If you are looking for how to recover R134a with a vacuum pump, you have come to the right place. Today we will share with you the process of recovering R134a and how a vacuum pump will work in this process as well.
For your convenience, we would like to say that R134a is a refrigerant that is a member of HFC. This is called Tetrafluoroethane. Primarily, it is used for automotive air conditioning and refrigeration replacement of high-temperature domestic and commercial appliances. However, current manufacturers no longer use it, especially in the US. So keep reading to know about the removing technique of R134a with a vacuum pump.
What is R134a?
Learn a little about it before recovering R134a with a vacuum pump. Then it will become clearer to you what it actually is and what it does. The R134a is a common refrigerator that is widely used for refrigeration and air conditioning purposes. Also, this refrigerator is being operated as quite a useful item in both domestic and commercial fields.
For domestic and commercial use, medium and high-temperature refrigeration, residential, light, automotive air conditioning play a vital role. After all, R134a is a component of the HFC refrigerant blend that aims to provide maximum benefits in propellant applications.
How to Recover R134a With a Vacuum Pump
Recovering the R134a with a vacuum pump is not rocket science. So for this, you must follow some steps. Before following the steps, you have to maintain some necessary safety tips. Because this is a mechanical task and safety is above all. They are as follows:
Safety Guidelines
- Ensure to wear hand gloves before beginning work
- Do not forget to wear eye protector glass as well
- Before starting work, make sure that there is no electrical connection. If so, turn it off.
- Select a clean place to make the work easier
Required Attachments
Required attachment comes after safety guidelines. The first step in recovering R134a with a vacuum pump is to assemble the equipment. If there is a shortage of necessary equipment in it, work interruption may occur.
- Recovery tank
- A vacuum pump
- Adapters
- Valves (high/low)
- ¼” Fittings
- HVAC manifold (high/low)
- 3 Hoses (blue, yellow, black)
- Couplers
After taking the tool, let’s go deeper into the actual task. Here are the steps to recover a perfect R134a refrigerant with a vacuum pump step by step.
Process
You will be able to easily recover R134a with a vacuum pump. This R134a refrigerant is recoverable through condensation. See the steps below.
Step 1
Since the refrigerant has a pressure of 150 psi at 100F, take a refrigerant recovery tank with pressure above 300psi. This is because to avoid overloading easily, you must check the fitting of this tank. 1/4 “fitting is appropriate.
Step 2
At this point remove the original valves and rinse the tank with water. Make sure the tank is not too hot. Because if your tank is hot then there is a possibility of overload. Now put an automotive 2 stage vacuum pump in the collection before doing the main work
Step 3
Now it’s time to connect the necessary attachments. Attach the 3 hoses to their respective system. Firstly, attach the blue hose to the manifold below the coupler. In the same way, tie the yellow hose to the recovery tank and finally add the black hose to the vacuum pump.
Step 4
The next step for you is to open the refrigerant recovery tank, vacuum valve, and low valve. Then close the couplers.
Step 5
All you have to do at this stage is remove the recovery tank and 3 hoses. When hose removal is complete, close the vacuum valve. Similarly, remove the vacuum pump from the gauge.
Step 6
Manipulate the low side valves to get the R134a out. Typically, the expected pressure range of R134a at ambient temperature is 150psi. Then slowly open the lower valves as crossing those means causes problems in the system.
When opening the low valve, the residual pressure should be closer to 6 psi. Now in the tank, you will see the condensation that is created from the refrigerant.
Step 7
Lastly, put some ice in a plastic bucket and put the tank in it. Take it back to the fridge. However, this may slow down the sublimation. During this time, be sure to close all other valves, including the vacuum tank valve. And this is exactly how you will be able to recover R134a from your system.
How Does a Vacuum Pump Work?
A vacuum pump is a place where there is no substance or matter. Therefore, the main goal of a vacuum pump is to remove particles chemically or mechanically to achieve vacuum. Acquired vacuum can be full or partial. This is a common feature of pressure molecules that move from an area of high-pressure molecules to a region of low-pressure molecules to maintain balance.
In this condition, vacuum pumps are working and they behave abnormally to make a vacuum by removing the particles or troubling the balance. The most vital thing to consider is that the vacuum pump doesn’t suck the air particles but rather it removes the air molecules.
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Recover R134a?
It usually costs between $ 35 and $ 44 to recover the R134a. There is no additional charge, labor cost, tax associated with this cost. Moreover, depending on your location or vehicle, the amount of this cost can vary.
Does Any Oil Come Out When the Air Conditioner Vacuum?
No, vacuuming the air conditioner does not release the oil. If you do not replace the compressor or accumulator, you do not need to add any extra oil.
What Causes a Vacuum Pump to fail?
The most common reasons for a vacuum pump to fail are a broken belt, an electrical issue inside the unit, or a problem with the vacuum hose. Moreover, a vacuum pump works consistently. So wear and tear may be responsible for reducing the performance of the vacuum pump.
Conclusion
A vacuum pump is a versatile tool that helps you with many tasks. Such as bleeding from the clutch through a vacuum pump, vacuuming the AC system, and so on. Hopefully, this article will help recover R134a refrigerant from your AC system. Now if you are not confident you can take the help of a professional mechanic to recover R134a.
