R14 ... "with a bit of Argon"??

[SES Utah]

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?

[mad fridgie]

oil return

[Gary]

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.

[mad fridgie]

But I could be wrong

[SES Utah]

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.

[Gary]

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.

[SES Utah]

An oil carrying additive is needed.

Thanks. I'll be sure to always keep that in mind, would hate to have to take everything apart just because of an oil clog.

[Grizzly]

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.

Thanks for that explanation Gary.
It makes absolute sense the way you have explained it.
It makes the choice of oil doubly important does it not?
Grizzly

[michaelm]

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.

B”H
I have not heard of Argon being used for the oil return, but know that Pentane is used for that.

[SES Utah]

I have not heard of Argon being used for the oil return, but know that Pentane is used for that.

Might as well go with a hydrocarbon, all else the same, yeah?

[Gary]

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.

[ccarlos196]

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.
_____________________

[BekTek]

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.