r290 replace

[evanlivingston]

I'm going to fill a 32,000 BTU window unit with r290. It's just a few years old, I don't know what kind of refrigerant was in it. One of the pipes was punctured, and I fixed it. When I refill it, do I need to create a vacuum to remove the existing air in the pipes? If so, How do I do that?

[NoNickName]

Sorry, sir, why oh why are you going to refill a window unit with R290 without ascertain compatibility with the equipment?
Why oh why are you endorsing a refrigeration specialist work without knowing how to properly vacuum an air conditioner? What amount of R290 do you plan to refill?
How did you fix the leak? How did you ascertain the leak is fixed? Was it leaking towards the inside or the outside? And if it's still leaking to the inside, don't you think that flooding a room with propane is a little bit dangerous?

[The MG Pony]

just by the fact you having to ask should you vac it makes me seriously doubt your ability to execute this project safely.

Are you sure it is even compatible? Are you aware of the risks? Are you aware of what goes into switching refrigerants?

I would seriously ask my self thees questions and then ponder the risks Vs benifits. Why not bring it to a shop to have it checked out and refilled?

[Brian_UK]

I'm going to fill a 32,000 BTU window unit with r290. It's just a few years old, I don't know what kind of refrigerant was in it. One of the pipes was punctured, and I fixed it. When I refill it, do I need to create a vacuum to remove the existing air in the pipes? If so, How do I do that?Quick, call the SWAT Team, we have an explosive device about to be built:eek:

All those with brains please stand well back :rolleyes:

Evan, please STOP right now and go get some advice from an authorised refrigeration expert.

[US Iceman]

This is what happens when a little bit of knowledge leaks out (pardon the pun). And... is another reason on why I caution the use of propane by would-be mechanics.

Since propane is freely available, someone gets the bright idea to use this for refrigerant purposes.

I have a problem with this as you might guess!:(

[The MG Pony]

This is what happens when a little bit of knowledge leaks out (pardon the pun). And... is another reason on why I caution the use of propane by would-be mechanics.

Since propane is freely available, someone gets the bright idea to use this for refrigerant purposes.

I have a problem with this as you might guess!:(

I only have a problem with it when the person fails to educate them self and impliment it in a properly don fassion. I love propane, it has great qualities, providing the person does it properly. But the fact he's asking if he has to vac tells me he has not even looked up the dead basics, so yes, I have my serious doubts here as well!

FYI I'm hiding in a bunker with a camera! What can I say I like fire works :D

[nh3wizard]

Anyone have a match?

[evanlivingston]

It took 56 0z of r22. One of the copper tubes was punctured and I fixed it with soldier, the kind used for plumbing. The repair should be good for up to about 800 psi, A pressure the air conditioner is not going create. I'm hardly concerned about putting propane it, there is more propane in the pipes around my house.
How do I pull a vacuum?

[The MG Pony]

I think we've been rather harsh on the bloke and aut to give him an explanation one why.

Ok mate, first off you'll have to do some serious reading, this is the beginning of your journey.

Now Why are we being so harsh? Propane is obviously flammable, now flammable gas compressed with air goes boom, much as it does in the cylinder of your cars engine, Now the compressor in side your air con, takes gas generates heat and compresses it. What does this replicate? It replicates the same thing the cylinder does in your car!! It is luck of the draw whether it decides to go boom or not.

Now propane is much lighter on the moleculer side of things too, meaning it will leak out of seals that it will leak out of stuff that most gases wouldent!

This is very very basic stuff that you first have to think about!

[The MG Pony]

It took 56 0z of r22. One of the copper tubes was punctured and I fixed it with soldier, the kind used for plumbing. The repair should be good for up to about 800 psi, A pressure the air conditioner is not going create. I'm hardly concerned about putting propane it, there is more propane in the pipes around my house.
How do I pull a vacuum?

Ok See right here we got a problem!

Plumbing solder doesn't hold up well to high vibration and to discharge heat+Oil very well for very long.

R-22? Ok good at least R-290 is compatible with it, do you understand that you need to correct the amount you add compared to the original charge due to it being a different refrigerant? How do you plan to do this?

How do you pull the Vac? Now being your even asking means you most certainly do not have the tool or gauge to pull one deep enough and verify it.

Do you realize you must replace the filter drier? Be for you even worry about that you must worry about how you'll even vac out the system!

So first, you need to get the pipe repaired properly with a silver allow called silfoss, then you'd need to replace the filter drier, then you'd need to pull a deep vacuum for at least an hour and ensure there is no leaks, then you need to correct the charge and add it in a way to ensure the amount corrected charge is put in, then check the system to ensure it is operating inside the proper envelop and if not add or remove charge until it is.

Sounds easy? or not? If yes, then it may sound that way but doing all the steps correctly takes training and time.

R-290 is a great refrigerant and all, but only if used in a proper safe system, and there are unique things in such a system that are not in common plumbing or propane distribution systems, We have Oil, heat, Vibration, and pressure up to 300psi all at once.

So first you need to buy a vacuum pump, vacuum gauge that measures microns, then you need to get a refrigerant scale & Gauges, then you need to learn how to measure Super Heat & Sub Cooling and how to use them as a diagnosing/charging aid as such you need to buy a good thermometer.

Thats just the stuff I can think of off hand!

In other words cheaper to pay a guy to come out and braze shut the pipe & replace the F/D, and then recharge it with R-22 or if willing its hydrocarbon drop in ie R-290. Or if you live away from other people just buy the tools I listed and have a blast! It is 100% your right to risk your self! But not others.

[evanlivingston]

Guys, this is great information. You've probably persuaded me to just have it done by a professional, although it does sound rather fun.

I'd still like to to have propane put into it, what's the likely hood of finding a shop that will do it for me?

[The MG Pony]

This is great fun, just takes a large amount of cash and time to get into the game in a safe reliable manner.

As for shops I really can't say, just phone around tell them what you want until you find one that can use an R-22 replacement. There is a type called enviro safe R-22a that is a high quality R-290 - R-600a blend that looks to be a good one that has been accepted by the EPA if I understood correctly.

The biggest investment other then time is tools, easily you'd end up spending near 2 grand to get all new tools of the right spec, and about 2 years learning the basics and practises, if you're willing whether just as a hobby or career it is well worth it IMO.

[US Iceman]

...and about 2 years learning the basics and practises...


:eek: Two years!!!!

It takes that long to learn where to not stick your fingers!:D

Seriously though, this is a good trade. Find a good technical school and study and ask a lot of questions.

It usually takes about five years of experience before you start to feel reasonably comfortable.;)

[The MG Pony]

http://www.refrigtech.com/charge.html < Here is one tiny part of what your up against.

Thats why I said basics there US ;)

Here in B.C. Canada basic trades entry is 6 1/2 months and Aprenticmanship is 5 years and even then most won't put you out by your self till after 7. I've been learning from a couple local guys for a couple years and teaching my self for 4 years now and had an interest since 15 :)

[msRSA]

this guy sounds like a sure entry into darwinawards.com