System Charging Manual
System Charging Manual
System Charging Manual
Heating and Cooling Capillary Tube Systems Thermostatic Expansion Valve Systems Charging by Weight
American Standard Inc. 2001
Preface
The purpose of this publication is to provide service technicians with the general knowledge necessary to properly charge a Heat Pump system or an Air Conditioning system. This manual outlines, in detail, recommended charging procedures to be followed on all capillary tube and expansion valve systems. Before any of the procedures outlined in this manual can be initiated the service technician must have all the necessary tools as listed under equipment on page 4. In addition to tools proper airflow must be verified prior to any attempt to charge a system. The system should be checked to confirm that all air filters are clean, that the blower assembly and coil are free of dirt and that the duct system is adequate. If proper airflow is not available all associated problems must be corrected prior to attempting any charging procedure. Cooling performance can be checked when outdoor temperature is above 75. Heating performance can be checked when the outdoor temperature is below 60.
Note: This publication is general in nature and is intended for INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. It is not to be used for equipment selection, application, installation, or specific service procedures.
Table Of Contents
Refrigerant System Charging .................................................................................................................................... Service Tools Equipment ...................................................................................................................................... Metering Devices ....................................................................................................................................................... Cooling Systems ........................................................................................................................................................ Heat Pump Systems .................................................................................................................................................. Equipment Pressure Taps (General) ......................................................................................................................... Charging Capillary Tube/FCCV Cooling Mode Only .............................................................................................. Example Slide Rule Calculation ................................................................................................................................ Performance Cooling Mode .................................................................................................................................... 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Charging and Performance Cooling Mode ............................................................................................................ 10 Charging By Subcooling Cooling Mode ................................................................................................................. 11 Performance Heating Mode .................................................................................................................................... 12 Charging Heating Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Charging By Weight ................................................................................................................................................... 15 Calibrating Pressure Gauges ..................................................................................................................................... 16 Refrigerant 410A Background ............................................................................................................................................................ 17 Characteristics ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Refrigerant Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Application Notes ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 System Charging Using R410A ................................................................................................................................ 20 R-410A Temperature and Pressure Chart ................................................................................................................. 21 Subcooling Table ....................................................................................................................................................... 22 R-410A Split Cooling Units Only ............................................................................................................................... 24 R-410A Split Heat Pump Units Only ......................................................................................................................... 25 R-410A Charging and Performance Cooling Mode ............................................................................................... 26 R-410A Charging Heating Mode R-410A ............................................................................................................. 27
IMPORTANT
These procedures should be followed at initial start-up and at anytime the power has been removed for 12 hours or more. To prevent compressor damage which may result from the presence of LIQUID refrigerant in the crankcase: 1. Make certain the room thermostat is in off position. (The compressor is not to operate.) 2. Apply power by closing the system disconnect switch. This energizes the compressor heater which evaporates the liquid refrigerant in the crankcase. Allow 30 minutes for each pound of refrigerant in the system as noted on the unit nameplate. 3. After proper elapsed time the thermostat may be set to operate the compressor. 4. Except as required for safety while servicing DO NOT OPEN SYSTEM DISCONNECT SWITCH.
Refrigerant Charge
BTUH
COOLING CAPACITY
Correct Charge
Optimum capacity Highest possible EER Longest equipment life
KW
POWER INPUT
BTU/WATT-HR
Undercharge
Capacity decreases Power input decreases but not in proportion to capacity EER goes down
EER
DISCHARGE PRESSURE
PSIG
Overcharge
SUCTION PRESSURE
Capacity decreases as more charge is added beyond the optimized capacity Power input increases EER decreases Equipment life is shortened
Temperature-F
EER
LIQUID SUBCOOLING
COP =
75 6# 87.5 7# 100% 8# 112.5 9# 125 10# 137.5% 11#
BTU Input
50% 4#
62.5 5#
Note:
1. The package cooling system used to develop the above information utilized a TXV refrigerant metering device. 2. Field conditions different from ARI conditions (95 db outdoor air, 80 db-67 wb return air) will yield results that vary from the graphs in this example.
