The present paper reports the results of an experimental investigation of saturated pool boiling of halocarbon refrigerants on cylindrical surfaces of different materials. Experiments covered a wide range of reduced pressures and heat fluxes, being carried out on copper, brass and stainless steel surfaces with different finishing conditions. The obtained results are discussed with regard to the controlled physical and operational parameters of the investigation. An empirical correlation is proposed in terms of reduced pressures. The performance of the correlation can be deemed adequate, considering that it compares well with experimental results of different authors. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.