In this work we apply a model to describe the magnetocaloric effect for the MnAs1-x Sb-x series of compounds, 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.4. The behavior of the material under first order phase transitions is well described, and we are able to obtain the magnetocaloric potential for the series of compounds presenting first order magnetic phase transitions. Based on these results we predict the performance of a composite comprising a combination of compositions of this compound to work as active element in a magnetic refrigerator using an Erickson cycle spanning a great temperature range down from room temperature. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.3204302306