What is the primary component of R-717?

R-717 is the chemical designation for ammonia, which is a key refrigerant used in a variety of refrigeration and HVAC systems, especially in large-scale applications like industrial refrigeration. Ammonia has several desirable properties, including a high efficiency as a refrigerant and a low environmental impact when managed properly, making it a popular choice in commercial settings.

The option that identifies ammonia as the primary component correctly reflects its status as R-717. This refrigerant operates with a lower boiling point, enabling effective heat transfer in refrigeration cycles. It also demonstrates excellent thermodynamic efficiency, which is a significant advantage for industrial operations seeking optimal performance.

In contrast, propane, Freon, and carbon dioxide serve different roles within the family of refrigerants. While propane is a natural refrigerant as well, it is specific to R-290 and not R-717. Freon is a brand name that refers to a group of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants, and carbon dioxide is designated as R-744, indicating its different chemical structure and application in refrigeration. Thus, identifying ammonia as the primary component of R-717 brings clarity to its important role in the refrigeration industry.