Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and recycling apparatus and method for removing and recycling chloroflourocarbon (CFC), hydroflourocarbon (HFC) and hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants from refrigeration systems through a closed loop connection which prevents the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere. A refrigerant is drawn by suction through a filter in its liquid state and transferred to a storage tank. When all liquid refrigerant has been so transferred, a refrigerant vapor recovery process automatically engages and retrieves and condenses the remaining refrigerant vapors, thus completing evacuation of the closed loop refrigeration system until the refrigeration system is evacuated to a pressure of approximately 29 inches Hg absolute for low pressure refrigeration systemes and 20 inches Hg absolute for high pressure refrigeration systems, at which time the present invention automatically shuts off.

Abstract: Refrigerant recovery and purification system optionally capable of drawing a nearly full vacuum on the system to be evacuated and having multi-port valve means for setting to different configurations for different refrigerant processing cycles; e.g., evacuation, deep vacuum, recovery, purification cycle, refrigerant charging, and oil charging, etc. Virgin refrigerant can be inputted from commercial cylinders or from refrigerant cans via a can manifold. Major components comprise: Inlet/outlet means 10, suction accumulator means 20, low-side purifying means (filter dryer) 30, compressor means 40, secondary coil means 70, purifying means (highside) 90, pump-down manifold means 100, storage means 120, oil injection means 140, virgin refrigerant supply means 170 and 180, vacuum pump means 200, and circulation control means 240.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering, reclaiming and/or recycling refrigerants, including receiving the chlorinated flurocarbon refrigerant into the apparatus at a regulated pressure, cleaning the refrigerant to provide a substantially pure chlorinated flurocarbon refrigerant, and compressing the refrigerant to form a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous phase refrigerant. The gaseous phase refrigerant is condensed to a liquid low-temperature refrigerant by sequentially passing the gaseous refrigerant through a first and second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger extracts the heat from the gaseous refrigerant through an evaporator of a high stage refrigeration system. The condensed low-temperature refrigerant is transported and deposited in a storage cylinder. To recycle the refrigerant, the liquid refrigerant is drawn from the storage cylinder and transformed from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase by absorbing heat produced by the high stage refrigeration system.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: The presence of an undesirable quantity of noncondensible gases in a refrigeration unit is inferred as a function of both the vapor pressure and temperature at a selected point in the refrigeration unit where the noncondensible gases tend to gather. Purging of these noncondensible gases, which contaminate the refrigerant, is responsive to a comparison in a programmable controller of the actual vapor pressure measured at the selected point, and the known pressure of uncontaminated refrigerant at the temperature existing at the selected point. On detecting a difference between these pressures that is greater than a desired value, the controller calculates a control output signal needed to purge a volume of contaminated vapor from the unit that is effective for reducing the difference between the measured pressure of contaminated refrigerant and the known pressure of uncontaminated refrigerant to a desired value.

Abstract: A method and system for the recovery of refrigerant from a refrigeration system includes a consumable heat sink for rapidly reducing the temperature of a holding vessel to the saturation temperature of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant can be rapidly recovered without requiring a pump or compressor; and as the refrigerant is being recovered can be filtered to remove any contaminants. Provision is also made for expansion volume of the refrigerant during warm-up.

Abstract: A monitor used in refrigerant recovery systems to detect and reduce non-condensable vapor in a storage container. The monitor has a sampling reservoir that draws a sample of liquid refrigerant contained in a storage container. The sample of liquid refrigerant is allowed to reach equilibrium, providing a saturated vapor pressure, which is compared to the vapor pressure in an upper portion of the container. The difference in pressure between the sampling reservoir and the container indicating when the container should be exhausted.

