Reading Refrigerant Gauges, Pressure/Temperature Relationship, What Refrigerant is in the Tank!

Summary

This instructional video teaches viewers how to identify refrigerants in a recovery bottle without relying on labels or rating plates. It explains using a temperature multimeter and pressure-temperature charts to determine if the refrigerant is R410A (pink bottle, around 71 degrees Fahrenheit at 205 PSIG) or R22 (green bottle, around 72 degrees Fahrenheit at 127 PSIG). The video emphasizes the importance of not mixing refrigerants and provides practical tips for accurate readings, including adjusting for elevation changes.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Identifying Refrigerants: The video explains how to determine the type of refrigerant in a bottle or recovery tank by checking the color code and using a pressure-temperature chart.
• 🔑 Recovery Bottle Color Codes: A gray and yellow recovery bottle indicates one type of refrigerant, while a pink bottle signifies R-410A, and a green bottle signifies R-22.
• 🌡️ Temperature Measurement: Using a temperature multimeter with a probe, the video demonstrates how to read the temperature of the refrigerant for identification purposes.
• 📈 Pressure-Temperature Correlation: The script emphasizes the importance of matching the measured pressure and temperature to a chart to identify the refrigerant accurately.
• 📊 R-410A Identification: For R-410A, a constant temperature of 70.7 degrees Fahrenheit corresponds to a pressure of 205 psi, indicating the presence of this refrigerant.
• 📊 R-22 Identification: R-22 is identified by a saturated state with a pressure of 127 psi at around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• 💡 Checking Compressor Rating Plates: The video suggests checking the rating plates on the compressor and the condenser for refrigerant information, even if the rating plate is worn off.
• ❗️ Avoid Mixing Refrigerants: A strong caution against mixing different refrigerants in the recovery cylinder is highlighted, as it can be detrimental.
• 🔄 Refrigerant Expansion: The importance of allowing the refrigerant to sit and the gases to expand to ensure accurate pressure readings is mentioned.
• 🛠️ Equipment Calibration: The video touches on the need for calibrating pressure gauges and multimeters for accurate readings, especially when there's a change in elevation.
• 🔬 Practical Application: The script provides a practical guide on using the information from the pressure-temperature chart and the physical properties of refrigerants to identify them in a recovery bottle or system.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The video is a tutorial on how to identify the type of refrigerant in a recovery bottle by using a temperature and pressure chart.

What are the colors of the recovery bottles mentioned in the video?

The recovery bottles mentioned are gray and yellow.

How can you determine the refrigerant type without a rating plate?

You can determine the refrigerant type by checking the pressure and temperature readings on a multimeter and comparing them to a pressure-temperature chart.

What is the significance of a constant temperature reading in identifying refrigerants?

A constant temperature reading, combined with the pressure reading, helps to correlate with the specific refrigerant's properties and identify it accurately.

What is the refrigerant type associated with a pink bottle in the video?

The pink bottle contains R410A refrigerant.

What is the refrigerant type associated with a green bottle in the video?

The green bottle contains R22 refrigerant.

What is the approximate pressure and temperature for R410A at a saturated state?

For R410A, the approximate pressure at a saturated state is 205 psi, and the corresponding temperature is around 71 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the approximate pressure and temperature for R22 at a saturated state?

For R22, the approximate pressure at a saturated state is 127 psi, and the corresponding temperature is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is it important not to mix different refrigerants in a recovery tank?

Mixing different refrigerants can lead to chemical reactions that are harmful to the system and can cause damage or inefficiency.

What should you consider when using a multimeter for refrigerant identification?

When using a multimeter, consider the potential for errors in the multimeter or gauge set, and ensure that the readings are adjusted for sea level or the current elevation.

How can you ensure accurate readings when identifying refrigerants?

Ensure the refrigerant has been at a constant temperature for at least an hour, and the system has had time to equalize pressures on both sides if it's a package unit.