Metering Devices
We use various types of refrigerant metering devices in air conditioning and heat pump systems. The cooling units we will discuss are equipped with Flow Control Check Valves (FCCV), see diagram below left, Capillary Tubes, Bleed-Type Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TXV-B) and Non-Bleed Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TXV-NB), see diagram below right. Current heat pump units which we will cover are equipped with Bleed and Non-Bleed TXV in outdoor sections with everything but Capillary Tubes on indoor coils. The CCBA and CUBA coils have a fixed flow control device for coolingonly applications. The FCCV Flow Control is used on TXA-C and TXC-C universal convertible coils. This metering device is applied to these coils for cooling and heat pump applications with 10 and 11 SEER products respectively. Package products may either use a FCCV or Capillary Tube metering devices. (FCCV coils are not an approved combination with a 5 ton 12 SEER or any 14 SEER outdoor units. These units can easily be overcharged with this type of metering device because the large volume of refrigerant in the system may not show an increase in head pressure. Only TVX coils should be used.) Care should be taken that the proper size FCCV is matched to the outdoor unit to insure that the correct volume of refrigerant is flowing through the system (approx. 3 lbs/ton/minute). The orifice size of the FCCV is marked on the side of the metering device. TXA-C and TXC-C coils are shipped with the orifice size that matches the most commonly used outdoor unit with that particular coil combination. That size is indicated on the tag on the coil connection end. Correct orifice size is dependent on the outdoor unit model. The proper orifice for the indoor unit is in a small bag attached to the outdoor unit. (Orifices shipped with indoor coils may or may not be correct for the outdoor unit, so the installer must verify size at the time of installation.) Refer to Service Facts which also shows the proper size and type of metering device for the application. TXC-E high efficiency coils are equipped with BleedType TXVs for refrigerant control. The diaphragm on the TXV opens or closes the valve orifice to maintain a preset superheat and control refrigerant flow as load conditions on the evaporator change. When the compressor shuts off, refrigerant is able to bleed between the high pressure side upstream of the TXV and the low pressure downstream of the TXV; the system will equalize within 3-5 minutes. Also, these coils have a larger internal volume in order to support additional charge and provide for higher efficiencies. These coils are designed to be matched with 12 SEER outdoor units for higher SEER requirements. These coils can also be mated to 10 and 11 SEER units. The TXC-S variable speed coils are equipped with Non-Bleed TXVs (TXV-NB). These coils do not equalize or bleed through the valve orifice which helps to prevent refrigerant from migrating back to the compressor after system shutdown. These coils should only be applied to outdoor products that are equipped with quick start components because of the pressure differential during system start up. Scroll compressor unit does not require a quick start component. Variable speed coils are mated with 12 and 14 SEER products for high efficiency. Because todays high efficiency systems require additional refrigerant volume to produce the needed capacity and efficiency, it is important that systems be installed with the proper size indoor coils equipped with the necessary metering device. Failure to do so could cause a decrease in reliability, capacity and efficiency.
ADAPTER
SUPERHEAT SPRING
FIELD SUPPLIED LIQUID LINE
THERMOSTATIC BULB
Cooling Systems
The diagram below illustrates the proper Manifold Gauge and Temperature Analyzer connections for charging a split cooling system.
Split System
1. Attach center hose from manifold to drum of refrigerant. Purge center hose with a minimum amount of refrigerant. Use the guidelines for deminimus release of refrigerant. 2. Purge with a minimum amount of refrigerant and attach suction (compound) gauge hose to the suction line (larger refrigerant line) pressure tap. This pressure tap is located on the suction line service valve. 3. Purge with a minimum amount of refrigerant and attach the high pressure gauge hose to the liquid line (smaller refrigerant line) pressure tap. This pressure tap is located on the liquid line service valve. 4. Attach temperature probe securely to the suction line near the service valve (if charging a cooling system with capillary tubes or checking TXV superheat). Insulate the probe with suction line insulation to prevent the element from being influenced by the surrounding air. Allow adequate time for system temperatures to stabilize before recording the temperature.