Abstract: A cryopump includes a sloped draining surface for receiving liquids released from cyropumping surfaces. The liquids are collected in an exhaust port and released outside the cryopump vacuum vessel. A pressure relief valve coupled to the exhaust port exhausts gases released by the pumping surfaces after warming. The cryopump further includes a drain filter assembly connected to the exhaust port for collecting debris and removing liquid that is released from the cryopumping surfaces. A purge gas tube facilitates the removal of large quantities of liquid in the cryopump.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery machine which includes a distiller, oil separator, filters and an air separator to purify and reclaim refrigerant gas from a cooling system. The air separator may include a dual pressure gauge to regulate partial pressures of air and refrigerant to prevent the refrigerant from being vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recycle unit is disposed adjacent to a recycle (reclamation) unit for receiving excess or waste heat discharged therefrom. Liquid and gas refrigerant (e.g., freon) flow from the unit being evacuated to a heat exchanger. A fan draws discharged heat from the reclamation unit across the fins of the heat exchanger. Liquid freon flowing through the heat exchanger is vaporized as it is heated by the air drawn by the fan containing the heat discharged from unit. Gaseous freon flows from the heat exchanger to an oil seperator. Freon vapor then flows from the oil seperator through a filter to the recycle unit output. The reclamation unit condenses the recycle unit output of vapor freon to a liquid. The liquid freon flows from the output of the reclamation to a refrigerant receiver.

Abstract: Provided is a purge apparatus for removing foreign non-condensable gases from a refrigeration system. The purge apparatus includes a closed purge chamber adapted to receive foreign gases together with a portion of the refrigerant from the high pressure region of the refrigeration system. The purge chamber is cooled to condense the refrigerant. During a Purge Mode, the purge chamber is isolated from the refrigeration system, and gases and a portion of the refrigerant in the purge chamber are vented to a gas separation tank. Adsorbent material in the gas separation tank adsorbs refrigerant and the other gasses are vented from the gas separation tank to the atmosphere. During a Quiet Mode, condensed refrigerant is drawn from the purge chamber to the low pressure portion of the refrigerant system, and a vacuum is drawn on the gas separation tank and the gas separation tank is heated to draw refrigerant from the adsorbent material.

Abstract: An oil collector unit of a refrigerant recovery system includes a housing, an interior middle vertical wall disposed in the housing, an interior middle horizontal wall disposed in the housing and intersecting the interior vertical wall and defining left and right pairs of upper and lower chambers on opposite sides of the middle vertical wall having passageways between the upper and lower chambers at opposite ends of the middle horizontal wall which are spaced from the opposite ends of the housing, and a plurality of tubes connected in flow communication with selected ones of the chambers of the housing so as to define a circuitous flow path through the chambers of the housing permitting travel of a fluid mixture of refrigerant and oil therethrough and separation of oil from refrigerant therewithin.

Abstract: A thermal purge system includes a purge vessel into which is introduced hot gaseous refrigerant fluid from the outlet of a conventional chiller. A first coil having very cold refrigerant fluid flowing through it is positioned within the vessel so that much of the hot gaseous refrigerant fluid from the chiller is condensed upon contact with the coil. The condensate collects on the bottom of the vessel until it reaches a depth sufficient to initiate a syphoning action by an artesian well which returns the condensate to the chiller. Uncondensed gases are reheated and re-expanded external to the vessel and returned to the vessel through a second coil in heat transfer relation to the first coil so that further condensation occurs. Noncondensibles which remain after the reheating, re-expansion, and recooling are purged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the recovery, separation and recycling of refrigerant from a number of refrigerant chiller systems having individual low efficiency purgers. The apparatus has a high efficiency purger which reduces refrigerant contaminants in the non-condensable gases vented to atmosphere by 90 percent over that of the low efficiency purgers, and operates without interference with the normal purging cycles of the chillers. The apparatus further comprises conduits, valves and a pump which enables the apparatus to completely evacuate the refrigerant gas and refrigerant liquid from the chiller systems.

