Principles and procedures for standard refrigeration system gas charging

Cold storage Not cold or weak cooling capacity can be a sign of a gas leak or low gas. So what tools do you need to prepare, principles and Refrigeration system gas charging process How to do it right? Let's Tan Long  Find out through the article below.

Principles and procedures for standard refrigeration system gas charging
 Principles and procedures for standard refrigeration system gas charging

Why does the refrigeration system need to be charged with gas?

The joints of air-conditioner and cold storage are often not completely sealed. Venting, oil draining, and repair work may result in gas loss.

As the gas level decreases, refrigeration system Inefficient operation, compressor damage may occur, cooling capacity may decrease and cooling time may increase.

Gas filling and principles to know

Like any maintenance activity, the refrigeration system gas charging procedure must follow several important principles to ensure efficiency and safety:

  • Pressure guarantee: The pressure in the gas cylinder must be higher than the system pressure for the filling process to take place smoothly and quickly.
  • Check the compressor: Before recharging, make sure that the compressor is operating normally and does not show any unusual signs, such as strange noises or vibrations.
  • Check for tightness: Before and during gas charging, it is necessary to check the tightness of the system to ensure there is no leakage, avoid gas loss and reduce cooling efficiency.
  • Place gas cylinder properly: The gas cylinder should be placed at an angle or upside down so that the liquid gas can easily flow into the system, helping to refill the gas more quickly and effectively.
  • Use the right type of gas: The process of charging the refrigeration system must ensure that the gas charged into the system is the same type as the gas currently available, avoiding incompatibility issues that can damage the refrigeration system.

Types of gas commonly used in cold storage

In cold storage installation process, need to ensure no gas leaks. Currently, the three most popular types of gas for cold storage are R410, R22, and R32.

Types of gas commonly used in cold storage
 Types of gas commonly used in cold storage

Gas R22

Advantage: Cheap, simple filling process, able to tolerate impurities so can be refilled without having to discharge old gas.

Disadvantages: Low cooling efficiency and harmful to the ozone layer.

Gas R410

Advantage: Can create deep cold and save electricity.

Disadvantages: Mid-range price, complex filling process, requires highly skilled workers and specialized equipment.

Gas R32

Advantage: Newly used since 2014 on high-end devices, has strong and stable cooling capacity, saves energy.

Disadvantages: Requires skilled workers and specialized equipment similar to R410.

Prepare tools for the refrigeration system gas charging process

Before pumping air conditioner gas, you need to prepare the following specialized tools:

  • Gas meter
  • Gas cylinder
  • Gas connector
  • Current clamp meter
  • Wrench and screwdriver
  • Vacuum cleaner

Note before pumping gas for air conditioner

Before starting the gas charging process of the gas pump refrigeration system, check the type of gas being used. To determine, you can call the air conditioner manufacturer, provide the model name and ask the consultant to check the information.

When filling gas, turn the gas cylinder upside down and fill it into the 3-way valve behind the condenser.

Avoid recharging when the machine is in heating mode, as high 3-way valve pressure will prevent gas from being pumped in properly.

Set the control temperature to 17°C and adjust the pressure to about 150 psi. In cold weather, turn on compressor and adjust the evaporator fan speed according to the ambient temperature.

Note before pumping gas for air conditioner
 Note before pumping gas for air conditioner

Step by step process of refrigerant charging

Gas charging process for refrigeration system includes 3 main steps:

Step 1: Determine the refrigerant to be charged

Determine the mass of liquid refrigerant, add 10-15% for vapor refrigerant.

Amount of refrigerant required:

  • 100% for service line
  • 60% for intermediate tank
  • 30% for direct expansion type condenser
  • 20% for high pressure tank
  • 10% for condensing unit
  • 0% for oil separator

Step 2: Prepare tools

Protection: Gloves, masks, protective clothing

Tool: Gas valve key, leak tester, gas bottle holder, scale, filling line

Step 3: Refill gas

Method: Filling via the fluid supply line, fast and efficient.

New deposit: Open valve A and the refrigerant cylinder valve to let the refrigerant into the high pressure tank. Observe the refrigerant level and check the pressure.

Additional top-up: When the system is running, open the refrigerant cylinder valve to charge. Stop when the liquid level in the high pressure tank reaches 80%. Check the system pressure to ensure sufficient refrigerant.

Open valve A and the refrigerant cylinder valve to let the refrigerant enter the high pressure tank.
 Open valve A and the refrigerant cylinder valve to let the refrigerant enter the high pressure tank.

Conclude

Gas filling process refrigeration system Standardization includes identifying the refrigerant, preparing the appropriate tools, and properly charging the gas to ensure system performance and safety. Charging gas requires precision in checking the refrigerant level and pressure to ensure the system operates efficiently and durably.

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