Abstract: Portable apparatus for servicing a refrigeration system having a refrigerant containing an oil lubricant. The apparatus includes a support frame, a modular housing supported by the frame and defining internal accumulator, condenser, storage, and high and low pressure filter chambers, and a control plate assembly having a plurality of flow passages enabling flow communication between the various chambers. The control plate is adopted for connection to the refrigeration system being serviced, and has control valves operative to control flow of refrigerant through the passages to and between the internal chambers. A processor controls the control valves in a manner enabling selective recovery, evacuation, charging and/or flushing of the refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Unit for distribution and/or collection of cold and/or of heat, including: (a) a main exchanger (1) of heat between a refrigerant fluid (2, 21, 22) and a heat transfer fluid (3); (b) a means for producing cold with a means for heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid; (c) a closed main circuit (3) for continuous free circulation of the heat transfer fluid; (d) at least one heat transfer fluid drawing loop (7 to 11); characterized in that the flow cross-section of the main circuit (3), the maximum refrigerating power of the means for producing cold, Pmax, expressed in W, and the main heat exchanger (1) are sized relative to one another in order to satisfy, in operation, approximately the relationship: P.sub.Max =f.sub.m .times.c.times..DELTA.T, in which: f.sub.m is the mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, expressed in kg/s; c is the mass heat of the heat transfer fluid, in liquid form, expressed in J/kg/.degree.K.; .DELTA.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and recycling system for removing and recycling chloroflourocarbon (CFC), hydroflourocarbon (HFC) and hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants from refrigeration systems. Closed loop interconnection prevents release of refrigerant to the atmosphere. Liquid refrigerant is drawn by suction through a filter and transferred to a storage tank. When all liquid refrigerant has been transferred, a refrigerant vapor recovery process automatically engages, retrieves and condenses the remaining refrigerant vapors, thus evacuating the refrigeration system to a pressure of approximately 29 inches Hg absolute for low pressure refrigeration systems and 15 inches Hg absolute for high pressure refrigeration systems. After evacuation of the refrigeration system, the present invention automatically shuts off.

Abstract: A system for purifying a refrigerant (ammonia, Freon, etc.) puts impure liquid refrigerant into a container with a liquid chemical that reacts chemically with the impurity (water, acid, etc.) to form a solid or liquid. The vaporization temperatures of the chemical and the reaction product is substantially higher than that of the refrigerant. The chemical does not react with the refrigerant. The impure refrigerant is added to the liquid decontaminant in such a way as to cause vigorous mixing so that efficient reaction occurs between the liquid decontaminant and one or more of the impurities. The refrigerant is allowed to evaporate out of the container. Since the reaction product stays in the container, the refrigerant vapor is very pure. The vaporization temperature of the reaction product is higher than that of the impurity, so that the purity of the refrigerant vapor is much greater than the vapor resulting from straight distillation.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a closed chamber having an inlet for directing refrigerant in liquid phase into the chamber such that the refrigerant collects at a lower portion of the chamber and non-condensibles are trapped in the upper portion of the chamber over the refrigerant. The rate of increase in level of refrigerant in the chamber is measured as liquid phase refrigerant is directed thereto, and non-condensibles are purged from the upper portion of the chamber when the rate of increase of refrigerant level is less than a preselected threshold.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating and separating individual refrigerants from a mixture of refrigerants contaminated with solids, liquids and non-condensible gasses, includes three stages. In the first stage, solid and liquid contaminants are removed. In the second stage, the mixture of refrigerants passes through a condensation column where successive condensation stages remove individual refrigerants from the mixture of refrigerants. The remaining mixture of refrigerants passes through a third stage where non-condensible gas contaminants are removed.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve that is rotatable relative to the pressure relief system to allow flexibility in the connection of an outlet aperture in the pressure relief valve with a vent pipe in the building. A circumferential channel being formed on a conduit comprising a portion of the valve to receive a plurality of fasteners thereon for attaching the valve body to the conduit. Further, a tension relief bar having a pair of apertures is utilized to manually control the movement of a valve member relative to a valve seat within the valve body. One of the apertures being positioned for receiving a locking pin therein to hold the valve member apart from the valve seat. The capability to rotate and separate the valve body from the conduit allows for flexibility in servicing and connecting the valve body to the conduit.

