0.054	-3	0.142	21	0.313	45	0.612
-26	0.056	-2	0.147	22	0.324	46	0.628
-25	0.058	-1	0.152	23	0.332	47	0.645
-24	0.061	0	0.158	24	0.344	48	0.661
-23	0.064	1	0.164	25	0.353	49	0.679
-22	0.067	2	0.168	26	0.365	50	0.69
-21	0.07	3	0.176	27	0.375	51	0.709
-20	0.072	4	0.182	28	0.385	52	0.727
-19	0.076	5	0.187	29	0.398	53	0.746
-18	0.079	6	0.195	30	0.408	54	0.766
-17	0.082	7	0.201	31	0.419	55	0.786
-16	0.085	8	0.208	32	0.43	56	0.799
-15	0.09	9	0.215	33	0.445	57	0.82
-14	0.093	10	0.222	34	0.457	58	0.842
-13	0.097	11	0.229	35	0.469	59	0.856
-12	0.1	12	0.237	36	0.481	60	0.894
-11	0.105	13	0.245	37	0.494	65	0.974

Temperature Unit: centigrade

Remark: 1KPa≈0.01kg/cm2=0.001MPa，1kg/cm2 ≈98.0665KPa≈0.1MPa

Q Projected Consumption of R600a Refrigerant Gas in Paraguay (2024–2029)

A

1. Current Market Trends Influencing R600a Demand

Environmental Regulations: Paraguay is gradually phasing out high-GWP refrigerants (e.g., R134a, R404A), increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives like R600a.

Growth in Refrigeration & Appliance Sales: Rising disposable income and urbanization drive sales of domestic refrigerators and commercial cooling systems, most of which now use R600a.

Import Dependency: Paraguay relies heavily on imported refrigerants, with Brazil and China being key suppliers.

2. Estimated Annual R600a Consumption (2024–2029)

Based on market trends and regional comparisons (Brazil, Argentina), Paraguay’s R600a consumption is projected as follows:

Year	Estimated Consumption (Metric Tons)	Growth Rate
2024	80–100	–
2025	100–120	~15–20%
2026	120–150	~20%
2027	150–180	~15–20%
2028	180–220	~15–20%
2029	220–260	~15–20%

3. Key Demand Drivers

Refrigerator & Freezer Production/Imports: Over 70% of new domestic refrigerators in Paraguay now use R600a.

Commercial Cooling Expansion: Supermarkets, cold storage, and food processing industries are adopting energy-efficient systems.

Government & International Policies: Stricter enforcement of the Kigali Amendment could accelerate the shift to R600a.

4. Challenges That May Affect Consumption

Illegal or Substandard Imports: Smuggled refrigerants (e.g., from Brazil) could undercut legitimate R600a suppliers.

Safety Concerns: R600a is flammable, requiring proper handling—lack of technician training may slow adoption.

Economic Fluctuations: Currency instability or import restrictions could impact refrigerant prices.

5. Strategic Insights for Suppliers & Importers

✔ Focus on Bulk Supply Contracts – Wholesalers and appliance manufacturers will be the largest buyers.

✔ Invest in Local Partnerships – Collaborate with HVAC distributors and refrigeration service providers.

✔ Monitor Regulatory Changes – Paraguay may introduce new refrigerant policies in line with global trends.

Conclusion

Paraguay’s R600a consumption is expected to grow at 15–20% annually over the next five years, reaching 220–260 metric tons by 2029. The market is driven by environmental regulations, appliance demand, and import dependency, but challenges like smuggling and safety concerns must be addressed.

Would you like a breakdown by region (Asunción vs. interior) or by sector (residential vs. commercial)?

Q Importing R600a Gas to Paraguay Strategies

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Here are some key suggestions and predictions for importing refrigerant gas R600a (isobutane) to Paraguay, based on available data and market trends:

1. Market Demand and Growth Potential

Paraguay's population is projected to reach 7.01 million by mid-2025, with increasing urbanization (68% urban population). This suggests a growing demand for refrigeration and cooling systems, including household appliances that use R600a.