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: The invention disclosed herein relates to an apparatus for being detachably connected to a chemical or refrigeration system for selectively receiving and dispensing a gaseous refrigerant or chemical from and to that system, respectively, including a vessel having a chamber capable of maintaining a pressurized gas therein, gas inlet means for directing the gas: to and from the chamber, and connection means for connecting the gas inlet to a refrigeration or chemical system; a plurality of heat exchange conduits exposed in the chamber for directing heat exchange fluid therethrough and fluid inlet and outlet means communicating exteriorly of the vessel for directing the fluid to and from the conduits, respectively; and a solid adsorbent capable of alternately adsorbing and desorbing the gaseous refrigerant or chemical and positioned in thermal communication with each of the heat exchange conduits.

Abstract: A self contained mobile refrigerant recovery and purification system in which refrigerant is withdrawn through a filter/dryer in liquid or vapor phase and then to a holding tank through a heat exchanger located within the tank. The flow of the recovered refrigerant through the heat exchanger is utilized to regulate the pressure within the tank, reducing the pressure to effect withdrawal and elevating the pressure to effect recharging of the serviced refrigeration system. After refrigerant withdrawal is complete, liquid refrigerant within the holding tank is cycled from the holding tank through the filter/dryer and back to the holding tank. The reclaimed refrigerant can then be transferred back to the serviced system in either liquid or vapor form as desired. Between recovery jobs the recovery system can be cleansed out by cycling a cleansed and pumped out by cycling a clean refrigerant through the filter/dryer and the holding tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering and recycling refrigerant fluid includes an external or open drive compressor having a suction side and a discharge side, an inlet port for receiving refrigerant fluid from a refrigeration unit, a suction conduit communicating between the inlet port and the suction side of the compressor, an outlet port for expelling refrigerant fluid from the apparatus and a discharge conduit communicating between the discharge side of the compressor and the outlet port. The apparatus further includes a filter for filtering moisture and other contaminants from the incoming refrigerant and an evaporator for substantially completely vaporizing the incoming refrigerant before it reaches the suction side of the compressor. The apparatus does not include a dedicated condenser, but rather the refrigerant discharged by the compressor is condensed in a series of heat exchange processes, whereby the warmer refrigerant discharged from the compressor gives up heat to the cooler incoming refrigerant.

Abstract: A portable, refrigerant recycle/recovery/charging system comprising: a storage tank; a low pressure refrigeration system; and a housing. The housing includes liquid, vapor, pump and condenser sections. The liquid section has a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a liquid conduit connecting the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet where the liquid conduit includes a liquid flow control device and a liquid condition sensing device. The vapor section has a vapor inlet, a vapor outlet, and a vapor conduit connecting the vapor inlet and the vapor outlet where the vapor conduit includes a vapor flow control device and a vapor condition sensing device. The pump section has a pump inlet, a pump outlet, and a pump conduit connecting the pump inlet and the pump outlet where the pump conduit includes a pump. The condensing section has a condensing inlet, a condensing outlet, and a condensing conduit connecting the condensing inlet and the condensing outlet where the condensing conduit includes a condenser.

Abstract: A ceramic filter containing low humidity is applied to a process for filtering of liquid nitrogen without employing a vaporizing step. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the process and includes a filter device of a ceramic filter containing relatively low humidity and having specific pore diameters and pressure regulators on both sides of the filter.

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 purge apparatus for removing foreign non-condensable gases from a refrigeration system including a closed purge chamber adapted to receive the foreign gases together with a portion of the refrigerant from the high pressure region of the system. The purge chamber is cooled to condense the refrigerant, and a float actuated electrical switch is provided within the purge chamber to open a first valve for discharging the condensed refrigerant back to the evaporator of the refrigeration system upon the refrigerant reaching a predetermined level, and open a second valve for venting the non-condensable gases to the atmosphere through a gas discharge line upon a drop in the refrigerant level. A heated gas separating tank is positioned in the gas discharge line, which serves to separate any gaseous refrigerant entrained with the contaminating non-condensable gases and cause the gaseous refrigerant to be returned to the cool purge chamber where they may be condensed.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a compressor and an evaporator for adding heat to refrigerant fed to the compressor inlet. A first condenser is connected to the compressor outlet and disposed in heat exchange relationship to the evaporator for at least partially condensing refrigerant vapor from the compressor outlet by transfer of heat to refrigerant in the evaporator. A second condenser is not in heat exchange relationship with the evaporator. The first and second condensers are connected in series with the compressor outlet, and one or more valves are connected to the second condenser for selectively bypassing refrigerant from the second condenser, while all refrigerant from the compressor outlet flows through the first condenser that is in heat exchange relation to the evaporator.

