As the Marketing Director of Junyuan Petroleum Group, I am proud to share our industry insights on Cyclopentane, highlighting its growing role in the global refrigeration market. Based on our observations at the 2025 China Refrigeration Exhibition, this article explores Cyclopentane’s applications, technological advantages, and market potential worldwide.

Cyclopentane: A Green Solution for Modern Refrigeration

The global refrigeration industry is rapidly moving toward high efficiency, low carbon emissions, and smart solutions. Cyclopentane, as an eco-friendly blowing agent and refrigerant, has emerged as a key material driving this green transformation.

Environmental Benefits and Industry Value

Cyclopentane offers zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and an extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP), fully meeting the environmental standards outlined in the Kigali Amendment. At the refrigeration exhibition, we observed numerous companies demonstrating low-carbon technologies where Cyclopentane-based blowing agents are already widely applied in household appliances such as refrigerators and freezers.

Technological Innovation and Application Expansion

Junyuan Petroleum Group’s high-purity Cyclopentane products leverage optimized production processes and stringent quality control to achieve industry-leading thermal conductivity and anti-aging performance. In ultra-low-temperature heat pump systems, our Cyclopentane products reliably perform under conditions below -30°C, offering robust solutions for cold chain logistics and industrial refrigeration worldwide.

Market Demand and Outlook

Industry experts forecast that, with the global drive toward carbon neutrality, the demand for eco-friendly refrigerants such as Cyclopentane is expected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 20% over the next five years. Particularly in regions investing in clean heating, industrial waste heat recovery, and energy-efficient refrigeration, Cyclopentane-based solutions are poised to play a significant role.

Junyuan Petroleum Group’s Core Advantages

Production Capacity: Our Cyclopentane production facilities have an annual output of 100,000 tons, ensuring stable supply of high-quality products. R&D Excellence: Collaborative laboratories with top universities, including Tsinghua University, enable continuous optimization of product performance. Customized Solutions: We provide tailored Cyclopentane products to meet diverse global applications, from household appliances to industrial systems.

Global Collaboration and Future Vision

Junyuan Petroleum Group is committed to partnering with refrigeration companies worldwide to advance Cyclopentane applications across multiple sectors:

Eco-friendly blowing agents for household refrigeration Energy-efficient retrofitting of commercial refrigeration systems Industrial waste heat recovery systems Thermal insulation for cold chain logistics

Through deep collaboration across industry, academia, and research, Cyclopentane will continue to drive the green transformation of the refrigeration industry, contributing to global carbon peak and neutrality goals.

Junyuan Petroleum Group looks forward to working with global partners to usher in a new era of sustainable refrigeration.

Junyuan Petroleum Group Marketing Department

April 2025

Why a 20/80 Cyclopentane/n-Pentane Ratio is Widely Used in the Insulation Industry

In the world of polyurethane (PU) rigid foam insulation, blowing agents play a crucial role in determining foam quality, thermal insulation, and process efficiency. Among the many options available, a blend consisting of 20% Cyclopentane and 80% n-Pentane has emerged as a go-to solution for manufacturers seeking an optimal balance of performance and cost.

Why This Specific Blend?

Each component in the blend brings unique properties to the table:

• Cyclopentane is valued for its low thermal conductivity, allowing foams to achieve excellent insulation performance. It also has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and relatively low global warming potential (GWP), making it more environmentally friendly. However, it is more expensive and can pose challenges in flowability and evaporation rate during foam processing.

• n-Pentane, on the other hand, is more economical, with higher vapor pressure and better flowability, making it easier to process, especially in large-scale industrial applications. But used alone, it tends to result in larger, less uniform foam cells, which can compromise insulation performance.

By blending 20% Cyclopentane with 80% n-Pentane, manufacturers can harness the strengths of both components: the superior insulation of Cyclopentane and the process efficiency and cost benefits of n-Pentane.

Where Is This Blend Used?

This pentane mixture is widely applied in:

• Household Refrigerators & Freezers: Used in the insulation layer of refrigerator cabinets and doors, ensuring high energy efficiency and consistent thermal performance.

• Construction Insulation Panels: Applied in rigid PU foam boards for building walls and roofs, providing lightweight, effective thermal barriers.

