Buy R11 Refrigerant | CFC-11 | Large Centrifugal Chillers | 100 & 200 lb Drum — Refrigerant Inc

R11 Refrigerant (CFC-11) — Large Centrifugal Chiller Plants, 100 & 200 lb Drums

R-11 (trichlorofluoromethane, CFC-11) is a low-pressure CFC refrigerant used exclusively in large centrifugal chiller plants — the type of central cooling equipment found in large commercial buildings, hospitals, universities, and industrial facilities. R11 production was banned under the Montreal Protocol due to its high ozone depletion potential, but the enormous installed base of R11 centrifugal chillers continues to require servicing. Refrigerant Inc stocks R11 in 100 lb and 200 lb drums with free shipping to all 48 continental states.

What Equipment Uses R11?

R11 is used almost exclusively in large centrifugal chiller plants designed and built specifically for low-pressure CFC refrigerants. Equipment includes:

• Large centrifugal chillers — Carrier, Trane, York, and McQuay centrifugal chiller units manufactured primarily from the 1950s through the early 1990s
• Central plant cooling systems — Large commercial buildings, hospitals, universities, government facilities, and industrial plants with central chilled water systems
• Low-pressure chiller systems — Equipment designed to operate at sub-atmospheric pressures on the low side, which is characteristic of R11 systems

R11 cannot be used in any other type of refrigeration or AC equipment. It operates at very low pressures (sub-atmospheric on the evaporator side) and requires centrifugal compressors designed specifically for its thermodynamic properties. Confirm your equipment nameplate specifies R-11 or CFC-11 before ordering.

R11 Availability — What Buyers Need to Know

R11 production and import were banned in the U.S. under the Montreal Protocol CFC phaseout, which took full effect January 1, 1996. All R11 currently available is reclaimed — recovered from decommissioned systems, processed, and certified to AHRI 700 purity standards. Supply is finite and continues to shrink as older chiller systems are retired or retrofitted.

Key considerations for R11 buyers:

• Reclaimed product only — All R11 sold today has been recovered and recertified. No virgin R11 exists in the supply chain.
• Supply is limited — R11 availability fluctuates based on recovery from decommissioned systems. Call us at 888-593-7366 to confirm current stock before ordering.
• EPA Section 608 certification required — Purchase requires valid EPA Section 608 certification. By ordering, you certify you hold the required credentials.
• Venting is illegal — R11 is subject to EPA Section 608 venting prohibition. Proper recovery equipment and procedures are required.

R11 vs. R123 — Understanding the Difference

Both R11 and R123 are low-pressure refrigerants used in centrifugal chillers, but they are not interchangeable:

• R11 (CFC-11) — The original low-pressure centrifugal chiller refrigerant; banned CFC; used only in original R11 equipment
• R123 (HCFC-123) — The HCFC replacement for R11; used in chillers retrofitted from R11 and in new low-pressure centrifugal equipment manufactured through approximately 2024; also subject to phaseout

Many older R11 chiller plants have been retrofitted to R123. If your chiller has been converted, you need R123, not R11. If you are unsure which refrigerant your chiller currently uses, check the equipment service log or nameplate — or call us at 888-593-7366.

Why Buy R11 From Refrigerant Inc

• Reclaimed, AHRI 700 Certified — Processed and certified to industry purity standards.
• Free Shipping to All 48 States — No freight fees added at checkout.
• Same or Next-Day Processing — Orders placed before 2PM EST ship the same day, subject to availability.
• Bulk & Facility Pricing — For large chiller plant operators managing ongoing R11 supply needs, call 888-593-7366 for pricing.

Shipping Information

R11 ships in 100 lb and 200 lb drums via ground freight to all 48 continental states. Alaska and Hawaii excluded. Most orders ship within 1 business day subject to availability. Transit time is typically 2–5 business days depending on location. Given the large drum size and weight, liftgate service may be required for delivery — contact us if your facility does not have a dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still buy R11?
Yes. While R11 production and import are banned, reclaimed R11 remains legal to buy and sell for servicing existing equipment. All R11 we sell is reclaimed product certified to AHRI 700 purity standards. Call to confirm current availability before ordering — supply is limited.

Is R11 the same as Freon 11?
Yes. Freon 11 is DuPont/Chemours' brand name for R11 (CFC-11, trichlorofluoromethane). The refrigerant is identical regardless of what it's called.

What is the difference between R11 and R123?
R11 is the original CFC refrigerant used in older centrifugal chillers. R123 is the HCFC replacement, used in both retrofitted R11 chillers and newer low-pressure centrifugal equipment. They are not interchangeable — always confirm which refrigerant your specific chiller currently uses before ordering.

Should I retrofit my R11 chiller to R123 or replace it?
That depends on the age and condition of the equipment. R123 is also subject to phaseout under the EPA AIM Act, so retrofitting to R123 extends the chiller's useful life but doesn't permanently solve the refrigerant availability issue. For major equipment decisions, consult a mechanical engineer or chiller specialist. We can supply whichever refrigerant your current system requires.

How much R11 does a centrifugal chiller hold?
Charge sizes vary significantly by chiller tonnage. A typical 200–400 ton centrifugal chiller may hold 400–800 lbs of R11. Larger systems can require significantly more. Contact us for bulk pricing on large quantity orders.