Chapter 3 HVAC Tools, Equipment, and Service Information 51
Recovery/Recycling Equipment
Recovery/recycling equipment is used to recover
and recycle the refrigerant in a system. Refrigerant must
be recovered and recycled to meet federal laws. Recycling
equipment removes the refrigerant from a refrigeration
system and stores it for reuse. When the refrigerant is
needed, the equipment recycles (reinstalls) it into the same
or another vehicle refrigeration system.
Most recovery and recycling machines also clean
and dehumidify refrigerant for immediate reuse. The
refrigerant may be stored in a standard 30 pound cylin-
der or in a separate charging tank. Most machines are
designed to recycle R-134a or R-12 only. Recycling
equipment is attached to the vehicle refrigeration
system through hoses in the same manner as a gauge
manifold.
Dedicated Machines
Different types of refrigerants cannot be mixed.
Therefore, each refrigerant service machine can only
be used with one type of refrigerant. These machines
are called dedicated machines. An air conditioning
service shop must have a separate dedicated machine
for each type of refrigerant. In most shops, this means
every machine used for R-134a must have a companion
machine for use with R-12. If the shop uses a third
refrigerant, a separate machine must be used. Some
newer units are combination types, which can service
systems using either type of refrigerant. Typical recovery/
recycling machines for R-12 and R-134a are shown in
Figure 3-27.
Figure 3-24. This power crimping tool uses hydraulic pressure
to crimp the hose. Power crimping tools are easier to use and
provide a more positive seal.
Figure 3-25. Orifi ce tube tools are needed to remove the orifi ce tube on many refrigeration systems. Using the tool reduces the
chance of damage to the tube and fi tting, and of leaving debris in the system. (Ford)
Removal and
installation tool
Fixed
orifice tool
Notch