Blog HVACR-Electrical Erceg Energy
Do you vacuum the Refrigeration/Air Conditioning systems after installation?
I have witnessed many times (here in Serbia and Australia) that air conditioners (domestic split systems) are not vacuumed after the installation completion- only "purged" and then put into operation.
My answer to this question as a top professional and someone who has been in the industry for over 30 years is a simple YES, YES, and only YES.
In conversation with many installers, I received the answer to this question that there is no need for it because they "know what they are doing" (an oxymoron because in fact with this answer they show their huge ignorance of the matter) and they are stating that they are completely confident in their flaring skills. Or simply not enough time for that procedure during the field installation.
How can they be so sure that the connections are hermetically sealed? That there is no "non-condensable" (moisture) in the pipe system? What document can they hand over to the user and guarantee that the system is ready for correct operation?
According to all worldwide professional standards (codes of practice), professional installers must be trained, and certified and must have appropriate tools and accessories for professional vacuuming of the system.
Necessary tools:
1 Vacuum pump
2 nitrogen (N) 100% purified (cylinder)
3 electronic vacuum gauge
Vacuuming the device is mandatory in the following way:
Connect the pressure gauges to the system (blue hose to the LP pressure service valve and yellow hose to the vacuum pump). Install an electronic vacuum manometer using special fittings between the cooling system and the pump in order to measure the "depth" of the vacuum. Open the LP valve and turn the vac pump ON. The international "code of practice" suggests 500 microns (vacuum unit) before letting refrigerant into the system.
If the vacuum pump cannot reach these values, you have a problem with poor flaring techniques or moisture in the pipe installation. Nitrogen can help in case of moisture in the system. About that in the next blog.
NOTE - Do not put the air conditioner into operation if the vacuum pump cannot pull down to 500 microns!!! The system will not work properly, the chances of malfunctions increase, and simply - That's NOT what a Real Professional DOES!!!!
Rade Erceg
Teacher, mAIRAH
Advanced Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Adult Learning and Education
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