Can someone explain to my why adding a tiny bit of argon, or some other refrigerant, helps the R14 loop? Is this some partial pressure trick, or is the other gas dissolving in the R14?
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Can someone explain to my why adding a tiny bit of argon, or some other refrigerant, helps the R14 loop? Is this some partial pressure trick, or is the other gas dissolving in the R14?
oil return
In the low stages of cascade systems, it is common to add a little something to help carry the oil. I haven't worked with R14, but would not be surprised if argon were the oil carrying additive used.
But I could be wrong
That makes sense. I've seen one guy add R1150 to the R14. I presume because R1150 is a hydrocarbon it is better at picking up the oil.
It is extremely important to have good oil separators... but it isn't enough.
Let's say your oil separator catches 99.9% of the oil. That means 0.1% gets through to the evaporator and turns the consistency of molasses due to the very low temperature. Given a long enough period of time ALL of the system oil will end up in the evaporator... 0.1% at a time.
An oil carrying additive is needed.
I've used R12, pentane, (instrument grade) propane. Have never heard of using argon, but there are lots of things I have never heard of.
That makes sense. I've seen one guy add R1150 to the R14. I presume because R1150 is a hydrocarbon it is better at picking up the oil.
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In talking with one of the manufacturers of ultra low autocascade products the argon is a "mover" as noted above. Ususally there is a thinner that is included in the blend specified and supplied by the manufacturer.
I have used pentane as an oil thinner in cascade systems low stage.