On either style of system, if refrigerant must be removed to achieve charge balance, an approved refrigerant recovery system and an approved storage tank must be used.
On either style of system, if refrigerant must be removed to achieve charge balance, an approved refrigerant recovery system and an approved storage tank must be used.
50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15
SPLIT SYSTEM
INDOOR DRY BULB TEMPERATURE F INDOOR WET BULB*
3. Measure suction pressure at suction pressure tap. 4. Measure suction temperature before the suction service valve on a split system or 6" away from the compressor on a package system. 5. You may determine the actual system superheat in degrees by referring to a temperature pressure chart or the low side manifold gauge and the measured suction line temperature. 6. *Find the intersection when the outdoor temperature and indoor temperature meet and read degrees superheat. If unit superheat is more than 5 above chart value, add R-22 until within 5. If unit superheat is more than 5 below chart value, remove R-22 until within 5, using an approved recovery system. 7. If superheat is below the 5 limit line, DO NOT ADD R-22.
75/63 70/58
10 5
DO NOT ADD CHARGE IF LIMIT LINE POINT FALLS BELOW THIS LINE
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE F
50 45
PACKAGE SYSTEM
95/79 90/75
40 85/71 35 80/67
SUPERHEAT F
30 25 20 15 10 5
75/63 70/58
INDOOR WET BULB* INDOOR DRY BULB TEMPERATURE F
6 6
DO NOT ADD CHARGE IF LIMIT LINE POINT FALLS BELOW THIS LINE
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE F
Charts based on 400 CFM/ton indoor airflow and 50% relative humidity, use only on systems that cool with an FCCV or capillary tube.
*If Relative Humidity is above 70% or below 20% use indoor Wet Bulb Temperature.
WET* BULB
3b.
INSTRUCTIONS:
50 51 52 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 63 64 66 69 71 75 78 81 84 87 91 94 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71
Select the unit type (SPLIT or PACKAGE). Remove and reverse the slide if needed.
2.
OUTDOOR TEMP. -F
29 27 24 22 19 17 15 12 10 7
REQUIRED SUPERHEAT
SUCTION PRESSURE
S P L I T
1. INDOOR TEMPERATURE
DRY BULB
70 75 80 85 90 95 58 63 67 71 75 79
WET* BULB
3b.
INSTRUCTIONS:
50 51 52 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 63 64 66 69 71 75 78 81 84 87 91 94 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71
Select the unit type (SPLIT or PACKAGE). Remove and reverse the slide if needed.
2.
OUTDOOR TEMP. -F
Example
29 27 24 22 19 17 15 12 10 7
REQUIRED SUPERHEAT
SUCTION PRESSURE
opposite OUTDOOR TEMP. -F (dash(-)means 5 required). 3a. Reset Arrow at REQUIRED SUPERHEAT. 3b. Opposite measured SUCTION PRESSURE is the correct SUCTION LINE TEMPERATURE when system is properly charged. NOTE: If SUCTION LINE TEMP. -F is not within 5F of suction line reading; 1. Add charge to decrease line temperature requirements. 2. Remove charge to increase line temperature. 3. After adjusting R-22, repeat Steps 3a and 3b (if required).
1. INDOOR TEMPERATURE
DRY BULB
70 75 80 85 90 95 58 63 67 71 75 79
WET* BULB
3b.
INSTRUCTIONS:
50 51 52 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 63 64 66 69 71 75 78 81 84 87 91 94 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66
Select the unit type (SPLIT or PACKAGE). Remove and reverse the slide if needed.
2.
