Refrigerating equipment is actively used in domestic conditions and in production. With its long-term operation, it may be necessary to replace freon, which is an effective refrigerant in the form of an inert gas or liquid. Substances in this category are non-explosive and can be refilled into devices without professional assistance.
Types of refrigerants used
Before you start replacing freon in any device, you need to familiarize yourself with the main types of substances that are currently used. Since 2004, European manufacturers have switched to refrigerants that are completely safe for the environment. However, they are much more expensive than more conventional counterparts.
| Designation | Description |
| R22 | Difluorochloromethane is a colorless gas that has a faint odor of chloroform. It is considered the most popular refrigerant. It cannot be used instead of the R22 analogue due to the higher pressure. |
| R134A |
Tetrafluoroethane is a colorless and odorless gas. It is not recommended to be mixed with R12 refrigerant. It is widely used in domestic refrigerators, industrial plants and automobile air conditioners. |
| R410A | Produced by mixing freon grades R125 and R32. The value of productivity in terms of generating cold is almost 50 percent higher than that of the first analogue. |
| R507 | Azeotropic blend used with polyester oils. Replacing the freon of an air conditioner, refrigerator and other systems operating on R502 or R22 refrigerant is quite possible. |
Regional companies are in no hurry to switch to safer analogues for the ozone layer. The cost of R22 is much lower than R410A. However, over time, this will still have to be done, since the vast majority of models from world manufacturers already operate on progressive refrigerants.
Preparation for refueling equipment
Before replacing freon in a refrigerator or any other device, you need to make sure that you have enough knowledge and skills to carry out such events. You should have a rough idea of the design features of the equipment.
Don't start the refueling process if you don't have the skills to work with pressurized containers. In addition, there must be knowledge of elementary rulessecurity. It is advisable to read the instructions for a specific equipment model, as it may have its own characteristics.
Materials and fixtures
To replace freon in cooling devices, you will need to prepare the necessary materials and additional equipment.
- The brand and volume of the purchased refrigerant must match the model of the device. You will have to buy a bottle of a suitable substance. Since the container is under high pressure, care must be taken during transportation.
- A pumping station is required to create a vacuum and inject the starting material. It is best to rent it, as it is quite expensive to purchase such equipment for a one-time refueling.
- Accurate scales will be needed to determine the amount of refrigerant to be injected. It is recommended to put the container with the substance on the scales, and then observe the changes in mass.
- Need tools to solder the tube immediately after filling and in areas of damage, if any. The type of solder is selected taking into account the material of the contour elements.
- A freshly purchased filter drier is changed during any work related to the violation of the tightness of the system.
- The Schrader valve makes it possible to create a certain pressure inside the circuits.
- Nitrogen bottle will be required for purge. At pressures above 6 atmospheres, a reducer will also be needed.
Sequence of actions
AsLet's take the Atlant refrigerator as a basic example. Replacing freon in it is as follows.
- The Schrader valve is connected to the compressor nozzle. Basic equipment will be connected to it.
- With the help of pumping equipment, the contours are pressed with air. If pressure drops, find the leak and solder.
- The system is purged with nitrogen to completely remove moisture from the inside of the system.
- The filter drier is being replaced. The old element is cut off. The capillary tube is inserted into the new filter and sealed.
- Vacuum is created by means of a special pumping station. Air with nitrogen is pumped out of the circuits.
- The system is being charged with freon. The refrigerant is connected to the Schrader valve. After loading the required weight, the balloon is disconnected and the slot is sealed.
Possible problems
When replacing freon, certain difficulties may arise. Insufficient drying of the inside can lead to blockage of the capillary system and other negative consequences. Increasing the amount of refrigerant can also lead to trouble. The compressor operates in this case with an overload, so the risk of its failure increases significantly. In addition, the air inside the chambers will still not be cooled to the required temperature.
Final part
Incorrect replacement of freon in the car,at home or in an industrial building can lead to additional costs. Therefore, it is necessary at the initial stage to assess your capabilities and existing knowledge. If all the subtleties and nuances are observed, then there will be no problems with refueling.
