What could be a potential risk associated with a refrigerant blend that is fractionated?

A refrigerant blend that is fractionated poses a risk of flammability primarily because fractionation can lead to the separation of components within the blend. Each component of the refrigerant blend may have different physical and chemical properties, including varying levels of flammability. If the lighter, more flammable components evaporate or leak out more quickly than the heavier ones, this can significantly change the overall characteristics of the blend, potentially making it more hazardous in terms of fire risk.

In the case of refrigerants, it is critical to understand their composition and behavior under different conditions. When blends are used, they must remain mixed to retain the intended thermodynamic properties. If they fractionate, some of the components may evaporate at different rates, altering the safety profile of the refrigerant.

The other potential risks of toxicity or corrosiveness would depend on the specific chemicals involved in the blend rather than the factor of fractionation itself. Non-functionality may occur if the mixture does not work effectively after separation, but this is a result of performance rather than an immediate safety concern like flammability, which poses an acute risk.