• Cold Chain Logistics: Employed in the insulation of refrigerated trucks and containers, helping maintain low temperatures during transportation.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

While the blend is non-ozone depleting and has lower GWP than legacy blowing agents like CFCs or HCFCs, it is still flammable and must be handled with proper safety protocols. Many modern production lines are equipped with explosion-proof equipment and ventilation systems to safely manage pentane-based formulations.

Conclusion

The 20/80 Cyclopentane/n-Pentane blend is a prime example of how smart chemical engineering can optimize material performance while balancing economic and environmental concerns. As global demand for energy-efficient insulation grows, such formulations will continue to play a key role in sustainable manufacturing.

Abstract

Cyclopentane has become a cornerstone in the production of modern refrigerators, serving as an efficient and environmentally friendly blowing agent for polyurethane foam insulation. This article explores its role, the importance of purity levels, and the factors influencing its performance in both standard and sensitive household refrigerators. While 95% purity cyclopentane is an industry standard, challenges such as impurities, manufacturing processes, and storage conditions can affect foam quality. By understanding these dynamics, manufacturers can optimize insulation performance and ensure reliable refrigeration solutions.

Keywords

Cyclopentane, refrigerator insulation, polyurethane foam, blowing agent, purity, manufacturing, refrigeration technology

Article

Refrigerators are an essential part of modern life, keeping food fresh and safe. But behind their sleek designs lies a critical technology: polyurethane foam insulation, which ensures energy efficiency and temperature stability. At the heart of this foam is cyclopentane, a hydrocarbon that has quietly revolutionized the refrigeration industry.

What Is Cyclopentane and Why Does It Matter?

Cyclopentane is a flammable, colorless liquid used as a blowing agent in the production of polyurethane foam. A blowing agent is a substance that creates gas bubbles within the foam mixture, forming a cellular structure that traps air and provides excellent thermal insulation. In refrigerators, this foam is injected between the inner and outer walls, creating a barrier that keeps cold air in and warm air out. Compared to older alternatives like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), cyclopentane is ozone-friendly and has a low global warming potential, making it a sustainable choice for manufacturers worldwide.

The Role of Purity in Performance

One question often arises: Is 95% purity cyclopentane sufficient for refrigerator production? The answer, based on widespread industry experience, is a resounding yes. This purity level has become a global standard because it strikes an effective balance between performance and practicality. The remaining 5% typically consists of other hydrocarbons, such as n-pentane or isopentane, which don’t significantly hinder its function as a blowing agent.

However, purity alone doesn’t tell the whole story. While 95% cyclopentane works flawlessly in most cases—supporting both standard and sensitive refrigerator models—its success depends on the quality of the supply and how it’s used. Poor-quality cyclopentane, laden with unexpected impurities from substandard refining, can disrupt foam formation, leading to irregular cell structures or even foam collapse. This can compromise insulation and, ultimately, the refrigerator’s efficiency.

Beyond Purity: What Can Go Wrong?

When issues like damaged foam arise, low purity is rarely the sole culprit. Several other factors play a bigger role:1. Impurities: Beyond the typical 5% hydrocarbon mix, contaminants from poor production processes can destabilize the foam. Manufacturers relying on unverified suppliers might unknowingly use subpar batches. 2. Manufacturing Precision: Foam production is a delicate dance of mixing polyols, isocyanates, and cyclopentane under precise conditions. Errors in temperature, pressure, or ratios can lead to defects, regardless of cyclopentane’s purity. 3. Storage and Handling: Cyclopentane’s volatility means it must be stored and transported carefully. Exposure to heat or pressure fluctuations can degrade its quality before it even reaches the factory floor.

For example, some manufacturers have reported foam damage linked to imported cyclopentane. Rather than purity being too low, the root cause often lies in inconsistent supply chains or inadequate process controls at the production site.

Packaging and Logistics: A Practical Consideration

In practice, cyclopentane is shipped in iron drums or specialized tanks, depending on the manufacturer’s setup. Some prefer bulk delivery via ISOTanks, while others opt for drums paired with wooden pallets for easier handling. These choices impact logistics but don’t alter cyclopentane’s core performance—provided the material remains uncontaminated and stable during transit.

