Refrigerant recovery/recycling system
US5617731A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2345/002
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a refrigerant recovery/recycling apparatus, a primary vapor-type filter/dryer is arranged downstream of the system inlet which receives recovered vapor refrigerant. The filter/dryer is provided with isolation valves upstream and downstream thereof so as to allow replacement of the cores. An oil separator is located downstream of the primary filter/dryer. To prevent excessive inlet pressures to the compressor of the recovery apparatus, a crankcase pressure regulator is provided upstream of the compressor inlet, in addition to high-and low-pressure shut-off switches. Furthermore, an oil separator is provided at the compressor outlet to remove any compressor oil from the superheated vapor refrigerant emerging from the compressor and returning that oil to the compressor via a return line. Condensed liquid refrigerant is provided to the recycling apparatus of the system by first passing through a second or recirculation filter/dryer, again one of conventional construction with replaceable filter cores. The filtered liquid refrigerant, from which non-condensable gas has been effectively removed by agitation in the filter/dryer, can then be supplied to an internal or external tank, and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.