Abstract: A portable, electrically powered refrigerant recovery system and method uses a single manifold to reduce fabrication time and costs. A hot gas discharge port in combination with a check valve allows the recovery system to be utilized as a vacuum pump as well as a refrigerant recovery device. A rectangular aluminum oil separator has internal baffles and is located between the inlet and a compressor. A low-voltage control circuit uses a latching circuit to avoid short cycling of the compressor and thereby increase compressor life. The system provides an improved push-pull recovery method in which superheated refrigerant vapor from the compressor is diverted directly to the system being recovered so that the superheated vapor is returned to the unit being emptied to speed the recovery process.

Abstract: A system for removing lubricating oil from a refrigeration system the lubricating oil being used together with a first type of refrigerant in said system and replacing this oil with an oil which is compatible with a second type of refrigerant, to convert the refrigerating system or heat pump system from a system which operates with said second type of refrigerant, by flushing the system to be cleansed of oil with a circulating refrigerant of the first type. The refrigerant is capable of dissolving the oil and has a higher density than said oil so as to be able to lift and entrain the oil during the flushing process. The refrigerant is circulated through the entire refrigeration system and through an external apparatus used to circulate the refrigerant.

Abstract: A purge apparatus and method are disclosed for automatically purging an absorption cooling system. Noncondensible gas is drawn out of the absorber of the absorption cooling system by an eductor. The eductor entrains the gas in the fluid flow to the high pressure side of the system. The gas is drawn out of the high pressure side by a separate purge refrigeration system. The evaporator of the purge refrigeration system is located in a purge tank that is in free flow communication with the condenser of the absorption cooling system. Refrigerant vapor and intermixed noncondensible gas flow into the purge tank and the refrigerant vapor condenses on the purge refrigeration system evaporator. The condensed absorption refrigerant is returned to the absorption cooling system. The noncondensible gas collects in the purge tank and blankets the evaporator of the purge refrigeration system, causing the temperature of the purge refrigerant to decrease.

Abstract: A system for cleansing brine used in a chilling circuit has a used brine receiving tank in fluid communication with the chilling circuit. A membrane or like filtration unit is in fluid communication with the used brine tank and removes particles having a molecular weight of greater than approximately 200 from the brine. A cleansed brine storage tank is in fluid communication with the filtration unit and the chilling circuit. The cleansed brine tank holds the brine after it has been cleansed by the filtration unit until it can be resupplied to the chilling circuit.

Abstract: In a refrigerant recovery/recycling apparatus, a primary vapor-type filter/dryer is arranged downstream of the system inlet which receives recovered vapor refrigerant. The filter/dryer is provided with isolation valves upstream and downstream thereof so as to allow replacement of the cores. An oil separator is located downstream of the primary filter/dryer. To prevent excessive inlet pressures to the compressor of the recovery apparatus, a crankcase pressure regulator is provided upstream of the compressor inlet, in addition to high-and low-pressure shut-off switches. Furthermore, an oil separator is provided at the compressor outlet to remove any compressor oil from the superheated vapor refrigerant emerging from the compressor and returning that oil to the compressor via a return line. Condensed liquid refrigerant is provided to the recycling apparatus of the system by first passing through a second or recirculation filter/dryer, again one of conventional construction with replaceable filter cores.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for removing residual oil and other contaminants from the refrigerant stream flowing to low-temperature stages of a cryogenic refrigerator. A stream of vapor and liquid refrigerant coming from an air-cooled condenser is injected into a cyclone chamber [32] through the inlet tube [34]. While the liquid drains down a conical section [36] and out through a liquid line [38], the vapor phase moves up into a packing of metal platelets [42] which is cooled by a returning stream of cold vapor passing through a tube [48] wrapped around the column. A portion of the vapor condenses on the platelets and is maintained in equilibrium with the vapor. Since high-molecular-weight contaminants are more soluble in the liquid phase, they are carried down the column with the drops of condensate and are swept out with the liquid fraction through the liquid line [38].

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming refrigerant including a distillation tank, an eliminator arranged within an upper portion of said distillation tank, a booster connected to an upper end of the distillation tank for extracting refrigerant vapor from the distillation tank, a heat exchanger connected to the booster, a heat pump for transferring condensing heat from the heat exchanger to the distillation tank, and an air/water/refrigerant separator connected to the heat exchanger, whereby the apparatus can effectively reclaim refrigerant and separate air and water from the refrigerant.

