Experimental investigation of hydrocarbon refrigerant leakage under varying conditions
Accurate quantification of refrigerant leakage is critical for evaluating the safety risks associated with hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R-290. This study presents an experimental investigation of R-290 leakage rates through holes of different diameters representative of potential failure scenarios in refrigeration and heat-pump systems. In this article, a weighing method is employed to directly measure the mass loss from a simplified containment setup, enabling time-resolved characterization of leakage behaviour under controlled liquid and vapor conditions. The results demonstrate clear differences between liquid- and gas-phase leaks, driven by transient cooling, pressure drop, and phase-change effects. These insights contribute to more accurate leakage-source modelling, support the refinement of charge-limit guidelines, and inform the development of effective mitigation strategies for the safe use of flammable refrigerants.