A guide to R410A
The Natural Choice
Contents >> 2 The facts on R410A refrigerant 4 A brief history of refrigerant 6 R410A in detail 8 Ensure correct system evacuation 11 When using copper pipework 12 The right tools 15 Summary >>
The facts on R410A refrigerant With more manufacturers introducing systems that use R410A refrigerant, we’ve produced this booklet to explain the hype that currently surrounds R410A and to present you with the facts. Handled correctly, many installers have already realised that R410A refrigerant has some excellent benefits to offer.
R410A refrigerant has some excellent benefits to offer This guide aims to provide you with a better understanding of R410A and to subsequently improve your effectiveness in today’s air conditioning industry.
A br ief histor y Since 1985 it’s been well documented that the ozone layer surrounding the earth has been diminishing. Scientific evidence suggests man-made chemicals are responsible for creating the hole in the ozone layer and that they’re likely to add to global ozone depletion. Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) have been used in many products which take advantages of their physical proper ties. For example, Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFC’s), have commonly been used as aerosol propellants and refrigerants.
of refr iger ant R22 is a Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HC FC ) R22 is a HCFC refrigerant (comprised of hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon) and is the most common refrigerant used in the world today. The air conditioning industry is in the process of moving to HFC refrigerants (comprised of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon) as they have no chlorine content and zero O zone Depletion Potential (O DP). R410A is a Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC ) Systems using R410A refrigerant run at a pressure of approximately 1.
R410A in detail R410A is a Zeotropic blend of two refrigerants R32 50% R125 50% The phase change of R410A mixtures takes place at an almost constant temperature during the liquefaction or evaporation process. Pressure [bar] Sub-Cooling 2 1 - Compression 2 - Condenser 3 - Expansion 4 - Evaporation 1 3 The temperature glide for R410A is less than 0.17K.
R410A has zero O zone Depletion Potential (O DP) W ith the relatively high density and high efficiency of R410A , it is possible to reduce the size of system components such as condensers, compressors, evaporators and piping, etc. As operating pressures are higher compared to that of R22 and R407c, all system components must all be designed for suitability with R410A.
Ensure correct system evacuation To ensure problem-free operation of any air-conditioning system, it is crucial to carry out thorough evacuation of the system. During the evacuation any moisture is removed from all of the system components and the pipework.
Essential tips for good evacuation Before evacuating a system, it is essential to check for any potential leaks. Such leaks may be discovered at brazed or flared joints. Evacuation can only start once the system has been properly pressure tested and found to be completely leakproof.
Tr iple evacuation in 6 easy steps S tep 1 Evacuate the system to 1000 microns from both service valves.
When using copper pipework > Use only copper pipes with the correct wall thickness please refer to your usual copper pipe supplier for detail > > > > > Make sure you cut the copper pipe with a proper pipe cutter only Remove any burrs with the utmost care Make sure that no swarf or other impurities get into the piping When brazing make sure that Nitrogen (OFN) is used at all times Brazed joints must be bare and clean The impor tance of correct brazing Brazed joints should only be made using Nitrogen (O
The right tools The right tools are required in to enable the refrigeration system to be properly evacuated and dried.
R410A Refrigerant Manifold A solid manifold gauge specifically used for R410A. Manifold gauges with sight gauges should never be used due to the higher operating pressures, unless specified for use on R410A. N itrogen Pressure Gauge A higher range N itrogen Regulator must be used due to the higher pressure testing requirements when strength testing to conform with local code.
FlaringTool A suitable Flaring tool to be used so as not to compromise the integrity of the copper when flared. Torque W rench Torque wrenches must be used at all times to tighten flares in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. O xygen free nitrogen for brazing O FN to be used at all times during brazing to prevent oxidation within the copper pipework. O xygen free nitrogen for strength and leak test O FN to be used for strength and leak testing with the higher pressure regulator.
Summar y >> To get the best from R410A > > > > > > > Use the correct tools Adhering to local code Strength test to 1.3 x Ps (623 PSI) Leak test to 1.0 x Ps (478 PSI) O bserve regulations (Health & Safety at work, pressure equipment etc.) Use correct copper pipework with appropriate wall thickness Follow good working practice at all times (Nitrogen brazing, proper evacuation, etc.
All text, illustrations, diagrams and examples in this guide are only intended to help with the handling and proper use of the refrigerant R410A. The information contained in this brochure has been carefully researched and checked and is considered correct at time of going to press.