Why Cyclopentane Stays Relevant

Cyclopentane’s widespread adoption isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about reliability. It delivers consistent insulation performance, helping refrigerators meet energy efficiency standards while keeping production costs manageable. For manufacturers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality cyclopentane and fine-tuning their foaming processes are key to avoiding pitfalls and delivering top-tier products.

Conclusion

Cyclopentane may not grab headlines, but its role in refrigerator manufacturing is indispensable. With 95% purity as a proven benchmark, the focus for producers shifts to quality control, process optimization, and logistics. By mastering these elements, the industry ensures that this humble hydrocarbon continues to keep our food cold—and our planet a little greener.

Choosing between n-Pentane, Isopentane and Cyclopenane depends on the intended use. Here are some general differences between them:

• Pentane is a colorless, volatile liquid, mainly used for chemical experiments, solvent and solvent mixture preparation, and also an important raw material in the petroleum industry.
• When buying pentane, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
  • Purity: The higher the purity of pentane, the better its performance and quality, but the higher the price. According to different uses, you can choose different purity grades, such as AR, CP, GCS, GR, HPLC, agricultural residue grade, etc.
  • Packaging: Pentane is a flammable liquid and should be packed and stored in suitable sealed containers to prevent leakage and fire. Generally speaking, the packaging specifications of pentane are 200L steel drums and ISO tank containers.
  • Price: The price of pentane is affected by many factors such as market supply and demand, raw material cost, transportation cost, etc., generally ranging from hundreds of USD to thousands of USD. When buying, you should compare the quotations of different manufacturers and channels, and choose products with high cost performance.
  • Manufacturer: There are many manufacturers of pentane, and there are great differences in production scale, technology level, product quality, etc. You should fully understand the qualifications, reputation, after-sales service, etc. of the manufacturers when buying. You can choose regular, professional and reliable manufacturers through the Internet, industry associations, peer recommendations, etc.

Many manufacturers will be using a new, more environmentally friendly insulation material, called cyclopentane, in the manufacture of select refrigerators and freezers. Cyclopentane is a blowing agent for the polyurethane foams that are used to insulate refrigerators and freezers. Unlike some other chemicals used to insulate refrigerators, cyclopentane does not contain hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs). Using cyclopentane results in significant reductions in equivalent CO₂ emissions. The most common foam-blowing agents currently used in the U.S. are R134a and R245fa. These industry-standard insulations can have a global warming potential (GWP) as high as 1300 (134a) and 950 (245a). In contrast, the foam-blowing agent cyclopentane has a GWP of approximately 10. When it comes to GWPs, the lower the number is, the better it is for the environment, so cyclopentane is clearly the more environmentally friendly choice. Cyclopentane increases the efficiency of the insulation foam by approximately 4 percent over the R134a foam currently used in most refrigeration products. Cyclopentane has been very popular as a blowing agent in Europe since the early 1990s, but the cost of retrofitting existing production facilities and the lack of U.S. regulations restricting the use of HFCs has delayed implementation in the U.S. However, there are other manufacturers currently selling refrigerators in the U.S. that use cyclopentane. Compared to other insulating foams, cyclopentane is competitively priced and relatively easy to produce. Like many gases, in its pure form, cyclopentane is a highly evaporative and flammable material. However once foamed, the unit is no more hazardous than a unit foamed with other blowing agents. As with any of our manufacturing processes, we’ve integrated a wide variety of redundant engineering and operational safeguards. To learn more about cyclopentane, click here.

 Common questions about cyclopentane

Q: What is this new material being used in the foam insulation?
A: The new material is called cyclopentane, a highly evaporative gas that is used to apply the foam insulations in refrigeration units. 

Q: What is cyclopentane?
A: Cyclopentane is a blowing agent for the polyurethane foams that are used to insulate refrigerators and freezers. 

Q: What are the benefits of using cyclopentane instead of other materials?
A: From an environmental perspective, unlike some other chemicals used to insulate refrigerators, cyclopentane does not contain hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs). Using cyclopentane results in significant reductions in equivalent CO₂ emissions. 

Q: What foam-blowing agents are most commonly used in the U.S.? How is cyclopentane different?
A: The most common foam-blowing agents in the U.S. right now are R134a and R245fa. These two industry-standard insulations can have a global warming potential (GWP) as high as 1300 (134a) and 950 (245a). Comparatively, the foam-blowing agent cyclopentane has a GWP of approximately 10. When it comes to GWPs, the lower the number is, the less adverse impact on the environment, so cyclopentane is clearly a better choice. 