Abstract: In a refrigerant recovery system, a refrigerant compressor has an inlet for connection to a source of refrigerant to be recovered and an outlet for connection to a refrigerant storage container. A separator is connected in series with the compressor for separating lubricant from refrigerant either before or after passage of the refrigerant through the compressor. A valve or other suitable means is operatively connected between the inlet and outlet of the compressor for equalizing pressure across the compressor during non-operation of the compressor. A pressure sensor is coupled to the refrigerant recovery system and responsive to refrigerant pressure at the lubricant separator. A manual or automatic valve is coupled to a drain on the separator for draining lubricant from the separator during non-operation of the compressor when refrigerant pressure at the separator reaches a selected level during non-operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separation of non-condensible gas from recovered refrigerant collected in a collector tank. Non-condensible gas is intermittently vented from the collector tank. The vented non-condensible gas is directed to an accumulator which processes the vented non-condensible gas in a manner which allows gravity separation of the non-condensible gas from refrigerant liquid and vapor which may be mixed therewith in the vented gas from the collector tank. The gravity separated non-condensible gas and refrigerant in the accumulator are removed from the accumulator through respective outlets in the accumulator. The refrigerant is recycled in a refrigerant recovery apparatus and the gravity separated non-condensible gas is released to the atmosphere. The method and apparatus reduce release of refrigerant to the atmosphere as a result of venting of the collector tank.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a self-regulating flow controller having no moving parts that provides a liquid seal between a purge vessel and the evaporator barrel of a chiller. Circulating refrigerant fluid from a primary air conditioner is preheated in a preheater by hot refrigerant from the chiller prior to its entry into the purge vessel, and the preheater provides a thermal load that enables operation of the purge vessel. The purge unit discharges into a regeneration cell that removes even more refrigerant from the vapors before they are vented to atmosphere. When the regeneration cell requires recharging, it is heated to a predetermined temperature and pressure to release adsorbed refrigerant from its adsorption media, and the released refrigerant is routed back to the purge vessel and hence through the regeneration cell again prior to discharge of substantially refrigerant-free contaminants into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering refrigerant from a refrigeration system having a high pressure liquid side and a low pressure vapor side comprises a storage receptacle for receiving recovered refrigerant, a liquid flow circuit for recovering liquid from the high pressure side of the system, a vapor flow circuit for recovering vapor from the low pressure side of the system, and a vapor feedback flow circuit from the receptacle to the inlet side of a vapor reducing section of the vapor flow circuit. The apparatus is operable in a liquid recovery mode and in a vapor recovery mode, and an arrangement for automatically purging non-compressible gases from liquid refrigerant is provided in the vapor flow circuit on the downstream side of the vapor reducing section thereof.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for recovering refrigerant from a refrigeration system and delivering the refrigerant to a refrigerant storage tank. The recovery is automatically terminated when the liquid refrigerant occupies 80% of the volume of the recovery tank. The apparatus includes a liquid sensing thermistor that is in contact with the entering refrigerant to the recovery machine. When liquid is detected, it is routed directly to the recovery tank. Gaseous refrigerant and any non-condensable gases from the top of the recovery tank are directed to the suction of a compressor then to a condenser and to a purge vessel that functions as a receiver. When the entering refrigerant is in a gaseous phase, it is routed to the suction of the compressor. A second liquid sensing thermistor is in contact with the gaseous refrigerant from the top of the recovery tank and if liquid is detected the recovery process is terminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for recycling a halocarbon composition which generally removes a halocarbon composition from a first source to purify the halocarbon composition and injects the halocarbon composition to a second source. The present invention is particularly useful for recovering and recharging of a commonly used halocarbon composition, Halon 1301. The invention comprises a first line having a first and second end where the first end of the first line is connected to the first source. The first source has the halocarbon composition contained therein. A vapor recovery unit connects to the second end of the first line for permitting the halocarbon composition to be transported from the first source to the vapor recovery unit for compression. A second line connects the vapor recovery unit to a recovery bottle. The recovery bottle is cooled by a cooling system integrally connected thereto for separating the nitrogen from the halocarbon composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rupture disk fragment collection trap for minimizing the loss of refrigerant from a mechanical refrigeration system. A mechanical refrigeration system generally includes a storage vessel for the storage of a refrigerant, which to comply with applicable safety codes requires a pressure relief unit for venting an over-pressurized storage vessel. The pressure relief unit includes a fragmentary carbon rupture disk that provides a mechanical seal to contain the refrigerant, prevent the infiltration of contaminants into the refrigeration system, and rupture to relieve the over-pressurized state of the storage vessel. A mechanical re-seating type pressure relief valve is positioned downstream from the carbon rupture disk to control the flow of refrigerant into the atmosphere. The valve and the rupture disk are connected in fluid communication by a sealed passageway containing a rupture disk fragment collection trap.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycling system (10) has a compressor (12) and identical first and second drier/separators (18, 20). Refrigerant material to be reclaimed is drawn into an inlet (22) of the first drier/separator, in which lubricant is separated from refrigerant vapor. After the lubricant is removed, the refrigerant vapor is filtered as it passes through a screen (80), a bed of molecular sieve material (82), and a fibrous pad (84). After passing through the first drier/separator, the refrigerant enters the compressor in which clean lubricant material is introduced to enable the compressor to operate effectively. From the compressor, the refrigerant vapor and clean lubricant passes through the second drier/separator wherein the clean lubricant is removed and the refrigerant vapor is again filtered. The twice filtered vapor is then passed to a condenser (44) in which it is condensed to a liquid. The clean refrigerant liquid is delivered from the reclamation system cleansed of impurities.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming and purifying used refrigerant is comprised of a purification unit having a suction inlet for gaseous refrigerant and an outlet for fluid refrigerant. The suction inlet is connected through a suction accumulator in which remnants of oil are precipitated from the refrigerant and collected at the bottom of the accumulator. The outlet is connected to a collector tank for partially purified liquid refrigerant, an upper end portion of the collector tank is connected to the atmosphere through controllable means for blowing off non-condensable gases precipitated from the received liquid refrigerant. Means are provided for condensing out remnants of refrigerant from the blown-off gas from the collector tank before the gas is released to the atmosphere. An outlet in the bottom of the suction accumulator is connected to a separate underlying oil reservoir in which the precipitated oil, extracted from the used refrigerant in the oil separator, is collected.

