Operating Manual Model 17800B/17801B Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Unit For Multiple Refrigerants Model 17800B Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Unit 1
ROBINAIR Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Recharging Design Certified by Station Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,® to meet SAE-J-1770 for recycling R-134a and R-12 using common refrigeration circuits. LISTED 80S2 Model: 17800B Volts: 115V 60 Hz Amps: 12.0 Refrigerants: R-12, R-134a, ARI 98 Class III, and ARI 98 Class IV Design Pressure: High 382 psig Low 171 psig Serial No.: Date Code: WARNING PRESSURIZED TANK CONTAINS LIQUID REFRIGERANT.
Introduction This manual contains important safety procedures concerning the operation, use and maintenance of this product. Failure to follow the instructions contained in this manual may result in serious injury. If you are unable to understand any of the contents of this manual, please bring it to the attention of your supervisor. Do not operate this equipment unless you have read and understood the contents of this manual. TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary of Terms ...........................................
Introduction The 17800B is a complete A/C-R service center. It recovers, recycles and recharges a wide range of refrigerants — from existing refrigerants to new substitutes and blends. With its multi-refrigerant capabilities, it is ideal for trucks, buses and refrigerated trailers, as well as in-plant maintenance and other accessible installations. The built-in manifold means the entire service procedure can be done with just one hook-up.
Introduction GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINES • The voltage at the unit must be ±10% of the unit’s rated voltage. Extension cords must be a minimum of 14 AWG and kept as short as possible. • To interrupt any procedure (other than clearing), press HOLD/CONT. Press HOLD/CONT again to resume operation. • The system oil should be drained at the end of every recovery or recycling procedure, during the clearing process, or whenever oil is visible in the sight glass.
Set Up Instructions Before you begin any procedure, familiarize yourself with the components of your unit. High Side Port Lockout Door Low Side Port Tank Liquid Valve Red Vapor Hose Blue Liquid Hose Yellow Air Purge Hose Tank Vapor Valve Air Purge Fitting 50 lb.
Set Up Instructions Pressure/Temperature Chart Door Screw System Oil Drain Valve Door Screw INST0918 Diagram of Unit’s Components — Side Views Air Purge Gauge Liquid/Vapor Indicator System Oil Indicator Low Side Gauge High Side Gauge Display Air Purge Valve Oil less Compressor Protector Main Power Switch INST0919 Unit Circuit Breaker Keypad Low Side Valve High Side Valve Diagram of Control Panel and Keypad Model 17800B Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Unit 7
Set Up Instructions Before starting the set up procedures, open the system oil drain valve and allow the unit to depressurize. 1. Plug the unit into a proper voltage outlet. CAUTION! Avoid the use of an extension cord because the extension cord may overheat. However, if you must use an extension cord, use a No. 14 AWG minimum and keep the cord length to 25 feet (7.6 meters) or less. 2. Be sure the oil drain valve on the side of the unit is in the CLOSED position. 3. Turn on the unit.
Set Up Instructions 5. A new tank comes with a dry nitrogen charge of 5 to 10 psi to keep it clean and dry during shipment. Purge the nitrogen charge on the R-12 (gray and yellow) tank by opening the GAS (vapor) valve on the tank. Vent the pressure to the atmosphere, then close the valve. 6. Place the unit tank inside the ring on the scale platform on the back of the unit. Loop the tank strap through the tank collar and secure the latch end of the strap to the metal loop at the other end of the strap.
Set Up Instructions The VacuMaster® vacuum pump is shipped without oil in the reservoir. Before starting the unit, you must fill the pump with oil. Two 16-ounce (472 milliliters) bottles of oil are included with your unit. 9.Remove the door access screws from the right side of the unit. Open the door. Important! Be sure the pump is running when adding oil. Do not overfill the pump. The approximate oil charge is 13 oz. (384 milliliters). 10. Remove the black plastic plug from the pump’s oil fill port.
