Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

1717 Arlingate Lane 

Columbus, OH 43228 

(614)279-8090 phone 

(614)279-4642 fax

Project No. G100032212 March 31, 2010 

 

REPORT NO. 100032212COL-001 

PERFORMANCE TESTING 

OF 

 HCR-188C REFRIGERANT VERSUS R-134a REFRIGERANT 

TO 

APPLICABLE PORTIONS OF ARI 540 

AND 

CUSTOM TEST PROTOCOL 

RENDERED TO 

A. S. TRUST & HOLDINGS INC. 

KANEOHE, HI 

GENERAL: This Report gives the results of the tests and evaluation of HCR-188C, a hydrocarbon refrigerant blend, 

designed for replacing R-134a in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The HCR-188C refrigerant was tested 

through side-by-side comparison with R-134a in identical refrigeration systems and by applicable requirements of the 

Standard for Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and Compressor Units, ARI 540, dated 01/01/1999. This 

investigation was authorized by signed quotation number 500207680, dated February 2, 2010. The investigation was 

started on February 18, 2010 and completed on March 31, 2010. The applicant provided the sample HCR-188C for 

testing. Joe Sexton of Haier provided identical refrigeration compressors for testing. Testing was conducted at the 

Columbus, OH Intertek facility. 

Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and Compressor Units, ARI 540, dated 01/01/1999

Applicant: A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc Manufacturer: A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

 44-129 Mikiola Drive 44-129 Mikiola Drive 

 KANEOHE, HI 96744 KANEOHE, HI 96744 

 USA USA 

Contact: Mr. Richard Maruya Contact: Mr. Richard Maruya 

Phone: (808) 235-1890 Phone: (808) 235-1890 

Fax: (808) 235-0116 Fax: (808) 235-0116 

Email: richardastrust@yahoo.com Email: richardastrust@yahoo.com 

An independent organization testing for safety, performance, and certification. 

This report is for the exclusive use of Intertek's Client and is provided pursuant to the agreement between Intertek and its Client. Intertek's responsibility and liability are limited 

to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Intertek assumes no liability to any party, other than to the Client in accordance with the agreement, for any loss, expense or 

damage occasioned by the use of this report. Only the Client is authorized to copy or distribute this report and then only in its entirety. Any use of the Intertek name or one of its 

marks for the sale or advertisement of the tested material, product or service must first be approved in writing by Intertek. The observations and test results in this report are 

relevant only to the sample tested. This report by itself does not imply that the material, product, or service is or has ever been under an Intertek certification program. 
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 2 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT 

The product is a proprietary hydrocarbon refrigerant blend, designated HCR-188C, designed to be suitable as a 

replacement for R-134a in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The product is flammable. The product is not an ozone depleting substance. The product has low GWP (Global 

Warming Potential). The product operates at approximately one quarter of the charge amount as compared to R134a. 

ELECTRICAL RATINGS

None 

OTHER RATINGS

Saturation pressure approximately 110 psig at 75°F 
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 3 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

TEST PROCEDURE

Two identical refrigeration systems were constructed and one was charged with 372.5 grams of R-134a and the other 

was charged with 131.0 grams of HCR-188C. The systems were operated simultaneously from the same power 

supply from February 18, 2010 thru March 31, 2010. Flow measurements of each system’s capillary tube were 

recorded at the beginning and end of the test. Daily measurements of the operating pressures, temperatures and 

power consumption were recorded. Oil samples from each compressor were analyzed at the conclusion of the test for 

moisture, acid, viscosity and wear metals. 

