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: In order to separate a mixture of two gaseous components with different boiling temperatures, it is proposed that the mixture be initially compressed and thereupon cooled so that its temperature lies below the boiling temperature of the gas components to be removed. The gas components to be removed undergo condensation and can be led off for reutilization without contaminating the environment. Furthermore, it is proposed to feed the gas mixture through activated carbon filters (4, 5) after the condensation process, in order to bind remaining proportions of the gas components to be removed. It is also intended to partially return the gas mixture for renewed liquefaction after it has passed through said activated carbon filters. At the same time, the invention proposes a suitable installation for the execution of this process.

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 refrigeration system having a refrigerant compressor which has a refrigerant purity sampling circuit in parallel fluid flow communication therewith. The purity sampling circuit includes a refrigerant purity tube holder in which a refrigerant purity tube may be removably supported to thereby cause a flow of refrigerant therethrough during a purity sampling test due to the pressure differential across the compressor. The refrigerant purity sampling holder is adapted to receive an empty open ended test tube therein. The empty tube is left in the holder at all times, except when it is desired to perform a purity sampling test, in which case the empty open tube is removed and an active purity sampling tube is inserted therein. The system is further provided with the capability of purging the empty open ended tube and the refrigerant purity sampling circuit prior to the installation of an active tube.

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: 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: Apparatus for recovering compressible refrigerant from a refrigeration system, purifying the recovered refrigerant, and testing the purity of the recovered purified refrigerant which includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant storage means and a refrigerant purification means all connected in serial fluid communication. Means are provided for operably supporting a refrigerant purity sampling system in parallel fluid flow relationship with the compressor. The system is adapted to operate in a refrigerant recovery mode wherein refrigerant is withdrawn from a refrigeration system being serviced. This system is also capable of operating in a refrigerant purification mode wherein the refrigerant withdrawn from the refrigeration system is continually circulated through the circuit to provide multiple passes through the purification system. And a further refrigerant purity test mode of operation is provided wherein refrigerant from the storage cylinder is passed directly to a refrigerant purity sampling tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the amount and concentration of make-up water and chemicals introduce into the recirculating water of a cooling tower system. A float operated make-up valve controls the addition of make-up water to the tower. As make-up water is added to the tower a vacuum is produced at an injector valve which draws chemicals from a chemical holding tank into the make-up water, thereby allowing precise control of the chemical concentration in the make-up liquid. Further, a bleed valve is provided which is responsive to the vacuum produced at the injector valve and bleeds a portion of the recirculating water to waste.

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 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: 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 food products chiller and method of using the same as provided. The chiller includes a container for receiving and holding the food product, a cooling station for cooling liquid coolant, an ultraviolet radiation station for reducing the microbial contaminants in the coolant, and a circulation system for circulating the coolant from the cooling station to the container, from the container to the ultraviolet radiation station, and from the ultraviolet radiation station to the cooling station for reintroduction into the container for cooling additional food products. In the chilling method, the food products are chilled by exposure to the coolant liquid as the drum rotates. The liquid is drained from the drum, filtered and subjected to ultraviolet radiation so as to kill the microbial contaminants in the coolant. The coolant is then recirculated to the cooling station for re-cooling and re-introduction into the drum for chilling additional food products.

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 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 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 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 refrigerant recovery apparatus will connect to an air conditioning system for recovering refrigerant when the air conditioning system requires maintenance. The recovery apparatus has a filter dryer for removing moisture and impurities, a compressor for compressing refrigerant recovered, and a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant into a liquid. A storage container stores the liquid refrigerant. A liquid pump will connect to the storage container for pumping liquid refrigerant from the storage container. The liquid pump in a flush mode, will pump the liquid refrigerant back through the air conditioning system to flush the air conditioning system of impurities. A return line returns the refrigerant back to the storage container, and filters the refrigerant from impurities. In a cleaning mode, the liquid pump will recirculate the liquid refrigerant from the storage container through the filter dryer and back to the storage container.

