purging hoses

[Randykissling]

guys
I was wondering if and how you purge your gauges when you put them on a system just to check pressures. Thank you Randy

[sedgy]

hi randy, first off , I would only put gauges on if there was a problem with the system , second , if you use quick release schrayder hose connections, there is no need to purge,if you have to add gas a quick one second release of GAS is better than liquid into the atmosphere but when finished blocking the charging line < with bottle or plug< close discharge valve or take off schrader conection open both valves on gauges and the psi will be down to suction psi in seconds < no liquid release<

[cool runings]

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It would depend, different system with different refigerants would all need purging.

I would do it differently for a commercial system compared to an industrial system.

On commercial systems when there should always be pressure I always purge from the low side, all the way through to the high side of my gauges, on industrial where there may be a vacuum on the suction side I purge from high to low.

If I have a refrigerant bottle I somtimes purge with that.

It is horses for courses for me because I work on so many different types of equipment.

I try not to purge with liquid if I can avoid it.

cool runnings

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[sedgy]

hi cool running , just on a point of interest , do you have a set of gauges for each different gas you work on ? or for different oils in diff , systems?

[Peter_1]

To all EU posters (all repliers were EU posters): it's not allowed (!) any longer to purge your hoses.
You have to vacuum them before you put them on the system. Or have a set for each refrigerant and use quick couplers.

[FreezerGeezer]

Dear Lord Peter, tell me you're joking!!!

Here in Oz, I haven't seen anyone using 2 or 3 sets of gauges, just one. Very, very few use 4 port sets. When I queried this, I was told that the local belief is that properly purged and removed, the amount of oil mixing is negligible. To be honest, I haven't yet seen any problems caused by this.

[sedgy]

ok peter 1 ,
ok freezergeezer,
all info greatfully receved

[Peter_1]

D.... When I queried this, I was told that the local belief is that properly purged and removed, the amount of oil mixing is negligible. To be honest, I haven't yet seen any problems caused by this.

I have 3 to 4 sets in each van, one for R410a and all the others for the other refrigerants, mixed like I pick them out of my van.
I haven't spoken about oil mixing FG, it's all about unlawful venting gas to the atmosphere.
This is no longer allowed in Europe (EN378/2008)
I also haven't encountered problems in the past with oil remaining in my manifold. But the law is clear on this subject.

[Peter_1]

.... Very, very few use 4 port sets....

I have nothing else than 4 way manifolds. A lot easier once you're used to work with it.

[One Man]

I have a couple manifolds but honestly I think that the concern of oil mixture is grossly overstated in the industry. If you view the trace (yes, trace) oil left in your gauges as a poison to a system that uses a different oil then consider how poison works in the real world with any substance. Poison is all about quantity. Thus I could poison you with chlorine or water...each would require a different quantity.

Therefore, in my mind, worrying about mixing such small amounts of oil in most systems is rather nonsensical. One fiftieth of an ounce of mineral oil entering a system that uses polyester oil does not give me a moment of worry for the life or health of that system. Just as one delicious steak dinner isn't going to make me worry about my cholesterol levels.

As a side note, for those that work on extremely small systems like domestic refrigerators I can see the reason for the various sets of hoses and manifolds...but if you're working with something that has more than a pound of refrigerant in the circuit...I just can't see going through the trouble of purchasing and maintaining so many manifolds.

___________________________________________

And on another side note...the EU is going to be regulating what color coat you can wear when you service a system next month...You must wear a pink coat when servicing a R-410a system...etc.

[cool runings]

hi cool running , just on a point of interest , do you have a set of gauges for each different gas you work on ? or for different oils in diff , systems?

Hello.

I have a set for 410 which is a different fitting and I have three or four other sets.
Gauges are gauges and I only have different sets because I work on multiple systems at the same time.
I have gauges with long hose's and short hose's and I use them as needs be.

As for purging it is an accepted practise.
It is perfectly legal.

The law states that you must take all reasonable action to minimise loses.
A controled purge is OK as long as it is controled.

cool runnings

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