17
Method Of Charging
The acceptable method for charging the Vert-I-Pak system
is the Weighed in Charge Method. The weighed in charge
method is applicable to all units. It is the preferred method
to use, as it is the most accurate.
The weighed in method should always be used whenever
a charge is removed from a unit such as for a leak repair,
compressor replacement, or when there is no refrigerant
charge left in the unit. To charge by this method, requires
the following steps:
1. Install a piercing valve to remove refrigerant from the
sealed system. (Piercing valve must be removed from
the system before recharging.)
2. Recover Refrigerant in accordance with EPA
regulations.
3. Install a process tube to sealed system.
4. Make necessary repairs to system.
5. Evacuate system to 300 microns or less.
6. Weigh in refrigerant with the property quantity of
R-22 refrigerant.
7. Start unit, and verify performance.
8. Crimp the process tube and solder the end shut.
An undercharged system will result in poor performance
(low pressures, etc.) in both the heating and cooling
cycle.
Whenever you service a unit with an under charge of
refrigerant, always suspect a leak. The leak must be
repaired before charging the unit.
To check for an undercharged system, turn the unit on,
allow the compressor to run long enough to establish
working pressures in the system (15 to 20 minutes).
During the cooling cycle you can listen carefully at the exit
of the metering device into the evaporator; an intermittent
hissing and gurgling sound indicates a low refrigerant
charge. Intermittent frosting and thawing of the evaporator
is another indication of a low charge, however, frosting
and thawing can also be caused by insuffi cient air over
the evaporator.
Checks for an undercharged system can be made at the
compressor . If the compressor seems quieter than normal,
NOTE: In order to access the sealed system it will be necessary to install Schrader type
fi ttings to the process tubes on the discharge and suction of the compressor. Proper
recovery refrigerant procedures need to be adhered to as outlined in EPA Regulations.
THIS SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Undercharged Refrigerant Systems
it is an indication of a low refrigerant charge. A check of the
amper age drawn by the compressor motor should show a
lower reading. (Check the Unit Specifi cation.) After the unit
has run 10 to 15 minutes, check the gauge pressures.
Gauges connected to system with an under charge will
have low head pressures and substantially low suction
pressures.