CK Supply stocks the natural refrigerants that commercial refrigeration systems are converting to right now: R290 propane, R600a isobutane, and R744 CO2. All three are available in clean, UL-approved cylinder packages from eight locations across Missouri and Illinois, with next-day delivery options on stocked inventory. If your system design is moving off legacy HFCs, the supply chain is already here.
The EPA’s phasedown of high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons under the AIM Act has pushed OEMs and mechanical contractors toward hydrocarbon and CO2 systems on a fixed timeline. That shift creates a sourcing problem. Purity requirements are tighter, cylinder handling is different, and the distributors who carried R-22 for decades do not always carry the replacements.
Low GWP refrigerants also change how equipment gets specified. Charge limits, ventilation requirements, and technician training all move when a system runs on an A3 refrigerant instead of an A1. Buying from a supplier who only ships the cylinder leaves those questions unanswered.
We also stock ethane R170, propylene R1270, ethylene R1150, methane R50, n-pentane, CNG, LNG, and custom-blended specialty hydrocarbons.
R290 and R600a carry an ASHRAE Standard 34 A3 classification, meaning low toxicity and higher flammability. A3 refrigerants are safe and widely deployed in commercial equipment, but they require correct charge sizing, leak detection, and cylinder storage practices. CK Supply provides SDS documentation on every product through our SDS Library and can walk your team through handling requirements before the first cylinder ships.
| Package | Typical Application |
| 1-lb disposable | Service work, small charges |
| 20-lb refillable | Field service, light commercial |
| 100-lb cylinder | OEM production, larger systems |
| 420-lb cylinder | High-volume manufacturing |
| Bulk 1,000-gallon+ stationary tank | Continuous production feed |
CK Supply produces and stocks high-purity hydrocarbons and offers custom blending for applications that need a specific mix rather than a catalog product.
Tell us the system, the charge, and the volume, and we will confirm availability and delivery timing.
Commercial refrigeration contractors, food and beverage operations, manufacturing and automotive assembly, cannabis extraction, vending equipment operators, HVAC and air conditioning, and hot water system builders.
Independently owned since 1948, CK Supply carries the full natural refrigerant lineup rather than a single product, so a contractor running R290 cases and a transcritical R744 rack orders from one account. Eight retail locations across Missouri and Illinois keep stocked inventory close to the job, and cylinder packages arrive clean and ready to connect.
Click on any location below for more information on hours and directions.
Need Help? Talk to a CK Supply gas and industrial welding expert for more information about our products, our delivery options, or our training programs. We are always here to help!
What are natural refrigerants?
Natural refrigerants occur in nature rather than being synthesized. The group includes hydrocarbons like propane R290 and isobutane R600a, along with carbon dioxide R744. All carry very low global warming potential compared to the HFCs they replace.
Which natural refrigerant should I use?
It depends on system type and charge size. R290 is common in self-contained commercial refrigeration and vending equipment, R600a in domestic and light commercial units, and R744 in transcritical supermarket racks and cascade systems. Our team can review your equipment specification before you order.
Are A3 refrigerants safe to use?
Yes, when the system is designed and charged correctly. A3 refrigerants are low toxicity and higher flammability, so equipment manufacturers build to specific charge limits and ventilation standards. Handling and storage follow the practices documented on each product’s SDS.
Do you deliver refrigerant cylinders?
CK Supply offers next-day delivery options on stocked inventory across Missouri and Illinois, and customers can pick up at any of our eight retail locations.
Can you blend a custom hydrocarbon mix?
Yes. We produce and stock high-purity hydrocarbons and blend custom mixes, including 70/30 propane/butane, for extraction and specialty manufacturing applications.
What sizes do refrigerant cylinders come in?
From 1-lb disposable cylinders through 420-lb cylinders and bulk stationary tanks over 1,000 gallons.
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