Abstract: A refrigerant purification and recovery apparatus for removing refrigerant from a refrigeration unit includes a compressor, condenser and receiver vessel. Second and third conduits conduct refrigerant flow from the compressor to the condenser and from the condenser to the receiver vessel, respectively. An auxiliary condenser valve may be opened and closed to selectively block flow through the third conduit, and first and second connectors for making fluid communicating connections with the third conduit are located upstream and downstream of the valve, respectively. An auxiliary condenser may be releasably connected to the first and second connectors, and the valve closed, to cause fluid flowing through the third conduit to flow through the auxiliary condenser. The apparatus may include a temperature measurement and signaling device to signal when the temperature of the third conduit is above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and disposing of waste of absorption systems comprising a first and a second adapter for providing connection to the refrigerating system to be emptied; a compressor or compressor connection being connected to the first adaptor via a conduit for compressed air and a valve; a first pressure vessel being in connection with the adapters via pressure pipes and relating valves and having an outlet with a valve for the liquid accumulated in the first pressure vessel; a second pressure vessel connected to the first pressure vessel or tank via a pressure pipe and comprising a fresh water supply, a waste air pipe as well as an outlet with a valve, wherein the pressure pipe starting from the top end of the first pressure vessel leads into the lower half of the second pressure vessel; as well as at least one pressure gauge and a pressure-relief valve on one of the pressure vessels.

Abstract: A filter for the lubricating oil and refrigerant within refrigerators, freezers and heat pumps is provided which does not interfere with the cooling cycle. The filter utilizes a housing with an orifice that functions as an outlet and an inlet for the transfer of fluids. The filter withdrawn fluids from a location between the compressor and the condenser when the compressor cycles on and returns the fluids when the compressor cycles off. Preferred embodiments of this invention provide for the release of additives to the fluids from the filter material. Also provided by the invention are vapor compression cycle devices which incorporate such a filter and a method of filtering said fluids.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having an absorber, a generator, and a refrigeration solution pump which flows relatively dilute refrigeration solution received from the absorber to the generator includes a novel purge subsystem which purges un-wanted, non-condensed gases along with some refrigerant vapor from the absorber and flows such gases to the pump inlet for subsequent flow to the generator at system operating pressures substantially greater than atmospheric pressure. The so-flowed gases are separated from the refrigerant in the generator, are isolated in a collector unit, and afterwards periodically either manually or automatically vented from the collector unit to the atmosphere at the system high side operating pressure.

Abstract: An improved process for separating and removing non-condensible gaseous contaminants (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen and the like) from a conventional halocarbon vapor compression refrigeration system by withdrawing a vapor stream above liquified refrigerant exiting the condenser on the high pressure side of the expansion valve and then processing this vapor by use of a second compression step, followed by condensation into a receiver. The liquid halocarbon from the receiver is returned to the evaporator while the vapor phase is sent to a semipermeable membrane separation unit. The halocarbon enriched effluent from the semipermeable membrane unit is recycled to the inlet side of the second compressor while the non-condensible contaminant enriched stream is vented from the refrigeration system. Such a high pressure purge loop is useful in selectively removing non-condensible gaseous with minimum halocarbon refrigerant loss.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system has a control system that controls the operation of the refrigeration system and provides status information to the operator of the refrigeration system. The cryogenic refrigeration system includes one or more heater and at least one Joule-Thomson valve. The heaters are used to control the recondensing capacity of the refrigeration system and to heat the at least one Joule-Thomson valve and other points to melt away contaminants that may freeze at such points. The control system controls operation of the heaters. The control system also automates an initialization routine that utilizes the heaters to prevent blockage of the valves, and cools the refrigeration system down to a desired temperature. In addition, the control system shuts down the refrigeration system if the status information it monitors exceed a safe range.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having absorber and generator elements and a solution pump flowing relatively dilute refrigeration solution from a system absorber sub-atmospheric operating pressure to a system generator operating pressure is provided with novel low-pressure-differential, positive-displacement purge pump apparatus that is driven by bleed relatively dilute refrigeration solution taken from the solution pump high-pressure side, flowed through a coiled tube flow restrictor device to substantially reduce bleed solution operating pressure, and then through an inverted vertical U-tube that includes a V-shaped entrapment zone that receives un-wanted, non-condensed gases purged from the system absorber element.

Abstract: A refrigeration process including a refrigeration cycle, and refrigerant purge and recovery operations is disclosed. The refrigeration cycle may be a vapor compression cycle or an absorption cycle, for example. A purge stream is withdrawn from the refrigeration cycle and subjected to treatment by means of a membrane separation unit. The purge-stream treatment operation produces an essentially pure refrigerant stream, suitable for return to the refrigeration cycle, and an air stream, clean enough for direct discharge to the atmosphere. The process is applicable to most refrigerants, but is particularly useful in minimizing atmospheric emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, such as CFC-11 and CFC-12.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery apparatus has features for trapping oil recovered from an air conditioning system. It has a low pressure oil separator which is mounted in line with the flow of refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor. The low pressure oil separator will be located at a lower elevation than the compressor. When the compressor is turned off, this allows excess oil in the compressor to drain to its design level.