Abstract: Refrigerant is purified by circulating the refrigerant in a closed path from a first refrigerant container through a filter/dryer unit back to the first refrigerant container. Air and other non-condensibles are purged from the refrigerant in the first storage container during this refrigerant circulation process. Following the non-condensible purging operation, the refrigerant in the first container is transferred through a filter/dryer unit into a second refrigerant container. This second refrigerant container is evacuated prior to transferring the purified refrigerant thereto. Capacity of the filter/dryer unit is monitored, either by monitoring time of operation of the refrigerant pump or monitoring wetness of the circulated refrigerant with the sight gauge.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a chamber for holding refrigerant, and a refrigerant pump for directing refrigerant into the chamber so that the refrigerant collects in liquid phase at a lower portion of the chamber while air and other non-condensibles collect in vapor phase at the upper portion of the chamber over the refrigerant. Sensors are responsive to temperatures of the refrigerant entering the chamber and of the refrigerant collected in the lower portion of the chamber. Partial pressure of non-condensibles in the upper portion of the chamber is determined as a function of a difference between such temperatures, and the non-condensibles are purged from the upper portion of the chamber when such partial pressure reaches a selected threshold.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a refrigerant compressor having an inlet for connection to a source of refrigerant and an outlet for delivering refrigerant under pressure. A refrigerant/non-condensible separator is coupled to the compressor outlet. The separator includes a refrigerant conduit wound in a closed planar spiral, such that refrigerant flowing through the conduit is urged by centrifugal force against the radially outer wall portion of the conduit. Openings in the upper wall portion of the conduit vent air and other non-condensibles of lesser molecular weight than the refrigerant.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant reclamation and purification apparatus removes moisture, oil, solid particulates, non-condensables, acid and other contaminants from refrigerant. Contaminated refrigerant is introduced into a separation chamber and vaporized as it passes over heat exchanger coils. During vaporization the bulk of contaminants are separated from the refrigerant and fall into a sump and the vapors are redirected 180.degree. to an upward flow separating the contaminants from the refrigerant vapors. The vapors are drawn out of the chamber through demisting screens which strip remaining contaminants from the vapors and pass through a suction accumulator to either a compressor. The compressed gases are passed through an oil separator.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for servicing a refrigeration system having a refrigerant containing an oil lubricant. The apparatus includes a support frame, a modular housing supported by the frame and defining internal accumulator, condenser, storage, and high and low pressure filter chambers, and a control plate assembly having a plurality of flow passages enabling flow communication between the various chambers. The control plate is adopted for connection to the refrigeration system being serviced, and has control valves operative to control flow of refrigerant through the passages to and between the internal chambers. A processor controls the control valves in a manner enabling selective recovery, evacuation, charging and/or flushing of she refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A system for recovering and refining volatile liquids such as refrigerants includes a suction accumulator which serves as a precleaning module. The accumulator has an intake for contaminated fluids. A compressor having a suction side thereof is connected to the suction accumulator, while a discharge side thereof is connected to a condenser which, in turn, delivers the condensed liquid gas to a collector tank. A filter removes contaminants from the fluid flow in the connection between the suction accumulator and the collector tank. Precleaning of the intake fluid in the suction accumulator is accomplished by cold surface distillation to remove contaminants. Efficient distillation of the intake fluid is achieved from the beginning of the recovery of the volatile fluid by diffusing the incoming fluid over a cold surface of an evaporating refrigerant provided as a precharge in the suction accumulator.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes an air purge chamber and a refrigerant pump for directing refrigerant into the air purge chamber so that the refrigerant collects in liquid phase at a lower portion of the chamber while air and other non-condensibles collect in the vapor space at the upper portion of the chamber over the liquid refrigerant. A purge valve is connected to the upper portion of the chamber for automatically or manually purging air and other non-condensibles from the chamber. A refrigerant outlet is positioned at the lower portion of the chamber for drawing liquid phase refrigerant from the chamber. Desiccant adsorbent material is disposed in a canister connected to the upper portion of the air purge chamber for adsorbing refrigerant vapor in air passing through the canister. The desiccant adsorption material thus prevents venting of refrigerant vapor with non-condensibles from the air purge chamber.

