The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 and phases out R22 and all HFC-based refrigerants and mineral oil in compressors. This led to the development of R134A and R410A refrigerants.

The replacement refrigerants are complex, multi-chemical mixtures that are the opposite of R22, which is a simple molecule. The need to improve the efficiency of the HVAC systems in the space shuttles and space station initially led to NASA's research and development of Catalyst refrigerant.

NASA began independent research into synthetic oils and new refrigerants a few years later and developed HVAC treatments that have been used successfully for over 23 years.

A market was secured for the catalyst because these new refrigerants had less heat capacity than the old refrigerants. The chemical composition of the catalyst improved the performance of the R134A and R410A refrigerants while significantly reducing oil deposition.

Testing and development of the catalyst was carried out on DX systems, heat pumps, geothermal energy sources and chillers, resulting in KWH reductions of 19-35%.

#1 eliminates oil deposits* by breaking the surface tension (van der Waals forces). The catalyst removes the plaque-like oil deposit that forms on the internal surfaces of the system, allowing the refrigerant to come into direct contact with the heat exchanger coils, improving heat transfer. The released oil circulates back through the system but does not stick to the heat exchanger walls or hoses. Catalyst releases stuck TXV electronic valves.

#2 causes the refrigerant to boil at a lower temperature and release its heat faster. The cumulative effect of the two catalysts allows the spaces to reach set temperatures faster. The compressor works less, saving energy and extending the life of the equipment.

The lubricant increases the lubricity of the compressor oil. The compressor is cooler, runs better and lasts longer.

PROAS was originally developed almost 35 years ago to solve the problem of oil deposits in HVAC systems. Although PROAs initially showed promise in increasing efficiency and reducing oil deposits, major problems began to appear in systems that had been treated with PROAs in the form of catastrophic compressor failures. System failures usually started 2-4 years after the injection of PROAs.

The problem with PROAs was that the main chemical used was OxyChem's Chlorowax, which contains chlorine, sulphur, solvents, acids, soaps and waxes. Chlorine wax used in refrigeration systems breaks down and produces HCI which attacks iron and zinc and destroys the compressor bearings/seals.

A case in point is the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, where more than 150 50-tonne compressors broke down three years after PROA was installed.

Catalyst® is a proprietary three-part synthetic chemical technology of fifth generation chemical engineering.

▣ Catalyst® does not contain sulfur or other impurities that can damage your system.

▣ Catalyst® is non-toxic and non-hazardous, unlike many PROAs (Polarized Refrigerant Oil Additives).

▣ Catalyst® is compatible with most types of HVAC systems used in commercial, industrial, refrigeration, home and transportation, including most compressors, heat exchangers (direct replacement or DX, etc.) and refrigerants, heat pumps, ground source heat pumps/ground source cooling systems, chillers, rooftop units (RTU), packaged systems/split systems. It is also used in specialized systems, e.g. refrigerated trucks (reefers) and computer room air conditioning systems (CRAC).

▣ Catalyst® cannot be used in oil filter systems with COALESCENT oil filters or with R123 or R11.

How exactly are the cost savings realized?

Catalyst® improves the heat transfer capability of your system.
This allows the system to reach its thermostatic set point faster and maintain the temperature longer. This results in an average reduction in system uptime of more than 30% when installed together with SW Clean®.

How will I be able to measure my energy savings?

According to many sources, plumbing accounts for 35-50% of your total energy consumption.
A 30% reduction in A/C expenditures would result in an 10-15% reduction in the total energy bill.
Although this is a general guideline, the actual savings will be impacted by a number of factors including changes in energy rates and outside temperatures as well as modifications to your operations environment e.g. new equipment, construction, additional headcount, change in operating hours etc.

3. What physical changes will our facilities undergo?

The air coming out of the vents will be noticeably cooler.
Typically, 2-6 degrees lower temperatures are experienced in the valves within a few days of installation. In addition, the relative humidity is reduced by 12-15%, which contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment. In general, the thermostat can be raised by 2-3 degrees, which also helps to reduce electricity consumption.