The country's median age is 27, indicating a young, expanding consumer base likely to drive demand for refrigerators and air conditioning units.

2. Import Trends and Trade Considerations

Paraguay’s imports from the U.S. (a potential supplier of R600a) stood at 234.8 millioninDec2024,downfrom267.4 million the previous quarter. This fluctuation suggests the need to monitor trade policies and currency exchange rates.

Shipping costs: For refrigerated (reefer) cargo, THC (Terminal Handling Charges) in Paraguay are 230 per20 container and 270 per 40' container. Factor these into pricing.

3. Regulatory and Environmental Factors

R600a is an eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant (low GWP), aligning with global phase-downs of HFCs. Paraguay may adopt stricter environmental regulations, increasing demand for sustainable refrigerants.

Verify customs and safety requirements for flammable gases (R600a is classified as A3—flammable but low toxicity).

4. Key Suppliers and Logistics

China as a Strategic Supplier

FRIOFLOR: A leading Chinese manufacturer of R600a, known for competitive pricing and ISO-certified production. They specialize in hydrocarbon refrigerants and export globally, making them a viable partner for cost-sensitive markets like Paraguay.

Advantages of Chinese Suppliers:

Cost Efficiency: Typically 10–20% cheaper than U.S./EU sources due to economies of scale.

Logistics Flexibility: Many Chinese suppliers (including FRIOFLOR) offer CFR/CPT terms to South American ports like Montevideo or Buenos Aires, simplifying onward shipping to Paraguay.

Local and Regional Partnerships

Industria Paraguaya de Gases S.R.L.: Partnering with local distributors can streamline customs clearance and storage.

Brazilian/Argentine Alternatives: Proximity reduces freight costs, but compare pricing with Chinese imports (including duties).

Logistics Considerations for Chinese Imports

Shipping Routes: Most cargo arrives via the Port of Paranaguá (Brazil) or Montevideo (Uruguay), then overland to Paraguay.

Lead Time: ~45–60 days from China, versus ~15 days from Brazil.

Import Duties: Paraguay’s MERCOSUR membership imposes a 14% common external tariff on non-MERCOSUR industrial gases, but exemptions may apply for eco-friendly refrigerants (verify with customs).

Actionable Tip: Request FRIOFLOR’s MOQ (minimum order quantity) and compare landed costs (FOB price + freight + duties) against regional suppliers to optimize margins.

5. Currency and Economic Outlook

The PYG/TRY exchange rate (if dealing with Turkish suppliers) was 1 PYG = 0.0047 TRY as of March 2025. Monitor forex trends to optimize purchase timing.

Paraguay’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.55% in Dec 2024, signaling economic stability, which may support industrial growth.

Predictions for 2025–2030

Rising demand: With urbanization and appliance market growth, R600a imports could increase by 5–10% annually.

Stricter regulations: Potential bans on high-GWP refrigerants may boost R600a adoption.

Competitive sourcing: Diversify suppliers to mitigate price volatility in key markets like the U.S. or Asia.

Actionable Recommendations

✔ Partner with local distributors (e.g., Industria Paraguaya de Gases) for smoother customs clearance.

✔ Negotiate long-term contracts with suppliers to lock in prices amid forex fluctuations.

✔ Monitor environmental policies for upcoming refrigerant phase-outs.

For deeper insights, review Paraguay’s trade agreements and energy efficiency standards for refrigeration equipment.

An Encyclopedia on Refrigerant Gas Knowledge

Classification

Q Introduction of ISOBUTHANE Refrigerant Gas R600a

Q R600a Refrigerant Temperature and Relative Pressure

Q Projected Consumption of R600a Refrigerant Gas in Paraguay (2024–2029)

Q Importing R600a Gas to Paraguay Strategies

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