brian_chapin
30-07-2008, 12:07 PM
Parker A4AS valve warning:
I recently became aware of an incident that had occured with the A4AS pressure regulator. The valves larger than 1 1/4" are bolted, so this problem only exists on the smaller valves.
It seems that in very rare circumstances, the seal cap covering the manually opening stem can corrode fast to the valve bottom cap. If this valve has been insulated, the technician may think they are loosening the cap when they are in fact taking the entire bottom of the valve off.
This leads to a very unpleasant suprise and a significant refrigerant release. This has actually happened to two technicians I know. Simply removing the insulation to the point where you can see what parts are turning is all that is needed to avoid this issue.
Of course, the occasional exercise of the valve and application of anti-seize is always a good idea too.
I recently became aware of an incident that had occured with the A4AS pressure regulator. The valves larger than 1 1/4" are bolted, so this problem only exists on the smaller valves.
It seems that in very rare circumstances, the seal cap covering the manually opening stem can corrode fast to the valve bottom cap. If this valve has been insulated, the technician may think they are loosening the cap when they are in fact taking the entire bottom of the valve off.
This leads to a very unpleasant suprise and a significant refrigerant release. This has actually happened to two technicians I know. Simply removing the insulation to the point where you can see what parts are turning is all that is needed to avoid this issue.
Of course, the occasional exercise of the valve and application of anti-seize is always a good idea too.