Abstract: A method for separating water from a chemical mixture is provided. In the process of the invention, water is separated from a chemical mixture by contacting the chemical mixture with a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycle and reclaim system includes two liquid refrigerant receivers; a low and a high pressure compressor in fluid communication with each other, each having their own oil separator; a condenser; filter driers; a particular arrangement of check and block valves and a high pressure float proximate the receivers; suction gas cooling components; and auxiliary devices. The suction gas cooling components include an expansion valve, a filter drier, a solenoid valve, and a mixer with sensor. The auxiliary devices include level switches, relief valves, purity sensors, and solenoids. The check and block valves, in combination with the high pressure float, automatically select which liquid receiver the refrigerant will therein be contained. The cooling components serve to lower the temperature of heat-intensive suction gases before entering into the low pressure compressor. The auxiliary devices help serve to continuously recycle refrigerants up to 275 PSIG.

Abstract: A hydrogen discharger comprising hydrogen discharge pipes for discharging hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gas contained therein, which are made from palladium and constituted to be satisfactory in terms of discharge efficiency, heating and sealing and an apparatus comprising the hydrogen discharger such as an absorption type refrigerating apparatus. A plurality of hydrogen discharge pipes of a hydrogen discharger are provided and a heater is installed therebetween to improve heating efficiency. An open end portion having a conical inner surface of the hydrogen discharge pipe and a nozzle portion having a conical outer surface with a plurality of stepped portions of an introduction pipe are connected to each other by pressure to ensure sealing. The hydrogen discharge pipe is made from an alloy comprising 20 to 30% of silver and the balance consisting of palladium so that the hydrogen discharge pipe is suitable for various hydrogen discharge applications.

Abstract: A combination of a chemical filter and a molecular sieve desiccant dryer are provided in the liquid line of the refrigeration system in a refrigerator which contains a chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant and a hygroscopic polyol ester compressor lubricant after a repair is made to the system and before it is recharged with fresh refrigerant. The chemical filter, such as activated alumina, filters out hydrolysis products of the lubricant and moisture which block the capillary tube, and the dryer removes moisture from system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reclaiming refrigerants is provided. Specifically, the reclamation system provides a decontamination system for removing contaminants from liquid and vapour phases of a refrigerant with an inlet and outlet control system to regulate the flow of refrigerants. The system is preferably operated in conjunction with a refrigeration circuit to provide heating and cooling energy. The system is effective in reclaiming both low and high pressure refrigerants.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recovery of ammonia refrigerant using paired evaporation condensation processes in which an essentially closed water loop is used to efficiently transfer heat energy from the evaporation process to the condensation process and which further allows excess heat to be purged from the system by evaporation of water in a forced draft condenser.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for dehydrating, passivating and coating HVAC and refrigeration systems having fluid enclosures are provided. The methods include adding a composition including organometalloid and/or organometallic compounds to the system, allowing the compositions to react with water in the system and sealing the system. The organometallic compounds include at least one alkoxy, carboxy and/or enoxy functional group bound to the metal element within the compound. The organometalloid compounds include at least one enoxy functional group bound to the metalloid element within the compound. Compositions for sealing such systems are also provided. The sealing compositions also include one or more organometallic compounds having at least one enoxy, carboxy and/or alkoxy group and/or organometalloid compounds which include at least three hydrolyzable groups, at least one of which is an enoxy group.