Set Up Instructions Before using a new tank, you must purge its nitrogen charge and pull it into a vacuum. The 50 lb (23kg) unit tank must be filled with refrigerant before the unit is ready for use. Tank Fill 17. Connect the 96" Blue low side hose to the fitting on the source tank. If using R134a you may need the 1/2" acme to low side adapter included in the accessory kit. 18. Press SHIFT/RESET and ENTER at the same time, then press 2.
Operating Instructions RECOVERY PROCEDURES WARNING! Always wear safety goggles when working with refrigerant. Use only authorized refillable refrigerant tanks. Disconnect hoses with extreme caution! All hoses may contain refrigerant under pressure. Read and follow all warnings at the beginning of this manual before operating the unit. Before beginning recovery, be sure your unit is set up as described in the Set Up Instructions. Also be sure there is vacuum pump oil in the vacuum pump. 1.
Operating Instructions The “CL-L” message shows on the display if there is pressure in the unit, and a selfclearing process of the components begins. You can press HOLD/CONT to bypass clearing if an accurate recovery amount is not required. Otherwise, the compressor will start and the “CL-L” message remains on the display. This process takes from 20 seconds to four minutes to complete. Once the clearing is complete, the unit automatically begins to recover refrigerant from the system.
Operating Instructions High Side Port Lockout Door Low Side Port Tank Liquid Valve Red Vapor Hose Blue Liquid Hose Yellow Air Purge Hose First! Perform "RECOVERY PROCEDURES" before starting "CHANGING REFRIGERANT TYPES". Tank Vapor Valve Air Purge Fitting 50 lb. (23 kg) Unit Tank Scale Assembly Diagram of Unit’s Components — External View Important! Before changing refrigerant types, be sure the red high side and blue low side hoses are disconnected from the A/C system.
Operating Instructions 4. If you need to change hoses for the next refrigerant type, go to Step 5. If you do not need to change hoses, press SHIFT/RESET and go to Step 6. 5. To start the self-clearing process, press VACUUM while the “CL-c” message is displayed. The “Clr” message then displays and the vacuum pump runs for 5 minutes before shutting off automatically. The “door” message will then display. 6. Close the tank valves and disconnect the red, blue and yellow hoses from the tank.
Operating Instructions A/C-R SYSTEM EVACUATION WARNING! Always wear safety goggles when working with refrigerant. Use only authorized refillable refrigerant tanks. Disconnect hoses with extreme caution! All hoses may contain refrigerant under pressure. Read and follow all warnings at the beginning of this manual before operating the unit. 1. Be sure the high and low side hoses are connected to the A/C-R system and that the high and low side valves are open. 2.
Operating Instructions RECYCLING PROCEDURES WARNING! Always wear safety goggles when working with refrigerant. Use only authorized refillable refrigerant tanks. Disconnect hoses with extreme caution! All hoses may contain refrigerant under pressure. Read and follow all warnings at the beginning of this manual before operating the unit. 1. Be sure both valves on the tank are open. 2. Press and hold SHIFT/RESET and then press “1” to start the recycling process.
Operating Instructions CHARGING PROCEDURES WARNING! Always wear safety goggles when working with refrigerant. Use only authorized refillable refrigerant tanks. Disconnect hoses with extreme caution! All hoses may contain refrigerant under pressure. Read and follow all warnings at the beginning of this manual before operating the unit. The unit will display the message “CHECK REFRIGERANT” if there is less than six (6) pounds of refrigerant in the tank.
Operating Instructions 8. Close the high and low side valves on the control panel and start the A/C-R system. Compare the gauge readings to the manufacturer’s specifications. 9. Turn off the A/C-R system and disconnect the high side hose from it. 10. Start the A/C-R system and open both the high and low side valves. This will pull the portion of the programmed charge that is trapped in the hoses into the low side of the A/C-R system. 11.
Operating Instructions ADDING REFRIGERANT TO THE TANK CAUTION! R-134a systems have special fittings (per SAE specifications) to avoid cross-contamination with other refrigerant systems. Read and follow all warnings given at the beginning of this manual. NOTE: Purchase only tanks of R-134a refrigerant that have 1/2 inch (1.2cm) I M P O R T A N T ! Acme threads. This is necessary to match the hose adapter. When setting up 1. Connect the 96-inch (244 cm) blue low side hose to the unit's low-side port.