Abstract: A purge supplement includes a vessel that attaches to a gas discharge line of a purge system. Adsorbent material is disposed within the vessel. In a Vent Mode the purge system vents into the vessel and the vessel vents to the atmosphere, whereby the purge system effectively vents through the vessel and the adsorbent material in the vessel adsorbs refrigerant. The purge supplement senses, by employing a weight scale or a refrigerant detection monitor, when the adsorbent material has adsorbed a certain amount of refrigerant, and at that time operation of the purge supplement switches from the Vent Mode to a Recycle Mode. When the transition is made to the Recycle Mode the vessel is isolated from the purge system and, after a slight delay, the atmosphere. After the slight time delay, the vessel is placed in fluid communication with an evaporator of a refrigeration system that the purge supplement is associated with. Refrigerant is drawn out of the adsorbent material and into the evaporator.

Abstract: There is used a refrigerant which is lower in a saturated water concentration in gas phase than in liquid phase, such as, for example, Freon-134a or Freon-22. In a body block 46 of a box-shaped expansion valve there are formed by-passes 77, 81 and 86 for by-passing a portion of the refrigerant evaporated in an evaporator 41. Halfway in the by-passes 77, 81 and 86 a cooling cylinder 73 is disposed for cooling the refrigerant present in those by-passes, and further a filter 83 is disposed for collecting the water contained in the refrigerant. In addition, a water permeating membrane 88 is disposed in a water discharge passage 79 formed in the body block 46.

Abstract: In systems or units for collecting volatile liquids, e.g. refrigerants from scrapped refrigeration systems, the liquid may be successively filled into a closed collector tank, inasfar as the vapor of the liquid as collected in the upper space of the tank will be condensed into the liquid as this rises in the tank. However, there will be separated also an amount of non-condensible gas, e.g. atmospheric air, that will cause a steadily increasing pressure in the tank, so that it is necessary to regularly effect a venting of the tank, that is a gas blow-off, by suitably controlling an upper blow-off valve on the tank.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system including an automatic air purge system. The refrigerant reclaim system has an evaporator, oil separator, compressor, condenser, storage tank, and a filter-drier. An improvement relates to an automatic air purge system having an evaporator to concentrate noncondensable gases in an isolated area of the refrigerant reclaim system so as to minimize the loss of refrigerant vapor during purge operations; a differential thermostat and an insulated enclosure are used within the system. The air purge system is not limited to use with a refrigerant reclaim, and is suitable for use with any refrigeration system from which noncondensable gases are to be purged with minimal loss of refrigerant vapor.