OUTDOOR TEMP. -F
29 27 24 22 19 17 15 12 10 7
SUCTION PRESSURE
S P L I T
CORRECTION TABLE
INDOOR ENTERING 59F WET BULB F
Indoor Unit
CFM
Corr. S
Press. H
100
120
100 95 90
SUCTION PRESSURE (PSIG)
71F
85
59F
80
2
75 70 65 60 55 50
Cooling performance can be checked when the outdoor temperature is above 75F. To check cooling performance, allow pressures to stabilize and measure indoor wet bulb temperature, outdoor temperature and pressures (both head and suction). Locate outdoor dry bulb and indoor wet bulb temperature. Find the intersection of the outdoor dry bulb temperature and indoor wet bulb temperature. Read head (or liquid) and suction pressure value in the left hand column of the chart. Actual Head Pressure should be 10 PSIG of chart. Suction Pressure should be 3 PSIG of chart.
40
60
80
100
120
*Note: Interconnecting Lines: Gas - 7/8" O.D.: Liquid - 5/16" O.D. These graphs are for checking unit performance only. They are not to be used for system charging. To charge systems with indoor capillary tube, see superheat graphs or capillary tube slide rule calculation on pages 7 and 8.
Example:
Outdoor Dry Bulb Temperature = 90F Indoor Wet Bulb Temperature = 67F
Answer:
Suction Pressure @ 1200 CFM = 75 PSIG Head Pressure @ 1200 CFM = 225 PSIG
Indoor Unit
2
71F INDOOR ENTERING 59F WET BULB F
CFM
Corr. S
Press. H
300 250
4
200 150 100
40 100 95 90 60 80
1200 1200 1350 1350 1350 1125 1200 1200 1350 1350 1060 1060 1200
0 0 3 2 5 5 2 0 0 2 0 0 3
0 0 6 4 10 10 4 0 0 4 0 0 6
85 80 75 70 65 60 55
71F
2
67F
Cooling performance can be checked when the outdoor temperature is above 75. To check cooling performance, allow pressures to stabilize and measure indoor wet bulb temperature, outdoor dry bulb temperature and pressures (both head and suction). Locate outdoor dry bulb and indoor wet bulb temperature. Find the intersection of the outdoor dry bulb temperature and indoor wet bulb temperature. Read head (or liquid) and suction pressure value in the left hand column of the chart. Actual Head Pressure should be 10 PSIG of chart. Suction Pressure should be 3 PSIG of chart.
63F 59F
1
50 40 60 80 100 120
Example:
Outdoor Dry Bulb Temperature = 85F Indoor Wet Bulb Temperature = 67F
*Note: Interconnecting Lines: Gas - 7/8" O.D.: Liquid - 5/16" O.D.
Answer:
Suction Pressure @1060 CFM = 74 PSIG Head Pressure @ 1060 CFM = 210 PSIG
10
50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5
UPPER CURVE
0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
1. Measure Liquid Line Temperature and Refrigerant Pressure at service valves. 2. Determine total refrigerant pipe length and height (lift) if indoor section is above the condenser. Plot the intersection of the two points on the Curve Selection Chart to determine which curve to use. 3. Plot the pressure and temperature on the TXV Charging Curve. 4. If the lines cross above the curve, remove refrigerant; if below curve, add refrigerant. 5. Whenever charge is removed or added, the system must be operated for a minimum of 20 minutes to stabilize before additional measurements can be made. 6. When system is correctly charged, refer to System Performance Curves to verify charge and performance. 7. Exception Model 6H0024A100A will have 30 subcooling in cooling. Its system performance charts are with 30 subcooling.
11
1200
400
1300
400
350
350
350
300
300
300
70 60
This is a Typical Chart and is Not Universal for All Heat Pumps.
250
250
250
200
200
200
150
150
150
100
100
80 70
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
60 50 40 30 20 10 0
80 70 60
12
This is a Typical Chart and is Not Universal for All Heat Pumps.
