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Contactor
14-06-2009, 10:44 PM
Hello!

Does anyone with HFC experience know if I can 'drop in' 134a to a system which has been running on R600a and leaked to 0barg?

It seems the unit was designed for 'either or' from what I can gather, but i'm not sure about oil compatibility or hazards etc...

Thanks all, merry xmas.

taz24
15-06-2009, 03:15 PM
Hello!

Does anyone with HFC experience know if I can 'drop in' 134a to a system which has been running on R600a and leaked to 0barg?

It seems the unit was designed for 'either or' from what I can gather, but i'm not sure about oil compatibility or hazards etc...

Thanks all, merry xmas.


Have you located the leak?

I have replaced 600 for R409, if you have any that will make a good direct replacement.

taz

K.R.Iyer
15-06-2009, 08:07 PM
Contactor,

Use of R134a is not to be done in R600a model compressor for the following reasons:

1. Oil compatibility - as you guessed is an issue. 134a needs POE and R600a uses mineral oil

2. The pressures of R134a are almost double of 600a. chances of more leak as the system components might not have been tested at higher pressures by the manufacturer and also overloading and tripping of motor due to higher load on it.

3. Motor torque characteristics will be different for the relatively higher pressure 134a

4. Compressor displacement requirement for a required capacity for 600a is higher. So, 134a will overload and trip the motor.

Look at refrigerant properties to decide on retrofit refrigerants.

Contactor
16-06-2009, 09:34 PM
Thanks KR / Taz, very helpful.