Using refrigerants such as R404A and R507 in large-capacity industrial scale ice machines presents a combination of performance benefits and regulatory or environmental limitations. These refrigerants are commonly used in commercial refrigeration and ice-making systems due to their thermodynamic stability and cooling efficiency, but they also raise concerns regarding long-term sustainability and compliance with environmental standards.

Advantages:
High Cooling Efficiency:
R404A and R507 offer strong low-temperature performance, making them well-suited for ice-making processes where consistent, rapid heat extraction is required. They provide reliable refrigeration at the evaporator temperatures typically used in scale ice machines (often around -20°C to -30°C), supporting high-volume, continuous ice production.

Thermal and Chemical Stability:
Both R404A and R507 are non-flammable and chemically stable under a wide range of operating conditions. This makes them suitable for industrial settings, where safety and long-term system durability are essential.

Compatibility with Common Components:
These refrigerants are compatible with widely available refrigeration components (compressors, expansion valves, heat exchangers), making system design, retrofitting, and maintenance straightforward. Additionally, their use with POE (polyolester) oils ensures adequate lubrication in high-performance systems.

Proven Industrial Use:
R404A and R507 have been used for decades in large-scale refrigeration, and their operational characteristics are well understood. This allows for easier troubleshooting, established servicing protocols, and widespread technician familiarity.

Limitations:
High Global Warming Potential (GWP):
The most significant drawback is their environmental impact. R404A has a GWP of approximately 3,922, and R507 has a GWP around 3,985. These values are considered very high, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions if leaked. This makes them targets for phase-down under international agreements such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and regional regulations like the EU F-Gas Regulation.

Regulatory Restrictions and Phase-Out:
Due to their high GWP, many countries are phasing out or severely restricting the use of R404A and R507. This creates uncertainty for long-term equipment operation and refrigerant availability. Operators may face challenges in acquiring replacement refrigerants, and new installations may need to comply with updated refrigerant standards.

Energy Consumption Under Partial Load:
While efficient at full load, systems using R404A and R507 may not perform as efficiently under partial-load conditions when compared to newer, low-GWP refrigerants. This can affect energy usage, particularly in systems with variable production demands.

Higher Operating Pressures:
These refrigerants generally operate at higher pressures than some alternatives, which can place increased mechanical stress on system components, potentially shortening equipment life if not properly designed or maintained.