Abstract: In a composition for use in a refrigeration cycle which comprises at least a hydrofluorocarbon, a refrigerator oil, and a desiccating agent, the desiccating agent possesses a capacity for adsorption of difluoromethane of less than 2.77% by weight as determined by the McBain method. This desiccating agent is a sodium.potassium A type zeolite which has a sodium content of not less than 6% by weight, a potassium content of not less than 5% by weight, and a total sodium and potassium content in the range of from 13 to 20% by weight. Owing to the use of the desiccating agent of this quality, the water concentration in the refrigeration cycle can be lowered without entraining decomposition of such a Flon alternative as difluoromethane which is used in the place of dichlorodifluoroethane or monochloro-difluoromethane.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes an outdoor unit having a refrigeration compressor and a heat exchanger, and an indoor unit having a heat exchanger to be placed where air conditioning is desired. In installing the refrigeration system, the outdoor unit is first connected with the indoor unit via pipe lines, and an air absorbing device containing zeolite as an adsorbent is subsequently placed on the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, or the pipe lines to remove air. The air absorbing device is then separated from the refrigeration system, and refrigerant is caused to circulate through the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A method for constructing a refrigerating cycle that has a unit having a refrigerating compressor which is filled with a part or all of a quantity of working medium beforehand and a heat exchanger, and a unit having a heat exchanger that is located in an area of air conditioning and refrigeration, wherein the units are connected with each other by piping, uses such steps of: connecting the unit having the refrigerating compressor and heat exchanger with the unit having the heat exchanger that is located in an area of air conditioning and refrigeration by means of piping; removing oxygen in a system of the refrigerating cycle by providing an oxygen absorbent in a course of a refrigerant circulating path; separating the oxygen absorbent from the refrigerating cycle; and circulating a refrigerant in the refrigerating cycle, wherein the separating step is carried out immediately after or after the removing step, and the refrigerant circulating step is a final step.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system for use in connection with a refrigeration system having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and a purge unit connected to the condenser for receiving gaseous refrigerant and non-condensable gases from the condenser. A tank connects to the purge unit by a line for receiving purged gaseous refrigerant and purged non-condensable gases from the purge unit. The tank contains adsorbent material for recovering the purged gaseous refrigerant from the purged non-condensable gases. The system includes means for determining when a predetermined amount of purged gaseous refrigerant is received by the tank and means for controlling the flow of fluids to and from the tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for separting a refrigerant from oil and/or impurities contained in components of a compressor cooling system. When retrofitting a compressor cooling system using a CFC refrigerant into use of a chloride HFC refrigerant, the mineral oil mixed into the CFC refrigerant has to be seperated. It is thereby a problem that the oil is spread in all the components of the system and that existing cleansing technique is not efficient, since it does not cleanse all the components as the technique used involves that some of the components are by-passed. According to the invention these problems are solved by temporarily connecting an oil removal device in series with the compressor cooling system without having to by-pass any components. The compressor cooling system is filled with refrigerant, e.g. R134a.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes an outdoor unit having a refrigeration compressor and a heat exchanger, and an indoor unit having a heat exchanger to be placed where air conditioning is desired. In installing the refrigeration system, the outdoor unit is first connected with the indoor unit via pipe lines, and an air absorbing device containing zeolite as an adsorbent is subsequently placed on the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, or the pipe lines to remove air. The air absorbing device is then separated from the refrigeration system, and refrigerant is caused to circulate through the refrigeration system.

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 refrigerant recovery system for recovering refrigerant from a cooling system is disclosed. A compressor (60) is provided having an oil drain outlet (66). An oil separator (50) is also provided for receiving incoming refrigerant before the refrigerant is drawn into the compressor (60). The oil separator has a helical coil (90) disposed in a heat exchange relationship with the oil separator (50) for receiving the refrigerant after the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor (60) and thereby cooling the refrigerant. A condenser coil (92) is also provided for receiving the refrigerant after the refrigerant has passed through the helical coil (90) and further cooling the refrigerant, causing it to condense. An aluminum base (100) is provided for dissipating heat from the condenser coil (92) and the oil separator (50) since the condenser coil (92) and the oil separator (50) are mounted directly on the aluminum base (100).

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 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: A high efficiency, high rate system for recovering and removing non-condensable gases from a halocarbon composition. A collection tank with an integral heat exchanger unit is submerged in a liquid heat transfer medium and coupled to the halocarbon composition. Refrigerant injected into the heat transfer medium cools the heat exchanger unit and collection tank allows the separation of gases from the liquid phase of the halocarbon composition. The gases contained within the liquid phase are separated from the halocarbon composition by reducing pressure in the vapor (ullage) space of the collection tank. This vapor stream mixture of released gases pass through a flow control orifice that further cools the vapor stream condensing more liquid phase halocarbon from the mixture. This additional liquid separates from the vapor phase mixture and collects into a liquid trap arrangement of coaxial and helical geometry.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: Improved methods for purification and recovery of individual refrigerants from refrigerant mixtures without chemical destruction of the contaminating refrigerant. Aqueous solutions are employed in extraction methods by relying on differences in water solubilities and partition coefficients at ambient temperatures. All refrigerants can be recovered and the aqueous solutions reused to form a cyclic process. Methods include countercurrent extraction.