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.

Abstract: Thermal purge apparatus for a chiller removes air, moisture and other non-condensibles from the chiller system refrigerant by causing chiller system refrigerant vapor to condense in a purge tank as a result of its undergoing a heat exchange relationship with a second and different refrigerant employed in a discrete purge refrigeration circuit. Chiller refrigerant circulates from the chiller condenser to, through and out of the purge tank in a free-flowing circulatory manner as a result of temperature and pressure gradients which develop between the interiors of the chiller condenser and the purge tank when the purge apparatus is in operation.

Abstract: A configuration for enhancing the performance of air pollution removal integrated air conditioning systems for airstreams having low level gaseous contaminants. The configuration includes a first filter comprising activated carbon for adsorbing gaseous contaminants, wherein adsorption is degraded by the presence of moisture, a means for increasing the moisture content of the airstream, and a second filter impregnated with chemical reagents for removal of gaseous contaminants, such gaseous contaminants reacting with the reagents to form noncontaminants, wherein the reaction is enhanced by the presence of moisture. The means for increasing the moisture content is positioned downstream of said first filter and upstream of said second filter. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing the performance of air pollution removal integrated air conditioning systems for airstreams having low level gaseous contaminants by utilizing the configuration of the present invention.

Abstract: A method to detect, measure or remove trace amounts of condensible vapors in compressed gases. The concentration of droplets detected, measured or removed may be as low as part per trillion. The compressed gas comprising a carrier gas and condensible vapors is discharged through a critical orifice in order to condense the vapors in the form of homogeneous droplets. The droplets are either detected, or their concentration measured or removed from the expanded carrier gas.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and reclamation apparatus and method for removing and reclaiming fluorocarbon refrigerants from refrigeration systems through a closed loop preventing exposure of the refrigerant to the atmosphere. A refrigerant is drawn by suction to a boiler chamber, vaporized, condensed, filtered and recycled.

Abstract: In a method for the disposal and recovery of environmentally harmful substances, especially refrigerant from refrigerant systems, in which the refrigerant is aspirated from the refrigeration system with the aid of a compressor and liquefied, and after passing through an oil filter supplied to a disposal container, the invention provides that on its way to the compressor, the refrigerant is kept in the gaseous state by heating and is freed of foreign substances such as oil, water and dirt, which are collected in separate containers, and on its way from the compressor to the disposal container, in the liquid state, is subjected to further cleaning to remove the aforementioned substances.

Abstract: A system for purification of refrigerant within a storage container includes a filter/dryer for removing contaminants' from refrigerant passing therethrough, and a refrigerant pump connected to the storage container to circulate refrigerant in a closed path from the container through the filter/dryer and return the refrigerant to the container. The system configuration is such that the refrigerant is in liquid phase in at least a portion of the closed path. A pressure-differential valve has an inlet coupled to a purge port on the container for receiving air captured within the container. Container air pressure at the valve inlet is fed to one side of a flexible diaphragm. Circulating liquid refrigerant is passed in heat transfer contact with a sealed enclosure containing liquid refrigerant, so that the refrigerant within the enclosure is at saturation pressure and acts on the opposing side of the diaphragm in conjunction with a valve spring.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system has a refrigerant recovery vessel which is connected to a refrigerant-recovered refrigeration circuit. A gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant-recovered refrigeration system is sucked into the refrigerant recovery vessel due to the difference between the pressure in the refrigerant-recovered refrigeration circuit and the refrigerant recovery wheel. The refrigerant recovery vessel is cooled by a refrigeration circuit provided in the refrigerant recovery system, so that the sucked gaseous refrigerant is a liquified. to the refrigerant recovery vessel, a recovery tank made of a cartridge type is connected. The liquefied refrigerant from the refrigerant recovery vessel is sent to the tank. When the temperature of the recovery tank is not low enough, the liquefied refrigerant sent into the tank is evaporated and then returns to the refrigerant recovery vessel so that the refrigerant is liquefied in the vessel again.