Abstract: A device that recovers, recycles and/or reclaims refrigerant for air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, heat exchange systems and other similar systems. The device vaporizes the refrigerant first and then removes oil and other contaminants from the refrigerant in a separate separator.

Abstract: The closed loop oil service system operates in conjunction with an air conditioner or refrigerant compressor lubricated lubricating oil contained within the compressor casing. The compressor includes a submerged oil drain port, submerged oil view port, a refrigerant inlet port and refrigerant outlet port. The closed loop oil service system utilizes a canister containing compressor lubricating oil and having a long stem first valve and a short stem second valve. Depending on the mode of oil service being performed the system may also incorporate a refrigerant recovery unit, a refrigerant drum or a clear calibrated fluid injection device. The system also includes at least a pair of coupler hoses which fluidly and gaseously connect the canister valves and compressor ports in varying configurations. In one embodiment, one coupler hose is connected between compressor oil drain port and canister first valve. The second coupler hose is connected between compressor refrigerant inlet port and canister second valve.

Abstract: A refrigerant purification and recovery apparatus for removing refrigerant from a refrigeration unit and purifying the refrigerant includes refrigerant phase separation means for dividing a fluid refrigerant stream into a liquid phase and a gaseous phase stream, means for converting the liquid stream into a substantially gaseous stream and means for purifying the gaseous refrigerant stream including an oil polisher having a canister containing a porous, oleophilic, oil adsorbent material through which the refrigerant stream must pass.

Abstract: Plural heat extraction arrangements are provided which are preferably associated with a separation vessel (50). The heat extraction arrangements can function in a vertical, horizontal, or any position between horizontal and vertical while receiving a refrigerant from a source unit (48) and a heat extraction substance supplied to at least one heat extraction arrangement by a device (90) for subjecting the refrigerant to a plurality of heat extraction steps, or relationships, for separating the refrigerant into a gas portion and a liquid portion. Traps 60 and 60' are provided for receiving the liquid portion to separate the liquid, as desired, from subsequent heat extraction steps. The liquid portion and a gas portion are separately discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: An automatic charge or recharge refrigerant transfer system, increases the percentage of refrigerant transferred from a container to the air conditioning unit to be charged. The suction line of the compressor of the air conditioning unit is connected to the discharge of the transfer unit and the discharge of the recovery system is connected to the intake of the transfer unit. The intake of the recovery system is connected to the refrigerant source. The transfer system has an automatic flow path, a manual flow path and a return flow path. The automatic flow path automatically controls the flow of refrigerant from the source through the recovery system to the air conditioning unit at a predetermined maximum pressure level. The parallel manual flow path permits use of a hand valve to control the flow of refrigerant from the source through the recovery system to the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A portable purging apparatus that automatically removes air and non-condensable gases from an operating refrigeration system wherein refrigerant gas condenses at a cooling coil disposed in the upper portion of a purge vessel, the condensate falling to the bottom of the vessel where a pickup tube conveys the condensate out of the vessel and to a thermal expansion valve that meters refrigerant into the cooling coil, the outlet of the coil connecting to the suction line of the operating refrigeration system. Non-condensable gases collect in the top of the purge vessel and displace condensable gas around the cooling coil causing less heat load at the coil and a lower suction line temperature whereby a thermostat actuates a purging solenoid valve to discharge non-condensable gases from the purge vessel through a flow restricting orfice to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recovering refrigerant, particularly chlorofluorocarbons, from a closed cooling system, comprising a perforator with which a gas-tight connection can be formed with the closed cooling system, a device for separating gaseous components from substances coming from the cooling system, which is characterized by a unit for liquefying the refrigerant and separating gaseous components, particularly air, therefrom.

Abstract: The receiver dryer includes a cylindrical body with fluid inlet and outlet ports that allow fluid communication between the interior of the body and the refrigeration circuit. The body includes a concave section. The concave section extends downwardly of the bottom portion of the body. A fluid outlet pipe extends into the interior of the concave portion. Therefore, the receiver dryer can reduce the refrigerant volume in the refrigeration circuit without decrease of the refrigerating capacity, since the receiver dryer promotes separation of liquid and gaseous refrigerant. Thus, the receiver dryer can be made compact.

