Final answer:
Refrigerants with different designations in ASHRAE 34 should not be mixed in a system. Mixing different refrigerants can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes, including reduced system efficiency, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to ASHRAE 34, refrigerants with different designations should not be mixed in a system. ASHRAE 34 is a standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) that provides safety classifications and requirements for refrigerants.
The purpose of ASHRAE 34 is to ensure the safe handling and use of refrigerants. By having different designations for refrigerants, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22) or hydrochlorofluorocarbon-124 (HCFC-124), it signifies that they have different properties and characteristics. Mixing these refrigerants in a system can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes.
For example, the refrigerant blend HCFC-22 is commonly used in air conditioning systems, while HCFC-124 is used in refrigeration systems. These two refrigerants have different performance characteristics and should not be mixed together. Mixing different refrigerants can result in reduced system efficiency, increased risk of equipment damage, and potential safety hazards.