Abstract: In order to enhance the efficiency of removing refrigerant from the mixture of non-condensable gases in a purge recovery system, a carbon filter is placed in the flow of mixed gases from the purge chamber such that any remaining refrigerant can be absorbed by the filter and not be vented to the atmosphere with the non-condensable gases. The filter is periodically reactivated by the operation of a vacuum pump to remove the refrigerant from the carbon filter and return it to the system refrigeration circuit. The reactivation process is initiated and controlled by way of a pressure switch and a timer.

Abstract: This valve (12) for sensing and purging non-condensible gases in a refrigerant includes a valve body (30) having a lower refrigerant inlet (32), an upper exhaust outlet (36) and a valve passage (44) therebetween controlled by a valve element (54) extending between a spring (72) and a diaphragm (86). A housing (100) containing a "pure" refrigerant charge and a spring (110) are provided at the other side of the diaphragm (86) and the housing (100) is exposed to temperature of the system refrigerant. One side of the diaphragm (86) is subjected to the combined pressure of the spring (72) and the pressure of the system refrigerant at the inlet (32) and the other side of the diaphragm (86) is subjected to the balancing pressure provided by the combined pressure of the refrigerant charge and the spring (110). The valve (12) opens in response to increased pressure of the system refrigerant at the inlet (32) resulting from the presence of non-condensible gases and exhausts the gases to atmosphere.

Abstract: The container is provided for use in a refrigerant recovery device. The container includes a refrigerant storage tank having a wall defining an exterior and generally hollow interior. A tank inlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow from the exterior of the tank to the interior of the tank. A tank outlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow from the interior of the tank to the exterior of the tank. A contaminant canister is provided for separating contaminants from refrigerant and for storing the contaminants so separated. The contaminant canister includes a wall defining an interior and an exterior, and is disposed substantially within the interior of the refrigerant storage tank. A canister inlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow into the canister and a canister outlet is provided through which refrigerant can flow out of the canister. A canister removal means is provided for removing contaminant from the canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifyng crude gaseous hydrogen chloride originating from plants producing silane or siloxane and containing as impurities silanes which contain chlorine and/or organic radicals, water, alkanols, hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic acids and derivatives thereof, by condensation, compression and fractional distillation. In this process, the crude gas is at least partially freed from condensable products by cooling to -35.degree. C., then compressed in a screw compressor with oil injection to 1.5 MPa, the oil is separated off, freed from gel-containing residues through a filter web and again recycled into the compressor. The compressed hydrogen chloride gas is fractionated in a distillation column under pressure and hydrogen chloride having a purity of 99.999 percent is recovered.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration system and process for flushing and cleaning an installed refrigeration system includng 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically pressure sealing and leak testing an idle centrifugal chiller system wherein a small positive differential is maintained between the internal refrigerant vessel pressure of the chiller system and the ambient atmosphere. This differential pressure is maintained by selectively applying heat to the refrigerant.

Abstract: A conventional evaporator of a cooling tower system is modified so that anti-corrosion additives are introduced into the cooling tower system in response to the flow of make-up water into the cooling tower to replenish the supply of recirculating water.

Abstract: A low pressure refrigerant specimen is metered from a refrigeration system as a two phase mixture containing both a liquid phase and a gas phase. The mixture is sealed in an inflatable bag and the liquid phase is permitted to become a gas at atmospheric pressure whereby any contaminants in the sample are uniformly distributed throughout the sample. A small representative sample of the gas is drawn from the bag by a pump and the sample passed through a contaminant tester tube which provides a visual indication of the amount of one or more selected contaminants contained in the representative sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing submicron sized particles from the surface of a silicon semiconductor wafer (38). Conventional cleaning methods are capable of only removing particles that are about 1 micron or larger in size. The present invention provides a way to increase the submicron particles in size so that they are removable by the known methods. The silicon semiconductor wafer (38) is cooled by a refrigeration unit (36) or by exposure to liquid nitrogen (74). The cooled wafer (38) is then exposed to a condensable material (42) which is allowed to condense on the surface of the wafer (38). The condensable material will surround any particles that are on the surface and cause them to grow in size due to the formation of frozen crystals. Without allowing the crystals to melt, the enlarged particles then are removed by any of the known methods.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of discharging non-condensable gases from the circuit of a compression refrigeration machine, wherein a part of the circuit through which there is no flow is indirectly cooled by a smaller secondary refrigeration machine in order to condense the condensable refrigerant vapor in that part and thus to lower the content of non-condensable gases to be discharged in that part, whereby the value of the suction pressure of the refrigerant circuit of the secondary refrigerating machine is used for automatically starting and stopping the discharge of non-condensable gases.

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.