4. Is it new to use "additives" used to improve air conditioning efficiency?

No, the first "additives" were introduced about 25 years ago.
While the concept was sound, these products contained corrosive ingredients such as chlorine, sulphur and wax that could irreparably damage systems. In recent years, Catalyst® has taken this concept and evolved the technology by developing a synthetic catalyst technology consisting of benign, non-toxic and non-corrosive ingredients to achieve the desired effects.
What ultimately sets The Catalyst® apart from PROA's is The Catalyst®'s performance history and successful installations, as well as AEO's warranty, which is backed by a $3,000,000 insurance policy.

5. Will installing Catalyst® void my warranty?

Only if the contract states that “no additive or catalyst may be installed in the unit until the manufacturer's warranty (usually 1-3 years) has expired”. To provide additional protection to the customer, the Catalyst® manufacturer offers a comprehensive warranty (up to five years) and an insurance of USD 3 000 000 for all units where the technology is installed.

6. If the Catalyst® system is so good, why doesn't the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support it?

There are two main reasons for this, which have to do with “conflicts of interest”: Typically 85% of OEM revenues come from the sale of repair parts and replacement units and Catalyst® does not eliminate these revenues for the OEM, but it delays these revenues. Many studies have shown that “disruptive” technologies are widely seen as a “threat” to established companies in all industries and the predictable reaction is to threaten, discredit or displace - examples of this are iPods, Linux O/S and “alternative” medicine, e.g. chiropractic, naturopathy.

7.How does the warranty work?

When installing Catalyst®, the model and serial number of your devices are sent to our office for registration.
During a compressor stop, the following sequence of events occurs:

First call your local HVAC service provider and have the defective compressor replaced.

1. Call us and ask for help with the warranty.
2. A sample of the compressor oil is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
3. The compressor is removed and sent to a lab for analysis.

If Catalyst® is found to be responsible for the system failure, the compressor will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the customer.

Catalyst® / SW Clean® has been developed and tested to reduce the limitations of refrigerant filters and dryers in HVAC systems. The development was conducted in systems owned and operated at the federal level in the United States. AEO was asked to develop an alternative method of replacing filters/dryers in their HVAC systems. Packaged, rooftop (RTU) and split units were tested under the strict guidelines of the federal procurement regulation system and in accordance with IPMVP guidelines.

SW Clean® has been proven to reduce restriction problems in liquid line filters and dryers found in most HVAC, heat pump and refrigeration systems.

Test results showed reductions of 12.8-18.2% KWH. SW Clean® transducers send low intensity sonic and ultrasonic waves into the filter/dryer, helping to remove the oil sludge that builds up on the filter screens. This reduces the obstructions and allows the refrigerant to flow.

1. How does SW Clean® work?

SW Clean® delivers low sound and ultrasonic waves to the liquid line filter/drier to reduce resistance to refrigerant flow.

2. What types of HVAC equipment is SW Clean® intended to be used on?

SW Clean® is intended for use on Direct Expansion (DX) units/equipment with in-line liquid line filter/driers.

3. When should SW Clean® be used?

SW Clean® is recommended for all systems where the “Delta T” of the liquid line filter/drier is above 2.5° Fahrenheit / 1° Celsius
An elevated Delta T indicates limitations in the liquid line filter/drier. SW Clean® should be installed on all DX units when Catalyst® is installed and the filter/drier is not replaced.

4. Can SW Clean® reduce the energy used by the system?

SW Clean® reduces energy consumption by 11-21% depending on the amount of oil contamination in the system.

5. How much does it cost compared to changing the filter/dryer?

SW Clean® is economical and cost effective compared to replacing filters/dryers. A typical filter/dryer replacement for a 15-ton dual-circuit HVAC system costs over $900.00 and takes the system out of service for more than 6 hours with no reduction in energy use.

6. How long does it take to install SW Clean® and how much does it cost?

SW Clean® is installed in 20-30 minutes by an HVAC technician and costs less than $550, with the added benefit of reducing energy use by an average of 12-19%. SW Clean® provides a return on investment of over 500% over the life of the system.

▣ The amount of Catalyst® used to treat a system is 10% of the system's oil volume or 1 ounce per ton of rated capacity, whichever is greater.

▣ Catalyst® is installed through the low pressure port, the system is not damaged.

▣ Inspection and installation must be performed by a licensed HVAC technician. The inspection and installation report must be submitted to AEO LLC for the warranty to be registered.