220
INDOOR DRY BULB TEMPERATURE F
200
180
160
140
120
10
20
30
40
50
60
O.D. TEMPERATURE F
continued
13
continued
Indoor Unit
CFM
Corr. S
Press. H
80F
70F 60F
1
100
0 20 40 60 80
100
90 80 70
SUCTION PRESSURE
2
80F 60F
INDOOR ENTERING DRY BULB F
60
3
50 40 30 20 10
TXA036A4HPA TXA736A4HPA TXC042A4HPA TXA042A4HPA TXA742A4HPA TWV025A140A TWV725A140A TWV730A140A TWV036A140A TWV736A140A TWV042A140A TWV742A140A TWH024A140A TWH742A140A TWH030A140A TWH730A140A TWH036A140A TWH736A140A TWH042A140A TWH742A140A
1125 1125 1125 1125 1125 900 900 1000 1125 1125 1125 1125 900 900 1000 1000 1125 1125 1125 1125
-1 -1 -1 -1 -1 1 1 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 1 1 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -1
-15 -15 -20 -20 -20 15 15 0 -15 -15 -20 -20 15 15 0 0 -15 -15 -20 -20
Heating performance can be checked when the outdoor temperature is below 60F. To check heating performance, allow pressures to stabilize and measure indoor dry bulb temperature, outdoor temperature and pressures (both head and suction). Locate outdoor and indoor dry bulb temperature, find the intersection of the outdoor temperature and indoor temperature and read head or suction pressure value in the left hand column of the chart. Actual Head Pressure should be: Equal to or less than 5 PSIG of chart. Suction Pressure should be 3 PSIG of chart.
1
0 0 20 40 60 80
14
Charging By Weight
When a refrigerant system is opened, as in compressor replacement, the service technician may want to recharge the system by weight. The units are shipped with the minimum operating charge. The minimum charge is the charge required for 25 feet of line for units produced prior to 8/98. For units produced after this date, the shipped charge is the total system charge when installed with 15 feet of refrigerant lines and the smallest indoor coil, by internal volume, that the unit is listed within the ARI Directory. The smallest indoor coil may not be the tested combination. This minimum operating charge is shipped in the unit so at start up time no refrigerant recovery will be necessary. Indoor coils are shipped with a 10 PSIG nitrogen holding charge.
Package Systems
The charge stamped on the units nameplate is the total charge. With an accurate scale the weight method of charging is a rapid and accurate method of charging.
Split Systems
Charging by weight using units nameplate information only is not an approved method. Prior to 8/98, the refrigerant charge stamped on the outdoor unit nameplate was the total system charge when installed with 25 feet of refrigerant lines and with the indoor coil or air handler that the outdoor unit was rated with. The Department of Energy, test procedures require the manufacturer to test and rate their outdoor unit with their highest sales volume indoor coil or air handler. This rated combination is listed in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute Directory, ARI. In the ARI Directory this tested combination is noted by a sign. Unless you have this tested combination installed, which is listed in the ARI Directory only, the charge stamped on the outdoor unit nameplate is of little use. Further, this nameplate stamping is not the charge always shipped in the outdoor unit.
Evacuation
When the refrigerant lines installation is completed and leak checked they and the indoor coil must be dehydrated. Proper dehydration is achieved when these components are evacuated to a minimum of 500 microns.
15
80
40
50
80
90
50
50
50
40
CFC-12 CFC-502
60
60
10
80
20
30
250
12
0
Figure 1
in Hg p.s.i.