Q: Are there significant insulating advantages, as well?
A: Yes, cyclopentane is approximately 4 percent more efficient than the R134a foam we currently use in most of our products. 

Q: Do other refrigerators available in the U.S. market use cyclopentane?
A: There are other manufacturers currently selling refrigerators in the U.S. that use cyclopentane. 

Q: Why hasn’t cyclopentane caught on in the United States?
A: It has been very popular as a blowing agent in Europe since the early 1990s, but the cost of retrofitting existing production facilities and the lack of U.S. regulations restricting the use of HFC’s has delayed implementation in the U.S. 

Q: Is it more expensive than other insulating materials?
A: It is competitively priced and relatively easy to produce. 

Q: Is it dangerous?
A: Like many gases, in its pure form, cyclopentane is a highly evaporative and flammable material. However once foamed, the unit is no more hazardous than a unit foamed with other blowing agents. As with any of our manufacturing processes, we’ve integrated a wide variety of redundant engineering and operational safeguards.

The difference between EPS fire resistance grades A, B, and B1:

1. Fire resistance coefficient: Class A is non combustible; Level B is further divided into three levels, with B1, B2, and B3 having different levels of combustion.
2. Flammability: Class A has zero flammability;, B1 is flame retardant, B2 is flammable, and B3 is flammable.
   At present, the common A-grade products in the market include phenolic aldehyde, rock wool, insulation mortar, foam ceramics, foam glass, and foam concrete. At present, the most advantageous A-grade material is foamed concrete, also known as foamed cement.
   EPS polystyrene board itself is a flammable material, so it is not a fireproof material in terms of fire rating. So it’s not at all A-level or B1 level. The fire resistance rating of polystyrene boards on the market is only B2 (flammable) and B3 (flammable).
   Extended Information:
   EPS physical and mechanical properties:
3. Density
   The density of EPS is determined by the expansion ratio of polystyrene particles during the forming stage, which is generally between 10 and 45kg/m3. As EPS used in engineering, its apparent density is generally between 15 and 30kg/m3.
   At present, the density of EPS used as lightweight filling material in road engineering is 20kg/m3, which is 1% to 2% of that of ordinary road filling material. Density is an important indicator of EPS, and its mechanical properties are almost directly proportional to its density.
4. Deformation characteristics
   When the confining pressure exceeds 60KPa, the yield strength significantly decreases, which is clearly different from the variation law of the soil. When axial strain ε When a ≤ 5%, regardless of the confining pressure, the volumetric strain ε V is close to axial strain ε a. The lateral deformation of EPS is small, which means the Poisson’s ratio is small.
   To minimize post construction settlement, after laying the EPS material layer, fill 1.2m of soil on it for preloading. The average compressive settlement of the EPS material layer is 32mm, and it can be calculated that the elastic modulus of EPS is 2.4MPa, and the EPS material is still in the elastic deformation stage.
5. Self-reliance
   The self-sustaining nature of EPS is very beneficial for the stability of high slopes. Due to the small lateral pressure generated by the vertical compression of EPS, the use of EPS as filling material for the roadbed at the bridge head can greatly reduce the soil pressure behind the abutment, which is very beneficial for the stability of the abutment.
   The friction coefficient f between EPS block and sand is 0.58 (dense)~0.46 (loose) for dry sand and 0.52 (dense)~0.25 (loose) for wet sand; The range of f between EPS blocks is between 0.6 and 0.7.
6. Water and temperature characteristics
   The closed cavity structure of EPS determines its good insulation performance. Its biggest characteristic when used as insulation material is its extremely low thermal conductivity, with various specifications of EPS boards having thermal conductivity ranging from 0.024W/m.K to 0.041W/m.K. EPS is a thermoplastic resin that should be used below 70 ℃ to avoid thermal deformation and strength reduction.
   Simultaneously utilizing this feature, electric heating wire processing can be used. Flame retardants can be added in production to form flame retardant EPS. Flame retardant EPS extinguishes itself within 3 seconds after leaving the ignition source. Due to the much lower bulk density of EPS compared to soil, the 1% to 10% increase in bulk density caused by water absorption can have negligible impact on engineering.
7. Durability
   EPS has stable chemical properties in water and soil, and cannot be decomposed by microorganisms; The cavity structure of EPS also makes water infiltration extremely slow; If exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long time, the surface of EPS will change from white to yellow, and the material will appear brittle to some extent; EPS has stable properties in most solvents, but can be dissolved in organic solvents such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, toluene, acetone, etc. This indicates that EPS fillers require a good protective layer.
   
