HVAC: How To Install a Bullet Piercing Valve On Any AC/Refrigeration System (Supco BPV21 BPV31)

Summary

In this video, Jumper Man Tech demonstrates how to install the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve on a sealed air conditioning or refrigeration system. This valve allows technicians to gain access to refrigerant lines, enabling them to recover, evacuate, or charge the system when no access ports are available. The tutorial covers step-by-step instructions on valve setup, the importance of selecting the correct adapter, and safety tips for using the valve. The video concludes with advice on leak checks and proper handling to ensure efficient and safe system maintenance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Subco Bullet Piercing Valve provides access to sealed air conditioning and refrigeration systems, allowing for refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and charging.
• 😀 The piercing valve can be used on various pipe sizes, with models like BPV31 (for 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, and 3/8 inch tubing) and BPV21 (for 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch tubing).
• 😀 The kit includes the piercing valve, a set of adapters for different pipe sizes, and an Allen key for installation.
• 😀 When working on a sealed system, the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve enables you to attach refrigerant gauges to the system through the valve’s access port.
• 😀 Proper installation involves unscrewing and separating the valve, then installing the appropriate adapter before reattaching the valve and tightening it down with screws.
• 😀 Always ensure that the valve is securely tightened to avoid refrigerant leaks during the installation process.
• 😀 To pierce the pipe, use the Allen key to tighten the middle screw, which will push the piercing pin into the pipe, providing access to refrigerant.
• 😀 Once the piercing is complete, back out the screw counterclockwise to read refrigerant pressure and perform necessary actions on the system.
• 😀 Before removing gauges or releasing refrigerant, always tighten the screw back in to prevent accidental loss of refrigerant or vacuum.
• 😀 It's important to charge the system with nitrogen and check for leaks around the pipe and the access port before reintroducing refrigerant into the system.

Q & A

What is the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve used for?

The Subco Bullet Piercing Valve is used to provide access to refrigerant in a sealed air conditioning or refrigeration system, allowing technicians to connect gauges for recovery, evacuation, or charging.

Why might you need to use the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve?

You may need to use the piercing valve when you're working on a sealed system without any access ports, preventing you from connecting gauges or performing maintenance like recovering refrigerant or evacuating the system.

What are the two types of Subco Bullet Piercing Valves available, and what do they fit?

There are two models of the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve: the BPV31 for quarter inch, 5/16, and 3/8 tubing, and the BPV21 for half inch and 5/8 tubing.

What tools or components come with the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve?

The Subco Bullet Piercing Valve package includes the valve itself, two adapters (for different pipe sizes), an Allen key, and a set of instructions.

How does the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve work to pierce the pipe?

The piercing valve works by using an Allen screw that, when tightened, pierces the pipe to create an access point for refrigerant. The valve is then sealed and can be used to connect gauges for pressure readings or refrigerant manipulation.

What do you need to do before installing the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve?

Before installing the piercing valve, you need to carefully unscrew the three screws on the valve to separate the top and bottom parts, insert the appropriate adapter (if necessary), and then reassemble the valve by tightening the screws.

Why is it important to back out the middle screw after attaching gauges?

It's important to back out the middle screw after attaching the gauges to ensure that the piercing pin retracts and the system is properly sealed, preventing refrigerant from leaking out when you disconnect the gauges.

What is the role of the three screws on the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve?

The three screws on the piercing valve hold the valve together, seal the pipe connection, and secure the piercing mechanism. Tightening them ensures a leak-proof connection once the valve is installed.

What should you do to check for leaks when using the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve?

Before adding refrigerant, it's essential to charge the system with nitrogen and check for leaks around the valve and the pipe. If leaks are detected, tighten the screws on the valve or the surrounding pipe to stop the leak.

What is a crucial tip to remember when removing gauges from the Subco Bullet Piercing Valve?

Before removing the gauges, always make sure to turn the middle screw clockwise to push the piercing pin back into the valve, which ensures that refrigerant doesn't leak out when you disconnect the gauges.