Tommy’s Tips Non-Refillable Refrigerant Cylinders ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Non-Refillable Refrigerant Cylinders ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Air conditioning and refrigeration service technicians carry refrigerant cylinders in their service trucks every day. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
While these cylinders are relatively safe there are several hazards that need to be understood. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Service techs need to be aware of proper transportation procedures, storage of cylinders and correct procedures when using them to charge systems. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
One of the major concerns is TEMPERATURE! ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Most refrigerant cylinder labels advise that they should not exceed 120 – 130 degrees F. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Service techs have used different ways to warm up a cold cylinder: Warm blanket Torch Hot Water Hair Dryer ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
It is strongly recommended to NOT use a torch to heat a cylinder! ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
OL ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Warm water is a good way to increase cylinder temperature. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Remember that the cylinder cannot exceed approx. 125 degrees F. Some commercial and residential locations may have hot water setting at greater than 125 degrees. 140° ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
If you are not sure, measure the temperature before putting the cylinder in it. 110° ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Another safety concern is that the pressure inside the cylinder is the same whether it has only a small amount of liquid or if it were full of refrigerant. 201 PSI Almost empty Almost full Same pressure! 70° ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Never leave “empty?” cylinders on the roof or anywhere. Cylinders can rust and become weak and could burst with just a small quantity of refrigerant remaining. Any residual refrigerant should be recovered and then, with the valve open, puncture the cylinder and break off the valve handle. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010
Remember, refrigerant cylinders are to be respected for their potential to do harm to people and nearby objects. ©Tom Schaefer Upstate Systems 5/21/2010