The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute has released a white paper on reports of R-134a contaminated with R-40 and other refrigerants. The paper notes that counterfeit R-134a, containing methyl chloride or chloromethane (R-4), has been found in mobile air conditoners, stationary air conditioning, and transport refrigeration systems in many countries.
The paper notes that care must be taken when accessing service ports to sample or work on systems that are not functioning properly or have been serviced by others. The paper also includes a list of steps to avoid counterfeit refrigerants.
To access the white paper, click here.