Abstract: A system for diverting refrigerant into an auxiliary receiving vessel to reduce refrigerator system pressure during an incipient over-pressure condition to prevent activation of safety pressure relief valves and release of refrigerant into the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a box-shaped main body of a nearly rectangular parallelepiped shaped shell, an absorber, an evaporator, a low temperature regenerator, and a condenser are disposed sequentially in the vertical direction from the bottom, and a refrigerant sump of nearly V or U shape is disposed between the evaporator and absorber. Furthermore, an eliminator is disposed in an oblique direction at the side of the evaporator, and a purging enclosing member is disposed in the absorber, and a flush chamber of double structure is installed between the evaporator and refrigerant sump. This slim low temperature shell, and high temperature regenerator and others are formed into one body forming an element or module, and a plurality of elements are disposed parallel in the lateral direction, or disposed in the lateral direction and stacked up in the vertical direction, thereby forming a large-sized absorption chiller/absorption chiller-heater.

Abstract: An absorption type chiller is improved as to operation and efficiency by the addition thereto of a pair of liquid-transfer units, one between the concentrated salt solution circuit and the intermediate salt solution circuit and including a magnetic filter and a pump additional to and independent of the system pumps. The purpose of this unit is to filter off iron oxide (rust) that accumulates periodically in the typical system. In addition to this unit, the heat exchanger in the concentrated solution line is vibrated in order to loosen and free the iron oxide particles. A second liquid-transfer unit is connected between the dilute solution line and the refrigerant line and includes an ammonia scavenger canister or its equivalent.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery unit including a compressor, a condenser and an internal receiver or container for recovering refrigerant from a refrigeration unit or other container. A level measuring device determines the level of liquid refrigerant in the internal container. A control device responds to the level measuring device and disables the compressor when the liquid refrigerant in the internal container reaches a predetermined level. Refrigerant can be temporarily stored within the internal container or passed through the internal container to an external container as refrigerant is being removed from the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: Portable, hand carryable acid purification and flushing and transfer systems are provided for use in various refrigerant recovery, recycling and flushing operations performed in conjunction with an air conditioning circuit. The acid purification system is disposed within a carrying housing and includes an accumulation/distillation type acid separator piped in series with a pair of cylindrical dual core filter assemblies. A pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet fittings are externally mounted on the housing. By connecting these fittings in a forced flow refrigerant circuit the refrigerant is passed sequentially through the acid separator and the first and second filter assemblies to cleanse the refrigerant of acid and particulate impurities therein. The portable flushing and transfer system is also disposed in a carrying housing and includes a high capacity liquid refrigerant transfer pump piped in series with a check valve and a relief valve.

Abstract: An adsorption-type refrigerant recovery apparatus for a refrigeration and air conditioning system that has a connection unit, a refrigerant flow direction control device, a refrigerant adsorbing/desorbing device, a refrigerant/lubricant separating device, a condensation heat exchanging device, a drying/purging device, and a refrigerant reservoir. When the refrigerant enters the connection unit from the refrigeration and air conditioning system, the flow direction control device controls the refrigerant flowing through the adsorbing/desorbing device so that the refrigerant absorbs part of the heat energy of the adsorbent and is thus vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant then enters the refrigerant/lubricant separating device to separate the lubricant therein. The flow direction control device further controls the refrigerant entering the adsorbent container to allow the adsorbent to adsorb the refrigerant. When the adsorbent is saturated, the adsorbent is heated to desorb the refrigerant in a gaseous state.