   Reference Source: JUNYUAN PETROLEUM GROUP – EPS Blowing Agent Department (Folystyrene Foam)

Expandable polystyrene (EPS)

Revolutionary patented polystyrene production method

Expandable polystyrene (EPS) consists of polystyrene micro-pellets or beads containing a blowing agent and other additives for foaming. We have developed a continuous production process in which the blowing agent is directly injected into the melt, combined with subsequent underwater pelletization.

Commercial EPS is manufactured with the addition of a blowing agent, typically a chlorinated hydrocarbon or a low-boiling petroleum-derived agent with the presence of pentane. These substances are highly flammable; by reducing the amount of flame retardant due to the addition of gypsum, they ignited during the flame propagation test, increasing the burn rate of the GPS.

Main benefits

• The patented EPS process is economical, compact, and easy to operate
• Continuous process for consistent product quality
• Dispersing a wide range of additives and pigments is possible
• Minimized waste production
• Reduction of wastewater and process water
• Recycling possibility for waste EPS pellets/beads/foam
• Process allows developing innovative applications

Main applications

• Expandable Polystyrene

EPS Panel

The self-extinguishing, fire-retardant EPS Panel foam is manufactured from 100% virgin bead and oven-cured after manufacture to ensure the resulting blocks are completely dry and free from all residual pentane.

EPS Panel is a lightweight, CFC-free, non-brittle, closed cell insulator with more consistent thermal performance over time. It has a high dimensional stability and low water vapor transmission.

A special chemical coated to the Expanded Polystyrene beads (raw material) distinguished it from standard/common EPS Panel. Fire-Retardant EPS Panel is a self-extinguishing, non-combustible material.

Fire-retardant EPS Panel with a density of 15 kg/m3 is used for clean rooms, food processing facilities and modular buildings, while the 20 kg/m3 is used for industrial and commercial cold storage.

Core

Width (cover mm)
Thickness (mm)
Length
Exterior Facing Skin
Internal Facing Skin
Standard Colors
Joint System
Finishes
Type of SkinEPS
(Expanded Polystyrene)
1,160
50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250
Up to 12 meters
0.5mm, 0.6mm G300 CRP Steel
0.5mm, 0.6mm G300 CRP Steel
Off White
Slip Joint
Plain, Ribbed, Diamond
Anti Bacterial (AB)
Food Grade (FG)
Xterior Roof and Wall (XRW)

Features and Advantages

• Fire retardant
• Meets safety requirements
• Energy saving
• Longer lifetime
• Resistant to termites and rodents
• Customized design
• Easy to install saving cost of installation time
• High performance on insulated panel

Polyurethane foam is widely used in construction, refrigeration, piping and other fields due to its low density, good thermal insulation, low water absorption, low toxicity, and good processability. The blowing agent is an important auxiliary agent for the production of polyurethane foam plastics. Since the second-generation blowing agent HCFC-141b has an ODP value of 0.11 and a GWP value of 725, it has a great impact on the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect, so it can only be used as a transitional agent. use of sex substitutes. According to China’s polyurethane foam industry HCFC-141b phase-out plan (second phase), the polyurethane foam industry will gradually reduce HCFC-141b consumption based on the results achieved in the first phase, and will achieve industry-wide phase-out by the end of 2025. At present, the commonly used substitutes for HCFC-141b blowing agent mainly include pentane, water, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), liquid carbon dioxide, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) and methyl formate. Among them, pentane is widely used due to its advantages of environmental protection, low price, and easy availability. However, pentane is flammable and explosive, and is a dangerous chemical. The use of this kind of blowing agent requires safety renovation of production equipment and workshops. Although the initial investment of pentane foaming replacement technology is relatively high, in the long run, the comprehensive economic benefits are obvious, and it is an ideal substitute for HCFC-141b.