Abstract: A filter for a refrigeration unit having a heat exchange fluid supply conduit. The filter is a substantially cylindrical filter screen having a radial flange disposed at each end. One or more filters are disposed along the entire length of the fluid supply conduit to maximize the surface area of the filter screen. Each radial flange has a gasket disposed thereon for providing a seal that prevents the fluid from circumventing the filter screen of the one or more filters. As fluid passes through the conduit, it flows radially through the filter along the entire length of the conduit thereby reducing the adverse effect on fluid pressure in the conduit and passes through the screen, into a volume defined exterior to the filter, thereby minimizing the pressure drop experienced along the fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel recovery and recycling system for refrigerant as well as the improved heat exchanger and refrigeration oil separator components. A sight glass, a temporary storage tank and two filters are added to the conventional system in order to raise the recovery and recycling speed to improve the quality of the recycled refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and recycling system recovers refrigerant from refrigeration equipment, removing contaminants, for storage and eventual reuse. The system includes a separation unit in which the refrigerant is separated from the contaminants, preferably by distillation which is at least partially driven by waste heat produced by the compressor which compresses the refrigerant for storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming refrigerant are described to include a bypass line for hot gas is coupled to a distillation liquid temperature control, which controls the temperature of the system to remain at a very low temperature setting in order to prevent moisture carry-over, and maintain an exact liquid level. The distillation chamber itself contains a heat exchange system and comprises an outlet subsystem for distilled refrigerant, as well as an inlet for contaminated refrigerant. Vapor forms above the liquid in the chamber which is discharged into a compressor, which feeds back hot gases through a helical coil arrangement immersed in the distillation chamber. The compressor alternatively bypasses the helical coil under the control of the temperature controller. In either event, either from the bypass or from the coil a small air cooled dispenser dissipates heat from the compressor work.

Abstract: A refrigerant filter/accumulator and an oil separator, both suitable for refrigerant recovery equipment, are disclosed. In the filter/accumulator (10) refrigerant enters (11), is filtered by cup-shaped filter (15), and liquid-refrigerant drains into accumulator section (20). Superheated refrigerant from compressor (17) passes through pipe (21, 22, 23) and vaporises refrigerant which leaves the unit via outlet (26). Accumulated oil can be drained when desired via oil port (35). In another embodiment refrigerant enters section (20) and passes upwardly through a coarse filter and baffle [both depending from ledge (30)] before encountering filter (15) and exiting from the upper section of the unit. In the oil separator (not shown) superheated refrigerant enters a vessel at a lowpoint and must flow up in a tortuous path through a mesh, thus prompting settlement of oil.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycling system includes a recycled refrigerant tank for storing recycled refrigerant, and first and second valves connected in series between the recycled refrigerant tank and atmosphere. In purging non-condensables from the recycled refrigerant tank to atmosphere, a programmed microcontroller holds the first valve open for exposing the pressure transducer to the pressure in the recycled refrigerant tank, and opens the second valve when the measured pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure for purging non-condensables to atmosphere, holding the second valve open until the measured pressure drops below the predetermined pressure. The pressure checking and purging steps are repeated after a short period, as often as necessary until the measured pressure is less than or equal to the predetermined pressure while the second valve is closed and then, after a longer delay, the system goes through one more pressure check and, if necessary, purging operation.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes an air purge chamber and a refrigerant pump for directing refrigerant into the air purge chamber so that the refrigerant collects in liquid phase at a lower portion of the chamber while air and other non-condensibles collect in a vapor space at the upper portion of the chamber over the refrigerant. A purge valve is connected to the upper portion of the chamber for automatically or manually purging air and other non-condensibles from the chamber. A refrigerant outlet is positioned at the lower portion of the chamber for drawing liquid phase refrigerant from the chamber. A minimum level of liquid phase refrigerant is maintained in the lower portion of the chamber at the outlet isolating the outlet from the vapor space, and preventing removal of air and other non-condensibles from the chamber through the outlet.

Abstract: A refrigeration system, wherein without providing a drier for removing the moisture entering the cycle, stable operation of the refrigeration system is made possible by setting the balanced moisture concentration of the refrigerant during operation to less than 350 ppm by relatively selecting the moisture permeations of the lines upstream and downstream of the compressor and by using a refrigerant with a higher saturated moisture concentration. Further, as the lubricating oil circulating in the freezing circuit mixed in the refrigerant, use is made of one with a saturated moisture concentration higher than that of the refrigerant.