Abstract: An auxiliary purge unit to be retrofitted to the existing purge unit of a low pressure refrigeration system includes a double-walled condenser portion, a pneumatic pressure chamber and a discharged-refrigerant tank. The double-walled condenser portion includes inner and outer walls with a chilled condensing coil disposed between the two walls, a stand pipe to create a reservoir of condensed refrigerant between the stand pipe and the inner wall, and an exhaust port for exhausting non-condensibles from the system. The pneumatic pressure chamber pressurizes the gas to be purged from the refrigeration system and delivers it to the chilled condensing coil. The discharged-refrigerant tank includes a float valve to prevent fluids from exiting the tank unless the valve is in the open position, and allows the elevated pressure of the system to be maintained.

Abstract: A refrigerant and transfer system has a vapor suction inlet connector to introduce refrigerant from a refrigerant line of a refrigerant system under repair containing refrigerant in vapor form to an input end of a first fluid path which pumps the refrigerant to its output end. The first fluid path has a filter and drying stage, a high pressure compressor, and an oil separator to purify the refrigerant passing therethrough. The refrigerant is then passed to a condenser and stored in a receiver tank of the receiver section. If the refrigerant line of the refrigerant system under repair contains a refrigerant in liquid form, then the refrigerant line should be connected to a liquid refrigerant connector of the refrigerant processing and transferring system. The refrigerant is then stored in a receiver tank of the receiver section. The refrigerant can be further processed by transferring the refrigerant from one receiver tank to another using the first fluid path.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for recovering refrigerant from a refrigeration purge stream wherein a gaseous purge stream containing a refrigerant and non-condensible gasses is countercurrently contacted with a high boiling point liquid which absorbs the refrigerant from the purge stream. Preferably a scrubbing column is used to effect countercurrent contact between the purge stream and the liquid stream.

Abstract: A receiver dehydrator for a refrigeration system for heating and cooling accommodates flow in either direction. It comprises a canister with openings near the top for coupling to refrigerant lines, and tubes inside the canister extending from the openings to tube mouths at the bottom of the canister for either intake or withdrawal of liquid. A baffle between the mouths allows liquid passage from either mouth to the other but inhibits flow of gas bubbles. The baffle has many perforations for liquid flow and an inclined vane outside each opening directs rising bubbles away from the perforations to encourage migration to the top of the canister. Alternate perforations have vanes on opposite sides of the baffle for gas-liquid separation in either flow direction. A desiccant bag between each tube mouth and the baffle further aids in such migration.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system that includes a refrigerant compressor having an inlet for connection to refrigeration equipment under service from which refrigerant is to be recovered. The outlet of the compressor is connected through a condenser to a refrigerant storage vessel or container, with the condenser at least partially liquifying refrigerant prior to passage to the storage container. A liquid refrigerant pump is connected for selectively circulating refrigerant in liquid phase in a closed path from the storage container through a filter for removing contaminants from the refrigerant, and then through the condenser back to the storage container. Refrigerant circulated by the liquid pump in the closed path is thus simultaneously purified by passage through the filter and cooled by passage through the condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for refrigerant recovery which removes refrigerant in liquid form from an air conditioning unit by cooling the refrigerant, thereby creating a temperature gradient between the air conditioning unit and the recovery apparatus which urges the refrigerant from the air conditioning unit into the apparatus, and then storing the refrigerant in a tank. Refrigerant vapor is pumped from the tank back into the air conditioning unit, thereby avoiding pressure buildup in the tank and also preventing the liquid refrigerant from being retained in the air conditioning unit due to vacuum created therein by the refrigerant removal. Cooling apparatus within the recovery apparatus uses a separate supply of refrigerant to cool the refrigerant, and neither the air conditioning unit itself nor the removed refrigerant is used for this purpose, allowing refrigerant removal from an inoperative air conditioning unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming contaminated refrigerant is disclosed. This apparatus contains three heat exchangers, the first of which cools the refrigerant to a temperature of less than about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the second of which cools the refrigerant to a temperature of less than about -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the third of which cools the refrigerant to a temperature of less than about -100 degrees Fahrenheit. The device also contains filtering means, for removing from the cooled refrigerant substantially all particles larger than about 0.1 microns. The device also contains gas removing means, for removing noncondensable gas from the filtered refrigerant.