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: 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: 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: A process and apparatus for the recovery and purification of a contaminated refrigerant withdrawn from a refrigeration or refrigerant recovery system which employs a compressor and an adsorbent selective for the adsorption of halogenated hydrocarbons. The adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of silicalite, faujasites, steamed and rare earth exchanged zeolite Y, mordenite, ZSM-5 and mixtures thereof, and more particularly the group consisting of a low cerium rare earth exchanged zeolite Y-84, a low cerium rare earth exchanged zeolite LZ-210, Breck Structure Six, ECR-32, and mixtures thereof. A significant increase in the capacity of these adsorbents over conventional adsorbents combined with the use of novel process steps to recover, purify and return a purified refrigerant to the refrigeration system result in significant cost savings at reduced risk of release of halogenated hydrocarbons to the environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for purification of refrigerant that includes a replaceable filter/dryer unit for removing water from refrigerant passing therethrough and having a predetermined water absorption capacity, and a compressor for pumping refrigerant through the filter/dryer unit. Refrigerant vapor pressure is measured at the compressor inlet, and mass flow rate of water in the refrigerant pumped through the filter/dryer unit is determined as a function of measured pressure. The mass flow rate of water so determined is monitored over time of operation of the refrigerant pump to determine when the mass of water in refrigerant pumped through the filter/dryer unit reaches the predetermined water absorption capacity of the unit. Filter status may be indicated to an operator and/or operation of the pump may be terminated.

Abstract: A method for recovering original type oil from a system that has been charged with an original type refrigerant eliminates the need for removing and cleaning individual components. A separate oil separator is connected to the compressor suction of the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system is operated to collect oil in the oil separator. Then the oil separator is bypassed and the system is injected with a replacement oil. The system is again operated, with the replacement oil mixing with the original type oil. The oil separator is again reconnected into the system at the suction port of the compressor. The air conditioning system operates again, with the oil being collected a second time. The system is then ready for recovery of refrigerant by a recovery unit.

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 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 process for removing lubricant, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof from a vapor compression mechanical refrigeration system by using carbon dioxide as a solvent is disclosed. The process is carried out using supercritical, liquified or gaseous carbon dioxide and removes lubricant to a level below about 5% so as to be compatible with environmentally acceptable refrigerants.

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.

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: 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: 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: Difluoromethane (R32) is of current interest as a partial replacement for chlorodifluoromethane (R22) refrigerant heretofore widely used in vapor compression refrigeration systems. R32 has, however, proved to be more reactive than is desirable with the zeolite A adsorbent-desiccant compositions used in such systems to prevent corrosion and freeze-up problems. The sodium cation form of a zeolite having the crystal structure of zeolite B is found to be an effective adsorbent for that purpose and to be significantly less reactive with the R32.

Abstract: A collection vessel and method of collecting gaseous and liquid phase collectible materials utilizes introduction of the collectible material directly into a liquid cryogenic material to provide complete condensation and a liquid-filled trap for collected gases within the liquid cryogenic material. This trap effectively eliminates escape of collected gases even though evaporated cryogenic materials may be vented and the collection vessel operated at atmospheric pressure. The performance of the vessel is thus improved and no freezing of the collected gases occurs at the inlet due to the warming of the inlet structure by the material being collected. Therefore, the collection of gases may be done at high speed and with simplified equipment. Completeness of condensation is assured by the use of a baffle of a preferably collapsible construction for retaining gases within the liquid cryogenic material until condensation is complete.

Abstract: A process is provided for purifying liquid tungsten hexafluoride containing volatile and non-volatile impurities. The process comprises the steps of evaporating tungsten hexafluoride from non-volatile impurities dissolved in liquid tungsten hexafluoride and condensing the evaporated tungsten hexafluoride. The condensed tungsten hexafluoride is subjected to freezing to solidify the tungsten hexafluoride. Volatile impurities are then evacuated from the solid tungsten hexafluoride. Thereafter, the solid tungsten hexafluoride is thawed to liquid tungsten hexafluoride to release trapped volatile impurities and then heated to a temperature above the boiling point of tungsten hexafluoride under pressure in a closed container. The volatile impurities dissolved in the thawed tungsten hexafluoride are removed and collected above the thawed tungsten hexafluoride and vented into an evacuated space.

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: 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. 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 refrigerant receiver/drier having an inner cup-shaped shell received over a standpipe and filled with desiccant beads which are retained by a closure plate fitted over the standpipe. Louvered flow openings are formed in the bottom of the cup and the closure plate with a layer of filter material disposed adjacent the openings. The subassembly thus formed is then secured to a header or base; and, an outer shell received thereover and secured to the header by weldment. The standpipe is press-fitted into the header outlet.