Texas Seeking Info on HC Refrigerants

[gonefishing]

Howdy from Texas. Well, looks like the US is opening up limited use of HC R290 and R600a.
I would really appreciate some advice/info from you guys on best practices, types of
service equipment/tools you use in the service of this equipment. Recovery, Evacuation,
Service connections etc. I know you are well ahead of the curve on these refrigerants
and am hoping to glean as much info as possible. Any help, Info, In-sight would be greatly
appreciated. Many Thanks,

GF

[install monkey]

http://www.refrigerants.com/MSDS/nri-R290.pdf
http://www.refrigerants.com/MSDS/nri-R600a.pdf
tape up ur eyebrows:D

[Brian_UK]

In general they are just like any other refrigerant in the need for safe and careful handling.

The recovery machine obviously needs to be suitable for HC use. Another tool which is semi-critical is having a combustible gas leak detector operating near you when you are breaking into a system for any reason. The type used by a gas fitter is quite good enough.

If working on a system always recovery and then purge through with nitrogen before any brazing work.

[gonefishing]

Thanks for the replies. So I would assume that due to the small
quantity of refrigerant in the systems, an empty cylinder with a
deep vacuum would be suitable for recovery. Nitrogen purge, make
what repairs were required, evacuate and recharge?

It is my understanding that the service ports shall be of a different type.
I assume maybe left hand, smaller, larger etc. Is that the case over there?

Do you know of a recovery machine that is approved? Make model etc would
be appreciated. Not finding much on mfg data here. May not be looking in the
right place.

Do you find most troubleshooting to be done with Temp diagnostics? I would
assume as with any machine, hosing up is a last resort?

Again, Many Thanks.........GF

[Brian_UK]

Haven't found any difference in service port sizes, usual 1/4 flare hose connectors. Rest of your comments are good.

[gonefishing]

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.........GF

[Rob White]

.

The difference with HC refrigerants as apposed to the others (in the UK anyway)
is we are allowed to vent it to atmosphere.

It has to be done in a controlled manner and there are limits to this but because
of the low GWP, we can vent it.

On a Data sheet from one manufacturer they recommend disposal as flaring it off.
Burning it in other words and I have a propane Bunsen-burner and demonstrate this
to students by connecting it up to the fridge and burning the gas(**).

The biggest worry with the gas is the electrics. Normal electrics with switches may
not be suitable for HC refrigerants unless they are removed up and out of the way
of the gas or are inside sealed units to prevent gas ingress. If the electrics are to be
potentially in the gas then they tend to be solid state..


(**needless to say there are severe safety implications to this and flash back arresters,
correct equipment and full risk assessments have been carried out first.
Do not do this without full risk assessment beforehand, in fact DON'T ever do it
and never say Rob told you :D ).

Regards

Rob

.

[chilliwilly]

Yes like Rob says don't do it. But if you do, connect your hoses to a purging stack/bunsen burner, and set your guage pressure to 0.55 psi and make sure you do it outside!