How To Recover Refrigerant From A Fridge

Refrigerant is essential for the proper functioning of a fridge, but sometimes it may need to be removed or recovered for various reasons. For example, you may need to recover refrigerant from a fridge if:

• You want to dispose of or recycle an old or broken fridge
• You want to repair or replace a part of the fridge that involves the refrigerant system
• You want to recharge or refill the refrigerant level in the fridge

Recovering refrigerant from a fridge is not a simple or easy task. It requires special tools, equipment, and skills. It also involves safety and environmental risks, as refrigerant can be harmful to your health and the ozone layer if not handled properly.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional technician or service to recover refrigerant from your fridge. However, if you are confident and qualified to do it yourself, you should follow these steps and precautions.

There are three basic methods to recover refrigerant from a fridge:

• Liquid recovery method: transfer refrigerant while it’s still in the liquid state. This method is especially good for transferring refrigerant from one container to another.
• Vapor recovery method: transfer refrigerant while it’s in the vapor state. This method is suitable for most fridges and refrigerants.
• Push-pull recovery method: transfer refrigerant by using both liquid and vapor recovery methods. This method is faster and more efficient than the other methods, but it has some limitations and restrictions.

How to Recover Refrigerant from a Fridge Using the Liquid Recovery Method

The liquid recovery method involves transferring refrigerant from the high-pressure side of the fridge (the condenser) to a recovery tank while it’s still in the liquid state. This method is ideal for transferring large amounts of refrigerant quickly and easily.

To recover refrigerant from a fridge using the liquid recovery method, you will need:

• A recovery machine that can handle liquid refrigerant
• A recovery tank that can hold enough refrigerant
• A set of gauges and hoses that are compatible with your fridge and refrigerant type
• A scale to weigh the recovery tank
• A pair of gloves, goggles, and protective clothing

To recover refrigerant from a fridge using the liquid recovery method, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the fridge. Wait for at least 15 minutes for the pressure to equalize.
2. Locate the high-pressure port on the condenser of the fridge. It may be marked with an H or a red cap.
3. Connect one end of a hose to the high-pressure port and the other end to the inlet port of the recovery machine.
4. Connect another hose from the outlet port of the recovery machine to the liquid port of the recovery tank.
5. Weigh the empty recovery tank and record its weight.
6. Turn on the recovery machine and set it to liquid mode.
7. Open both valves on the gauges and hoses and let the liquid refrigerant flow from the fridge to the recovery tank.
8. Monitor the pressure on the gauges and hoses and make sure they don’t exceed their limits.
9. When there is no more liquid refrigerant flowing from the fridge, turn off the recovery machine and close both valves on the gauges and hoses.
10. Disconnect all hoses and ports and cap them securely.
11. Weigh the full recovery tank and subtract its weight from its empty weight to get the amount of refrigerant recovered.

How to Recover Refrigerant from a Fridge Using the Vapor Recovery Method

The vapor recovery method involves transferring refrigerant from the low-pressure side of the fridge (the evaporator) to a recovery tank while it’s in the vapor state. This method is suitable for most fridges and refrigerants, but it may take longer than the liquid recovery method.

To recover refrigerant from a fridge using the vapor recovery method, you will need:

• A recovery machine that can handle vapor refrigerant
• A recovery tank that can hold enough refrigerant
• A set of gauges and hoses that are compatible with your fridge and refrigerant type
• A scale to weigh the recovery tank
• A pair of gloves, goggles, and protective clothing

To recover refrigerant from a fridge using the vapor recovery method, follow these steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the fridge. Wait for at least 15 minutes for the pressure to equalize.
2. Locate the low-pressure port on the evaporator of the fridge. It may be marked with an L or a blue cap.
3. Connect one end of a hose to the low-pressure port and the other end to the inlet port of the recovery machine.
4. Connect another hose from the outlet port of the recovery machine to the vapor port of the recovery tank.
5. Weigh the empty recovery tank and record its weight.
6. Turn on the recovery machine and set it to vapor mode.
7. Open both valves on the gauges and hoses and let the vapor refrigerant flow from the fridge to the recovery tank.
8. Monitor the pressure on the gauges and hoses and make sure they don’t exceed their limits.
9. When there is no more vapor refrigerant flowing from the fridge, turn off the recovery machine and close both valves on the gauges and hoses.
10. Disconnect all hoses and ports and cap them securely.
11. Weigh the full recovery tank and subtract its weight from its empty weight to get the amount of refrigerant recovered.

Conclusion

Refrigerant is a substance that circulates in a fridge and helps it cool down the food inside. Refrigerant can be in the form of a gas or a liquid, depending on the pressure and temperature.

Refrigerant may need to be removed or recovered from a fridge for various reasons, such as disposal, repair, or recharge. Recovering refrigerant from a fridge is not a simple or easy task. It requires special tools, equipment, and skills. It also involves safety and environmental risks.

There are three basic methods to recover refrigerant from a fridge: liquid recovery method, vapor recovery method, and push-pull recovery method. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type and amount of refrigerant you need to recover.

You should always follow the instructions on the label of your fridge and refrigerant product when recovering refrigerant from a fridge. You should also wear appropriate PPE and use approved tools, equipment, and containers. You should also follow all safety and environmental regulations regarding the handling, storage, and disposal of refrigerant.

Recovering refrigerant from a fridge is a complex and risky process that should be done by a professional or a qualified person. However, if you are confident and qualified to do it yourself, you should follow these steps and precautions carefully.