Refrigerant recovery, purification and recharging system and method
US5172562A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2345/002
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a combined recovery, purification and recharging system, a refrigerant compressor has an inlet coupled to a recovery control valve for connection to a refrigeration system under service from which refrigerant is to be recovered, purified and recharged into the system. The compressor outlet is connected to a first port of a refrigerant storage container. A filter for removing contaminants from refrigerant is coupled to a circulation control valve for selectively circulating refrigerant in a closed path during a purification cycle from a second port of the container through the filter back to the first port of the container. A vacuum pump is coupled to a vacuum control valve for selective connection to the refrigeration system under service during a vacuum cycle for evacuating the system under service to atmosphere. A pressure sensor is connected to the vacuum pump for automatically terminating vacuum pump operation when pressure in the system under service is below a preselected low-pressure threshold. The purification cycle may be initiated either automatically upon initiation of a vacuum cycle, or by an operator independently of the vacuum cycle. A recharging control valve is c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.