For the blends like R-455A: what happens if there is a leak? At which % of leaks do i need to replace the entire refrigerant content of the installation due to a too high change in the composition?
This question has been addressed by a French public research institute (CNAM) who have carried out an extremely extensive test campaign on R455A combined with measuring circulating composition by infrared spectrometry.
The aim was to generate a 30% calibrated leak in the middle of the condenser of a condensing unit. There was a measurement of the COP and the cooling capacity before / after as well as the circulating composition. Then the unit was topped-up with new R-455A and the same procedure was applied 6 times in a row.
The conclusion is clear: the unit must be topped-up with new fluid until at least 30% leakage. The performance of the system is unchanged and the composition in circulation is still within the specifications of the original product.
Therefore, there must be a much greater leakage than 30% before thinking of changing the fluid. In this case other issues such as oil leakage and the condition of the compressor would have to be considered.
L40X-mixtures of gases, what is taken care while charging in system ?
As with all refrigerants with temperature glide, the charge must be carried out in the liquid phase. Never charge in gaseous phase.
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