Operating Instructions (Adding Refirgerant to the Tank continued) This process takes about 45 minutes. You can interrupt it at any time by pressing HOLD/CONT once. Press HOLD/CONT again to resume operation, or press SHIFT/RESET to end the process. The transfer of new refrigerant is limited by weight to leave space (about 6 pounds of refrigerant) in the unit tank for recovery purposes. 8. When using R-12, close the supply valve on the source tank (when using a disposable tank, turn it right side up first).
Operating Overview This overview is designed as a quick reference when using your unit. Read and follow all warnings in the operating manual. RECOVERY OVERVIEW 1. Connect the high and low side hoses to the A/C-R system. 2. Check the manifold gauges. There must be pressure to recover refrigerant. 3. Be sure both the high and low side valves on the control panel are open. Also be sure both valves on the tank are open. 4. Plug the unit into the proper voltage outlet, then turn on the MAIN POWER switch. 5.
Operating Overview The longest time that can be programmed is 98.99 (98 minutes and 99 seconds). 3. Press VACUUM to start evacuation. The display counts down the time remaining. If the message “U-HI” appears, you have 25 psi or greater of pressure at the inlet. You must recover that pressure to continue. If necessary, press RECOVER. 4. When the programmed time has expired the vacuum pump will automatically shut off and the display will show “CPL.
Operating Overview 4. Close the high and low side valves and start the A/C-R system. Compare the gauge readings to the manufacturer’s specifications. 5. Turn off the A/C-R system and disconnect the high side hose from it. 6. Start the A/C-R system and open both manifold valves to pull refrigerant from the hoses. Weight Example* 7. At the lowest recommended operating pressure, close the low side valve and turn off the A/C-R system. Disconnect the low side hose. 8.
Maintenance Procedures CHANGING THE VACUUM PUMP OIL When the vacuum pump has run for a total of 10 hours, the “OIL” message will flash on the display to signal that an oil change is needed. To change the vacuum pump oil, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the MAIN POWER switch. The display shows the selected refrigerant type. 2. Press SHIFT/RESET and the messages “PROGRAM VACUUM MINUTES 15:00” display. 3. Press VACUUM. The display shows the “OIL” message. 4.
Maintenance Procedures CHANGING THE FILTERYou should change the filter-drier whenever refrigerant has been recovered from a burnout system or when the display shows the “CH-F” message (which means that the unit has recovered 200 pounds of refrigerant since the last change). To change the filter/drier follow these steps: 1. Press and hold SHIFT/RESET and then press FILTER. The compressor will start and the display will show the messages “FIL” and “AUTOMATIC.” 2.
Maintenance Procedures Filter-Drier O-ring Oil Return Manifold INST0922 Diagram of Filter-Drier Model 17800B Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Unit 27
Maintenance Procedures CONFIRMING THE SCALE CHECKLIST Important: Check the scale accuracy every three months. Blank Display or No Warnings. Check wire connections from scale assembly to the circuit board for configuration and continuity. Verify that the circuit board is receiving proper voltage (refer to the decal on the back of the unit) and the two amp or 1/2 amp fuse is not blown. Use properly grounded active electrical outlets only. Replace the circuit board or fuses as needed.
Maintenance Procedures If the scale does not respond to testing, verify that the scale cable is plugged into the main circuit board. 8. Press SHIFT/RESET to exit this mode CALIBRATING THE SCALE NOTE: The scale assembly and UL circuit MUST be calibrated when installing a replacement scale assembly or circuit board. To ensure continued charging accuracy, periodically confirm the checklist below. 1. Remove all weight from the scale platform. Important: You must have a known weight of 75 lb. ± .01/ 34.02 kg.
Maintenance Procedures WARNING Unplug the unit before beginning any service work. Improper use or connections can cause electrical shock. Only qualified personnel should perform service work. If scale assembly and UL circuit are not calibrated, scale can overfill the tank, causing possible explosion and/or vehicle overcharge. UL CIRCUIT CALIBRATION NOTE: Always calibrate the scale first. Then remove the (4) screws that hold down the keypad on the control panel before attempting to calibrate the UL circuit.
