Lead in refrigerant

[luv2golf]

supposedly a testing company has found lead in the refrigerant (low temp). The mechanicals were all experienced so I don't believe they used lead solder. Anyone have an idea where the lead might come from?

[US Iceman]

You did not really give us much information to use. What type of:

compressors do you have?
piping material is used?
refrigerant is it?
Is this the first time you have noticed lead, or is this the first time you have checked?

and,

What were you testing? The oil perhaps?

[Brian_UK]

Also, the use of the word "Supposedly".

Did they or didn't they ?

[luv2golf]

Sorry,
Copeland Discuss
R-22 (new when put in, not reclaim)
Copper pipe

5 ppm lead (not much but still, where did it come from)

Moisture was at 77 ppm with white sludge.

sounds like a serviceman breached the system

Been operating for 1 1/2 yrs. Warr out after 12 months, different company servicing.

thanks

[US Iceman]

If soft solder was not used, then what you may be seeing is residue material from compressor bearings.

[Grizzly]

Luv2golf
As Iceman indicates it could well be from your "white metal" Bearings as these are generally an alloy of Lead and Tin.
So especially as you state this Compressor has worn out after 12 months.
Due in part to huge Copperisation no doubt?
Based on the moisture content you quote.
Grizzly

[hillbillywillie]

I've come across the white metal from worn bearings a lot-you'll find the sump oil strainer blocked with this stuff if it's bad enough. Better find out why it's wearing bearings so quickly if it's a relatively new compresser.
A lot of the stores here have 20+ year old stuff.
This

[NH3LVR]

Missed this thread when it first came out.
I had a oil analysis done on a Frick Screw years ago and it came back with some strange things in it. The Frick Factor could not explain it. Then one day it dawned on me-Anti-Seize. Lots of stuff can be in that can.