▣ Catalyst® is a one-time treatment for DX air-to-air, refrigeration units requiring a boost charge after the third oil change.

▣ SW Clean® is connected to the filter/dryer and the 24-volt electrical input.

▣ All installations are subject to service visit fees.

▣ All projects are priced per job. We collect all information about the unit to verify your individual needs.

▣ AEO LLC, Catalyst® guarantees that if the catalyst does not provide a reduction of at least 12% of the kWh used in the treated HVAC units, AEO will refund 100% of the product cost, excluding labor and service fees.

▣ Warranty: AEO provides a warranty of 60 (sixty) months from the date of installation of the catalytic converter to protect the units in the event of catastrophic failure. The warranty is backed by a product liability insurance of $3,000,000. For systems that are within 24 months of life expectancy, the warranty period is reduced to 24 months.

▣ AEO/SW Clean® provides a 12-month warranty from the date of installation. If for any reason the unit does not work, simply return it to the manufacturer and a replacement unit will be sent back via FedEx.

Does installing Catalyst® affect my warranty?

The Federal Trade Commission Magnuson-Moss Act (Equipment Warranty) 15 U.S.C. ss230, January 1, 1997; 61 FR 69366, states that “a manufacturer may not void or refuse to honor its equipment warranty because a non-OEM manufactured component from another party or an aftermarket component or supplier has been installed in or with its equipment.”

If the Catalyst® system is so good, why don't the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) support it?

The main reason is “conflict of interest”: ASHRAE states that “typically, +/- 85% of OEM revenue comes from repairs, spare parts, maintenance and sales of replacement units”. Catalyst® does not eliminate this income for the OEM, but it delays this revenue.

Calculation based on 450 kWh per RT. 130 RT for a four-storey office building with heat pumps for tenants.

130 RT x 450 kWh = 58 500 kWh consumption per month.

58 500 kWh x 121 öre/kWh = 70 785 SEK monthly cost.

Catalyst® saves 25%.

58 500 kWh x 0.25 = 14 625 kWh savings per month.

14 625 kWh x 121 öre/kWh = 17 696,25 kr savings per month

This calculation is based on the current electricity market:
Spot price of electricity 2022-05-31: 121 öre/kWh. 
Website: https://elen.nu/

RT = Cooling tonnes
LB = Pounds
kWh = kilowatt-hour
Kr = Crown (SEK)
Mon = Month

14 625 kWh x 12 months = 175 000 kWh
175 000 kWh saved annually.
175,000 kWh x 0.823 LB CO2/KW = 144,000 LB reduced annually.
144,000 LB x 5 year project = 720,000 LB CO2 reduced.

Calculation based on well maintained equipment < 5 years old. Individual consumption may vary.

This calculation is based on a real case study concerning
a 48' trailer equipped with a Carrier Transicold (TM);
powered by a diesel engine.

Before Catalyst®

Driving hours per year: 4 608 hours.
Fuel capacity: 50 gallons.
Fuel consumption: 0.595 GPH (2.25 LPH).
Refueling schedule: 84 hours.

After Catalyst®

Refueling schedule: 144 hours.
Fuel capacity: 50 Gallons.
Fuel consumption: 0.347 GPH (1.31 LPH).

41% reduction in diesel consumption is 1,142.82 gallons (4,326.04 L).
CO2 Reduction: 22.46 LB per gallon of diesel.
1,142.82 gallons x 22.46 LB = 25,649 LB CO2 reduced annually.
Consumption varies between seasons.

LB = Pounds
GPH = Gallons per hour
LPH = Liters per hour
L = Liters
Tim = Hours

The AEO offers “Proof of Performance testing in accordance with the IPMVP guidelines option ‘B’.
The results are certified by a third-party engineering firm, Impact Industrial Services, Inc. Steven King, P.E., CEM.

The testing utilizes Revenue Grade Onset data loggers and follows a strict protocol. Data is collected at 60-second intervals on all operating parameters, including unit cycle, power consumption, KwH, ambient temperatures/humidity, supply and exhaust air/humidity.

The test results include certification of KWH reduction and CO2 and GHG emissions, which can be used to secure rebates and carbon credits. According to the Paris Agreement, the carbon reduction must be recertified within six years to be eligible for rebates and carbon credits.