Maintenance Procedures 8. Lift the weight form the scale and "HOLD" should appear. NOTE: The display should read "HOLD" for 75 lbs. ONLY, not for anything more or less. 9.
Maintenance Procedures CHECKING FOR LEAKS Important: Inspect the unit periodically for leaks. The manufacturer does not reimburse for lost refrigerant! Every three months, or as specified by local or state laws, you should check your unit for leaks. As with any mechanical equipment, general use, moving the unit and vibration can cause fittings to loosen. 1. Turn off the MAIN POWER switch, and disconnect the power cord from the outlet. 2. Remove the door access screws from the right side of the unit.
Operating Guidelines USING THE CONTROL PANEL MAIN POWER Switch — Supplies electrical power to the control panel. Digital Display — Shows the time programmed for vacuum and the weight of refrigerant programmed for recharging. Detailed instructions for programming the digital display follow this section. Air Purge Indicator — Shows when non-condensables need to be purged from the tank. LIQUID/VAPOR Indicator — Shows if liquid or vapor refrigerant is being recovered.
Operating Guidelines KEYPAD FUNCTIONS In addition to the number keys, the keypad contains special keys that accomplish specific operating functions. • RECYCLE — Activates the recycling sequence when pressed at the same time as the SHIFT/RESET key. • RECOVER — Activates the recovery sequence. Diagram of Keypad • SHIFT/RESET — Accesses the “PROGRAM” mode and moves from one program function to the next.
Operating Guidelines Segment A — Indicates in which mode the unit is operating: PROGRAM — The unit is in the programming mode, which allows you to program vacuum time and refrigerant weight or to review the existing program. HOLD — This mode is used to change a refrigerant tank or to interrupt the vacuum/charging/recovery cycles. AUTOMATIC — Indicates that the unit is running in a given cycle and will automatically stop when the cycle is complete.
Operating Guidelines to be charged into the A/C-R system; to continue charging, press HOLD/CONT again. RECOVER • With AUTOMATIC, indicates the unit is recovering refrigerant from the A/C-R system and shows the amount of refrigerant recovered in pounds or kilograms, depending on the measurement mode selected. OIL(OUNCES) or OIL(GRAMS) • Lights up as a reminder to drain the oil separator after each job.
Operating Guidelines USING THE DIAGNOSTIC MODE The diagnostic mode allows you to run individual components or retrieve stored information. To access the diagnostic mode, you must press and hold SHIFT/RESET and then press ENTER. The display will show the message “FUNC.” To exit the diagnostic mode, press SHIFT/RESET again. Some diagnostic functions exit the diagnostic mode when completed so to continue with more diagnostic functions you must re-enter the diagnostic mode.
Operating Guidelines 1. Press “5” to see the complete LCD display, which only displays momentarily before returning to the Program mode. VACUUM RECYCLE MINUTES CHARGE kg lb RECOVER OIL (GRAMS) OIL (OUNCES) 2. Press any key to exit. To Access Scale Function: Example of Full Display Test 1. Press “6” to “zero out” the display (regardless of what is on the scale platform). The weight of anything you add to the scale platform will now display. 2. Press SHIFT/RESET to exit.
Operating Guidelines USING DISPLAY CODES 134A R-134a; indicates R-134a automotive refrigerant requiring 1/2” Acme fittings. Add Add refrigerant to the tank before starting charging procedures. CAL The scale is out of calibration; see Calibrating the Scale. Check Refrigerant Tank has six (6) pounds or less of refrigerant; charging will not activate. CH-F Change compressor oil and filter/drier; 200 pounds of refrigerant has been recovered since the last change.
Operating Guidelines position. Slide the refrigerant lockout panel (located on the back of the unit, top left corner) to expose the fittings for the selected refrigerant type. 40 OIL/drn (Flashes alternately) Drain; open the oil drain valve to relieve the pressure in the unit. FIL Compressor oil and filter/drier change procedures are being performed. FULL The tank is full; recovery stops automatically. HI-P High pressure; the unit pressure is greater than 435 psi.
