The Impact of CFC Conversion on Nuclear Powered Submarines

The replacement of refrigerant CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) with ozone-friendly HFC-134a (1,1,1,2 tetrafluroethane) in submarines has not only required changes in the refrigeration system but the life support equipment as well. Modifications to the refrigeration systems, catalytic oxidizer used for air purification and atmosphere analyzer were required to implement the conversion. Each of these modifications required careful laboratory and full scale testing to assure no adverse impact on the submarine equipment or crew.