Abstract: Provision is made in a refrigeration purge system for sensing certain conditions indicative of failure of components within the system, to responsively shut-down the system and prevent refrigerant from being undesirably vented to the atmosphere. Failure conditions sensed include inadequate cooling medium to the condenser coil and failure of a relief valve.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system is provided. A one-pass system removes refrigerant, filters and purifies it and condenses and stores the refrigerant in its liquid state for reuse. A collection tank is provided which separates the non-condensible gases, thereby eliminating pressure buildup in the storage tank. The non-condensible gases are vented back to the system to selectively provide positive pressure for vacuum relief. The system also includes an oil separator for refrigerant which has passed through the compressor with a feedback line to return the oil to the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery apparatus has a feature for purging an air conditioning system component for cleaning. The air conditioning component will be connected into the recovery unit at a point where it will receive liquid refrigerant from the recovery unit. This liquid refrigerant comes from the storage container, with pressure being maintained by the use of the compressor. The air conditioning component connects to a purge container, which is separate from the storage container. The purge container has an outlet leading to an expansion valve for converting the purged refrigerant into a vapor. The vapor refrigerant leads back to a suction end of the recovery unit.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a liquid refrigerant storage container and a pump for feeding refrigerant in liquid phase to the container so that any air in the container or carried by the circulating refrigerant is captured within the container over the refrigerant. A bulb containing a reference refrigerant (R12) is positioned in heat transfer relation with refrigerant fed to the container. A pressure gauge is coupled to the bulb and calibrated to indicate saturation temperature of the reference refrigerant, and thereby reflect actual temperature of refrigerant in the container. A differential pressure gauge has separate scales for multiple refrigerant types (R22, R134a, R500, R502) to indicate apparent refrigerant temperature as a function of any bulb/container pressure differential. A valve is coupled to the container for venting air therefrom when apparent refrigerant temperature exceeds actual refrigerant temperature for the specific refrigerant type under service.