Replacement Parts Following is a list of replacement parts and accessories you may need to service or maintain your unit. Tanks, filter-drier and vacuum pump oil should be purchased through your regular Robinair distributor. Description 115-Volt 50 lb. (23 kg) tank,1/4” flare fittings ---------------------------------------------- 17506 50 lb.
Flow Diagram INST0923 42 © 2001 Robinair, SPX Corporation
Wiring Diagram INST0924 Model 17800B Recovery/Recycling/Recharging Unit 43
Troubleshooting RECOVERY OPERATION Compressor does not start Problem: Solution: Main power switch is off Turn on switch Problem: Solution: Power cord is not plugged in or there is no power at plug Check circuit for power Problem: Solution: “FULL” message shows on digital display Change tanks (see Installing a Tank and Pulling A Vacuum) Problem: Solution: “HI-P” message shows on digital display Be sure tanks valves are open and hoses are properly connected to the tank, or Check for air in the tank (re
Troubleshooting Runs but will not shut off Problem: Solution: Oil drain valve is open Close the oil drain valve Problem: Solution: There is a leak in the A/C-R system Locate and repair all system leaks Problem: Solution: Hoses are not properly connected to the vehicle Check hose connections Problem: Solution: Oil return solenoid is open Replace the oil return solenoid RECYCLING OPERATION Compressor does not start or stops prematurely Problem: Solution: Power cord is not plugged in or there is no po
Troubleshooting RECHARGING OPERATION No power when MAIN POWER switch is on — no display showing Problem: Solution: Power cord is not plugged in or there is no power at plug Check circuit for power Problem: Solution: The “CHECK REFRIGERANT” message is displayed There is less than 6 pounds of refrigerant in the tank; add refrigerant to the tank Audible tone sounds during refrigerant transfer 46 Problem: Solution: Transfer stopped or too slow Close the high side valve, then start the A/C-R system and pu
Troubleshooting EVACUATION OPERATION Vacuum pump will not start Problem: Solution: Power cord is not plugged in or there is no power at plug Check circuit for power Problem: Solution: The pressure in the A/C-R system is too high Recover the remaining A/C-R system charge Problem: Solution: “U-HI” message on digital display Recover all refrigerant before pulling a vacuum Problem: Solution: Vacuum time not entered Program the required time for vacuum Vacuum pump runs but low side gauge does not registe
Limited Warranty This product is warranted to be free from defects in workmanship, materials, and components for a period of one year from date of purchase. All parts and labor required to repair defective products covered under the warranty will be at no charge. The following restrictions apply: 1. The limited warranty applies to the original purchaser only. 2. The warranty applies to the product in normal usage situations only, as described in the Operating Manual.
Index A/C-R System Evacuation 14 Adding Refrigerant to the Tank 18 A/C-R System Evacuation 14 Air Purge Gauge, Diagram 15 Adding Refrigerant to the Tank 18 Calibrating the Scale 27 Changing Refrigerant Types 12 28 Charging Procedures 16 Changing Refrigerant Types 12 Correcting An Incomplete Transfer1 7 Changing the Compressor Oil 24 Recovery Procedures 10 Changing the Filter-Drier 24 Recycling Procedures 15 Circuit Calibration, UL Operating Instructions 10 Changing the Vacuum
CONVERSION TABLE OZ. LBS. 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 11.5 12.0 12.5 13.0 13.5 14.0 14.5 15.0 15.5 16.0 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.13 0.16 0.19 0.22 0.25 0.28 0.31 0.34 0.38 0.41 0.44 0.47 0.50 0.53 0.56 0.59 0.63 0.66 0.69 0.72 0.75 0.78 0.81 0.84 0.88 0.91 0.94 0.97 1 lb. ( Call toll-free Technical Support Line 800-822-5561 in the continental U.S. or Canada. In all other locations, contact your local distributor.