RESULTS #1

Capillary Tube Clogging Characteristics 

Flow Reading (lpm at 10” Hg positive pressure) 

February 12, 2010 March 31, 2010 

@ 0 Hours @ 1000 Hours Flow Loss Percent 

R-134a Cap Tube 4.65 4.58 0.015% 

HCR-188C Cap Tube 4.68 4.65 0.006% 

Both capillary tubes exhibited minimal flow loss. Neither loss translated into any detrimental effect on the performance 

of the respective system compressor. 
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 4 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

RESULTS #2
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 5 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

RESULTS #2 Continued
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 6 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

RESULTS #2 Continued

Initially, both systems were adjusted to achieve the same amount of cooling as measured at the compressor suction 

port. This was accomplished by a combination of the percent blockage across each system’s condensing fan and also 

by varying the charge amount in each system, ultimately adding a HCR-188C charge that was approximately 35% of 

the R-134a charge. At this condition, the HCR-188C system operated at approximately 46 psig higher discharge 

pressure than the R-134a system and consumed approximately 0.15 Amps more power. Operating conditions were 

then maintained with no outside adjustments or changes. As both compressors broke in over the course of the test, 

they both exhibited increased cooling capacity and efficiency. At the end of the test, conditions had shifted such that 

the HCR-188C system operated at only 19 psig higher discharge pressure than the R-134a system and consumed 

approximately equal power, but the amount of cooling measured at the compressor suction port was warmer by 

approximately 3.75°F. 

RESULTS #3

At the conclusion of the test, oil samples from each compressor were analyzed for moisture, acid, viscosity and wear 

metals. The lab reports for those analyses are included as an attachment to this report.
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 7 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

PHOTOS

Test Start 

R-134a System Start HCR-188C System Start 

R-134a System End HCR-188C System End 

Test End 
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. 

Report No. 100032212COL-001 Page 8 of 8 March 31, 2010 

A. S. Trust & Holdings Inc 

TEST EQUIPMENT

Climate Controlled Lab 

2 Identical Complete Refrigeration System Test Fixtures Comprised Sequentially Of: 

o Embraco Compressor, model EGX70HLC pre-charged with 280ml ESTER / ISO7 oil 

o 3/16” OD Copper Tube, 70” long, coiled 

o 1⁄4” OD Copper Tube, 13” long, coiled 

o 1⁄4” Copper Tee, with access port to high side of manifold gauge 

o 1⁄4” OD Copper Tube, 13” long, coiled 

o Finned Copper Tube Condenser Coil, 3⁄8” OD tubes, 3 rows, 4-1⁄2”W x 8”H x 2-1⁄2”D 

o Cooled by Ball 5-1⁄2” Ducted Fan, model XF1551ABHL, 0.32A, inlet grill 58% blocked 

o 1⁄4” Brass Swivel Union 

o Emerson EK-032 Filter Drier 

o 1⁄4” Brass Swivel Union 

o Parker Moisture Indicating Sight Glass 

o 0.064” ID Capillary Tube, 96” long, coiled, with 2-1⁄2” long 1⁄4” OD copper tube flared connections 

o 1⁄4” Brass Male Flare Coupler 

o 1⁄4” OD Copper Tube (Evaporator), 96” long, coiled 

o 1⁄4” Copper Tee, with access port to low side of manifold gauge 

o 1⁄4” OD Copper Tube, 7” long 

o Compressor 

Identical Brand New CPS Products Reference Only Manifold Set Pressure Gauges 

Thermocouples Placed At: 

o Room Ambient 

o Compressor Discharge Port 

o 1⁄4” Brass Swivel Union Between Filter Drier and Sight Glass 

o Outlet of 0.064” ID Capillary Tube 

o Compressor Suction Port 

Vacuum Pump 

Virgin R-134a and Virgin HCR-188C 

CALIBRATED EQUIPMENT

Item Equipment Type Equipment # Cal. Due Date 

1 Fluke 335 Volt/Amp Meter E206 June 11, 2010 

2 Omega Digital Thermometer E132 Mar. 16, 2010 

3 Omega Digital Thermometer E237 Mar. 22, 2011 

4 Top Loading Balance CE1031 May 12, 2010 

5 CECOMP 0 – 500 psi Digital Pressure Gauge E184 June 9, 2010 

6 Meriam 40” Mercury Manometer CE1118 For Reference Only 

7 Cole Parmer 0.5 – 5.0 lpm Acrylic Flow Meter CE1121 For Reference Only 

8 Reference Standard Cap Tube LL1 For Reference Only 

Report prepared by: Report approved by: 

Brandon Button Ramzi Amawi 

Senior Associate Engineer Operations/Engineering Manager