Abstract: An acoustic vapor type indicator is disclosed in which an audible signal such as a whistle is produced when a vapor is flowing through the indicator. The indicator includes an air chamber having an inlet for connection with a closed vessel containing a quantity of a gas other than air. When the closed vessel is open to the indicator, the gases within the vessel first force the air from the air chamber through an outlet orifice producing a whistle of a first pitch. Once the air has been removed and the gas within the closed vessel passes the outlet orifice, due to a change in density the pitch produced by the indicator will be changed. Alternative embodiments disclose automated pitch detection means as well as a pitch recognition device.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system is operative in a recovery mode to recover refrigerant from an air conditioning circuit, and in a cleaning mode to cleanse the recovered refrigerant of impurities therein. In the recovery mode the refrigerant is withdrawn from the air conditioning circuit and flowed through a filter dryer by a compressor which then forces the refrigerant through a condenser into a storage container. In the cleaning mode, liquid refrigerant from within the storage container is continuously flowed through the filter dryer and then back into the storage container. To remove impurities from within the air conditioning circuit, the recovery system is also operative in a closed loop flushing mode in which liquid refrigerant from within the storage container is continuously pumped through a portion of the air conditioning circuit, filtered, and then returned to the storage container without any appreciable quantity of refrigerant being vented to atmosphere during the flushing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and recycling used refrigerants from automotive air conditioning systems and similar air conditioning systems is disclosed having a unique cleaning assembly, a unique coolable storage means, and for recharging recycled refrigerant a unique metering means, as well as gauge assembly for measuring the amount of gas contaminates in the used refrigerants.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an apparatus for being detachably connected to a chemical or refrigeration system for selectively receiving and dispensing a gaseous refrigerant or chemical from and to that system, respectively, including a vessel having a chamber capable of maintaining a pressurized gas therein, gas inlet means for directing the gas to and from the chamber, and connection means for connecting the gas inlet to a refrigeration or chemical system; a plurality of heat exchange conduits exposed in the chamber for directing heat exchange fluid therethrough and fluid inlet and outlet means communicating exteriorly of the vessel for directing the fluid to and from the conduits, respectively; and a solid adsorbent capable of alternately adsorbing and desorbing the gaseous refrigerant or chemical and positioned in thermal communication with each of the heat exchange conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved refrigerant recovery and recycle system is disclosed. Refrigerant vapor, refrigerant liquid and oil entering the system from a refrigerant circuit being discharged are separated into liquid and vapor phases at near atmospheric pressure. Any remaining liquid refrigerant is vaporized within the phase separation means (5) by heat from the surrounding environment. Oil free refrigerant vapor flows through a selective adsorption column (8), which removes gaseous contaminants and water vapor, into a flexible membrane variable volume storage container (14) where it is confined at atmospheric pressure. Inventory of refrigerant vapor within the container is continuously monitored by means of a weight scale (15) which is adapted to compensate for the buoyancy of the surrounding atmosphere. Any air that enters the system stratifies at the top of the container (14) and is eliminated by operation of a piston pump (26).

Abstract: A closed loop refrigerant recovery system (10) having a primary purge condenser (20) and a secondary purge condenser (30 ). Non-condensible gas and refrigerant vapor is vented from condenser (8) to primary purge condenser (20). Non-condensible gas still containing refrigerant vapor is compressed by purge conpressor (50) and conducted to secondary purge condenser (30). The temperature of secondary purge condenser (30) is maintained low enough so that when relief valve (36) lifts, there will be no refrigerant vapor contained in the gas released.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a compressor and a plurality of refrigerant system components connected in series between a refrigerant source, such as a system under service, and a refrigerant storage container. To clear a selected system component of refrigerant, such as a refrigerant filter or a refrigerant condenser, a valve is connected between the selected component and the compressor. The valve has multiple ports and valve positions, in one of which refrigerant is fed through the selected component to the storage container in normal operation, and in another of which the selected component is isolated from the storage container and connected to the pump inlet for drawing refrigerant from the component and feeding such refrigerant directly to the container. A check valve cooperates with the multi-port valve to isolate the selected component from the storage container during the clearing mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering and purifying refrigerant contained in a refrigeration system has a first mode of operation wherein refrigerant is withdrawn from the system being serviced, compressed, condensed and delivered in liquid form to a refrigerant storage means. The pressure ratio across the recovery compressor is monitored, and, when the pressure ratio exceeds a value above which the compressor may be adversely affected withdrawal of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system is terminated. The system is then operated in a closed, cooling mode wherein refrigerant recovered from the system and stored in the storage means is withdrawn therefrom by the compressor, compressed condensed, and expanded and returned to the storage means to thereby lower the temperature and pressure of the storage means and the refrigerant contained therein.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration system and process for flushing and cleaning an installed refrigeration system including disconnecting the compressor from the installed system and connecting the disconnected lines to a portable refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an evaporator, a filter, and a dehydrator so as to form a closed circuit of the installed system and the portable system; operating the portable system to flush refrigerant through the installed system alternately as a liquid and as a gas, and alternately in the normal and reverse directions of flow; passing the flushing refrigerant through a filter for removing particulate matter and through a dehydrator for removing aqueous contaminants; and returning the installed system to its separate operating circuit when all parts and when the refrigerant is judged to be cleaned.