Refrigerant Circuit Head Pressure Too High Head Pressure Too Low Suction Pressure Too High Suction Pressure Too Low Liquid Refrigerant Floodback(TXV) Liquid Refrigerant Floodback Cap Tube ID Coil Frosting Compressor Runs Inadequate or No Cooling/Heating Electrical Compressor & OD Fan Will Not Start Compressor Will Not Start But OD Fan Runs OD Fan Will Not Start Compressor Hums But Will Not Start Compressor Cycles On IOL ID Blower Will Not Start Defrost Unit Will Not Initiate Defrost Defrost Terminates On Time Unit Icing Up
P P S P S P S P P S P P P P P S P S P
S P S S
S P S S S S S S S S S S S S P S P S S S S P P S S S P S S S P S S
11 0
P P P P P S P S SS S S P S S S S P S P S S P
30
HCFC-22
10
S S S
P P P S PP S P S PP S
S S
100
PP P P P P
P P S S
60
90
C - Cooling H - Heating
16
70
S P
70
30
40
60
60
30
20
20
50
50
10
10
40
0
40
30
10
30
20
20
20
0 04 03 10 2
10
0
30
10
10
20
40
Refrigerant 410A
Background
The traditional refrigerants, which have been used in central air conditioning systems for the past fifty years, have been declared to be a threat to the environment. This is due to the presence of Chlorine in their chemical make-up. As a consequence, the air conditioning industry has been required to search for a suitable replacement for the most popular of the current refrigerants, Refrigerant 22. Since there are concerns of efficiency and service use, as well as the environmental issues, the job has not been easy. To locate a replacement and qualify it for use in the products we manufacture has taken years of work. The refrigerant chosen at this time is Refrigerant 410A. Continuing study will be conducted into other alternates. together and may separate when released from pressure. It is said to be near AZEOTROPIC in its construction. This word means that it is a mixture, not a compound. It is manufactured by combining Refrigerant 32 and Refrigerant 125. Both of these refrigerants are made of Hydrogen, Fluorine, and Carbon and are referred to as HFCs. The most important reason for using an alternate refrigerant is that it does not contain any Chlorine. Under Federal law, no release of refrigerant is allowed beyond the minimum required to do service to the products. This DE MINIMUS or least possible loss must be closely observed during service to avoid being subject to possible fines and worse. Even the alternative refrigerants cannot be released to atmosphere. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requires they must be collected and handled as the existing refrigerants are handled. The issue here is not Ozone Depletion but the contribution to Global Warming and the waste of a valuable resource. The alternative refrigerant R-410A is not a drop-in replacement for R-22. Since they use different oils, different drier construction materials and different expansion devices, they require the greatest caution in replacement situations. At this time, R410A is intended for use in new equipment. The service tools that are used for the alternative refrigerant are not the same as the tools used for the current refrigerants and this will be explained in this manual. Please read and heed the warnings included in the material in this manual and the manufactures literature included with the products containing this alternative refrigerant.
Refrigerant Characteristics
The refrigerants developed in the nineteen twenties, using chlorine, such as Refrigerant 22, were uniform in their chemical make-up. Such refrigerants are called compounds. Each molecule of the refrigerant is like every other molecule. There is no way in the field to separate the elements of a compound once it has been made. Only the most sophisticated laboratory equipment can break the building blocks of the refrigerant apart. They contained Hydrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, and Carbon. These refrigerants were called HCFCs. The alternative refrigerants are different in the materials used to make them. They are also different in the manner in which they are made. Refrigerants like Refrigerant 410A are mixtures of chemicals. This means its components are not as tightly bonded
17
Refrigerant Safety
The alternative refrigerant, R-410A, like R-22 is a safe product. The same precautions must be observed when using either one. However, the technician must be aware of several differences in the handling of R-410A. When the cylinders containing Refrigerant 410A are sitting upright, the valve will release liquid refrigerant. As you can see in Figure 1, there is a dip tube in the tank reaching to near the bottom of the cylinder. To charge with vapor, turn the cylinder upside down as shown in Figure 2. For cylinders made after 299, turn the cylinder upside down as shown in Figure 1A for liquid and upright for vapor as shown in Figure 2A. Refrigerant cylinders containing Refrigerant 410A are ROSE colored for identification. Refrigerant cylinders should never be stored at 125F or higher temperatures. Never charge any refrigerant cylinder to greater than 80% of its capacity. This was true for Refrigerant 22 and is also true for Refrigerant 410A. Refrigerant 410A boils at -62.9F. when released to atmosphere. This is twenty degrees colder than Refrigerant 22. The danger of frostbite is much greater on exposed skin. Wear gloves and protect your eyes with safety glasses at all times. This refrigerant, like Refrigerant 22, is low in toxicity but it can still be harmful to humans as it displaces oxygen. Since it is heavier than air, it will form puddles in low places. Use adequate ventilation near equipment that is leaking. Refrigerant 410A is classified as non-flammable. Like Refrigerant 22, when mixed with air under pressure it can ignite. Make sure the system is without pressure before using a torch for a repair. Recovery cylinders used with Refrigerant 410A are not the same cylinders used for Refrigerant 22. Refrigerant 410A recovery cylinders are constructed and tested to higher pressures, 400 PSIG (Pounds to the Square Inch Gauge). Since the vapor pressure of Refrigerant 410A is from 50% to 70% higher than Refrigerant 22 at the same temperature, service hoses, manifolds and gauges are all constructed to withstand higher pressures. See Figure 3 for the gauge faces. The oils used with the alternative refrigerant are also different. The oil used with the HCFC refrigerants such as 22 was mineral oil based. The oil used
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 1A
Invert cylinder if it has NO Dip Tube for charging. NO Dip Tube on cylinders manufactured after Feb. 1999.
