Thermodynamic contaminants.

[BERN1E]

Hi Folks,
A plumbing company has removed the panel off the flat roof for roof repairs.
I was called out as they had no hot water and the panel had been put back.
I arrived,none the wiser to find a fault code on the system.
I carried out a leak check and found the isolation valve seemed oily underneath near the schrader.
It turns out the plumber thought it was solar thermal,let the r134a into the atmosphere then......this is the best bit,used the schrader valve to pump in glycol.
Can anyone tell me if I can remove and how to flush from the compressor and the refridge pipework in the cylinder tank as I think its now a write off.
Arrrrrgh.

[NH3LVR]

You have a mess!
I do know what happens with Mineral Oil and Ethylene Glycol. It destroys the lubricating ability of the oil.
As to what happens in your case, I am not sure. It may be beyond practical repair.
Others may be of more assistance.

[BERN1E]

Thankyou for your reply.

[al]

I'd say it's a write off, will glycol come out under vacuum?

[BERN1E]

Don't want to use my reclaim machine to extract glycol as it's not designed to transfer that product.
I could blow the system out using nitrogen tripple vac method and replace the external pipework ,but would any contaminants still sit in the outdoor panel and the compressor which is Hermetically sealed.
Be honest would you still say its had it and walk away....
Thanks all for looking at my post.

[al]

I'd not touch it to be honest, no good outcome as god knows what is in the oil.

[NH3LVR]

I would think the Owner would have a claim against the Plumbing Company. Still a good idea to stay away.

[BERN1E]

Thankyou for all your advice, I will take heed and say its a write off.