Refrigerant Identification Testing

1. NOTE: Use a Refrigerant Blend Identifier to identify gas samples taken directly from the refrigeration system or storage containers prior to recovering or charging the refrigerant system.

   Follow the instructions included with Refrigerant Blend Identifier to obtain the sample for testing.
   General Equipment : Refrigerant Identification Equipment

1. NOTE: The refrigerant identifier displays one of the following:

   • If the purity level of R-134a is 98% or greater by weight, the green PASS LED . The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22, hydrocarbons and air will be displayed on the digital display.
     
   • If refrigerant R-134a does not meet the 98% purity level, the red FAIL LED and an alarm sounds alerting the user of potential hazards. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22 and hydrocarbons will be displayed on the digital display.
     
   • If hydrocarbon concentrations are 2% or greater by weight, the red FAIL LED, "Hydrocarbon High" will be displayed on the digital display, and an alarm will sound alerting the user of potential hazards. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22 and hydrocarbons will also be displayed on the digital display.
     

1. The percentage of air contained in the sample will be displayed if the R-134a content is 98% or greater. The refrigerant identifier eliminates the effect of air when determining the refrigerant sample content because air is not considered a contaminant, although air can affect A/C system performance. When the refrigerant identifier has determined that a refrigerant source is pure (R-134a is 98% or greater by weight) and air concentration levels are 2% or greater by weight, it will prompt the user if an air purge is desired.
   

1. If contaminated refrigerant is detected, repeat the refrigerant identification test to verify the refrigerant is indeed contaminated.
   

1. NOTICE: If contaminated refrigerant is detected, DO NOT recover the refrigerant into R-134a recovery/recycling equipment. Recovery of contaminated refrigerant contaminates the recovered refrigerant supply and may damage the recovery/recycling equipment.

   NOTE: Install anew suction accumulator or receiver/drier as directed by the A/C system flushing procedure.

   Recover the contaminated refrigerant using suitable recovery-only equipment designed for capturing and storing contaminated refrigerant only.
   

1. Determine and correct the cause of the customer's initial concern.
   

1. Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Flushing (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Dispose of the contaminated refrigerant in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations.
   

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