Figure 2A
NO Dip Tube on cylinders manufactured after Feb. 1999.
18
Refrigerant Safety
with Refrigerant 410A is a synthetic oil called POLYOLESTER, abbreviated POE. This oil requires special handling. Since it is hygroscopic in nature, (it picks up moisture from the air), it must be kept sealed until used. Liquid line driers must be changed whenever the system is opened for service. A good vacuum cannot adequately remove the moisture from the synthetic oil as it did from a mineral oil based lubricant. The only system additive that may be used is AcidAway. This additive has ONLY been approved for Refrigerant 22, when used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. All other additives are discouraged and are not recommended. The last caution will seem unusual to the technician. Synthetic oil will attack many materials used in roofing. When service is required on equipment mounted on a roof, the surrounding roof must be protected from oil spray or spills. A plastic covering or tarp must be spread around the work area. This caution must be taken seriously! Wiping up spilled oil will not stop it from causing long term damage to roofing materials.
Figure 3
Application Notes
Replacement of a unit using Refrigerant 22 with a unit using Refrigerant 410A requires that both the indoor and outdoor units be replaced. If the existing line sets are the correct size and the oil from the replaced unit did not contain any acid, the existing line set may be used. The technician should make every effort to eliminate any low spots in the lines forming traps. Blow through the lines with dry nitrogen to reduce the amount of oil remaining in the lines. Then the lines may be used. Line set lengths and lift restrictions will be similar to those found in R22 systems. This table is shown for training only, and must be used only for that purpose. For line sizing, use Pub. No. 32-3009 latest edition.
19
20
TEMP
R410
TEMP
R410
TEMP
R410
-60 -55 -50 -45 -40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
1.2 3.4 5.8 8.6 11.6 14.9 18.5 22.5 26.9 31.7 36.8 42.5 48.6 49.9 51.2 52.5 53.8 55.2 56.6 58.0 59.4 60.9 62.3 63.8 65.4 66.9 68.5 70.0
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
71.7 73.3 75.0 76.6 78.3 80.1 81.8 83.6 85.4 87.3 89.1 91.0 92.9 94.9 96.8 98.8 100.8 102.9 105.0 107.1 109.2 111.4 113.6 115.8 118.0 120.3 122.6 125.0
Figure 4
44 45 46 47 48 49 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155
127.3 129.7 132.2 134.6 137.1 139.6 142.2 155.5 169.6 184.6 200.6 217.4 235.3 254.1 274.1 295.1 317.2 340.5 365.0 390.7 417.7 445.9 475.6 506.5 539.0 572.8 608.1 645.0
Pub No. 34-3400-01
21
189 195 202 208 215 222 229 236 243 251 259 266 274 283 291 299 308 317 326 335 345 354 364 374 384 395 406 416 427 439 450 462 474 486 499 511
58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128
56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126
Figure 5
54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124
52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122
50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120
48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118
22
410A Refrigerant
In the cooling cycle the Subcooling chart shown in Figure 5 will help you to make the decisions when charging units equipped with thermostatic expansion valves (TXV). Since the valve controls the superheat, subcooling must be used to determine the correct charge level. It is recommended that charging be done in the liquid phase. When adding liquid refrigerant into the low side of the system, a charge-metering device is recommended (WATSCO CH200, or equivalent). Allow ample time when adding refrigerant for the system to balance out, to avoid having to recover refrigerant. Existing Halide leak detectors do not work with R-410A. Existing acid test kits do not work with R-410A. (New kits are being developed.) Existing driers do not work with R-410A. Note that although R-410A does not deplete the ozone layer, all refrigerants must be recovered. R-410A systems use POE oil, which is not compatible with the oils used in R-22 systems. If existing refrigerant lines are to be used with an R-410A system (assuming that the line sizes are acceptable), they must be thoroughly blown out with dry nitrogen to remove the old oil. Blow vertical sections from top to bottom. POE oils absorb moisture very quickly. Keep container tightly closed, whenever possible, and expose the system to the atmosphere as little as possible. POE oils can also damage a roof, if spilled. Vacuum pumps can not remove all of the moisture from POE oils. Change the liquid line drier anytime the system is opened to the atmosphere. Suction line driers are to be left in the system for no more than 72 hours. Use only liquid and suction line driers approved for R-410A. Since all current R-410A systems are expansion valve systems, the refrigerant charge is to be checked by the subcooling method, See Charts 6 and 7 in the cooling cycle. In heating use the heating discharge pressure curves. Maximum liquid line pressure drop with R-410A systems is 50 PSI (10 subcooling). Recommended suction line pressure drop (2F) is 4.8 PSI (Round up to 5.0). At this time, only matched systems are permitted with R-410A. Both indoor and outdoor units must be changed in a unit replacement. R-410A boils at -62.9 at atmospheric pressure, so beware of frostbite! Line set lengths and lift restrictions will be similar to those found in R22 systems, as long as the rise is limited to 60 feet and the length is 200 feet or less. Tables on the following pages show the line sizes.
23
600
For charging outdoor units with R410A refrigerant at above 65F outdoor temperature in cooling mode and with indoor TXV.
550 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
ADD REFRIGERANT REMOVE REFRIGERANT
60 50 40 30 25 20 15 10 0
10
20
25
30
40
60 80
24
600
For charging outdoor units with R410A refrigerant at above 65F outdoor temperature in cooling mode and with indoor TXV.
550 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
ADD REFRIGERANT REMOVE REFRIGERANT
60 50 40 30 25 20 15 10 0
10
20
25
30
40
60 80
25
600 550
Indoor Unit
CFM
RWE040E13* RWE037E13
4 3
1160 1060
0 -7
0 -2
0 1
0 53
Cooling performance can be checked when the outdoor temperature is above 65.
1
90 100 110 120
To check cooling performance, allow pressures to stabilize and measure indoor wet bulb temperature, outdoor dry bulb temperature and pressures (both head and suction). Locate outdoor dry bulb and indoor wet bulb temperature. Find the intersection of the outdoor dry bulb temperature and indoor wet bulb temperature. Read head (or liquid) and suction pressure value in the left hand column of the chart. Actual Head Pressure should be 20 PSIG of chart.
INDOOR ENTERING WET BULB F
71F
150
SUCTION PRESSURE (PSIG)
145
67F
Example:
Outdoor Dry Bulb Temperature = 85F Indoor Wet Bulb Temperature = 67F
63F
Answer:
59F
Suction Pressure @1160 CFM = 137 PSIG Head Pressure @ 1160 CFM = 340 PSIG
1
100 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
26
450
80F
400
HEAD PRESSURE (PSIG)
70F
350
60F
Indoor Unit
CFM
RWE040E13* RWE037E13
1160 1060
0 -7
0 -2
0 1
0 53
Heating performance can be checked when the outdoor temperature is below 60F. To check heating performance, allow pressures to stabilize and measure indoor dry bulb temperature, outdoor temperature and pressures (both head and suction). Locate outdoor and indoor dry bulb temperature, find the intersection of the outdoor temperature and indoor temperature and read head or suction pressure value in the left hand column of the chart. Actual Head Pressure should be: Equal to or less than 10 PSIG of chart. Suction Pressure should be 5 PSIG of chart.
80F 60F
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
27
Notes
28
Notes
29
P.I. (L)