Refrigerant recovery operation

[@geraldoribeiro5]

Before anything else you are a awesome Teacher man!!! I just love to watch your videos!!! You make it to look so easy. Its amazing!!! Just love it. Thanks very much for this beautiful video!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Geraldo Ribeiro Thanks for the support. GFM

[@tstatech]

I always weigh before and after (without any hoses connected) then write the results on the jug. One, it's more accurate because the hose weight is inconsistent due to it's bendiness and my short term memory isn't all that good. Great video, as always.

[@alamacautosolution8286]

hi

[@drummerplusone]

Great job man! I got my certification for refrigerant recovery way back from Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, MO., when it first became law that refrigerants could not be released any longer into the atmosphere. I must say that this is truly a nice video, simple and straight forward and responsibly explained as well. Well done and kudus!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support. GFM

[@franciscocastellanos9157]

Another excelent explanation of system refrigerant evacuation which help to explain why the nationwide cause of faulty outdoor heating TXV's in recently installed heat pumps these days (contaminants ) for not following the proper techniques. Thumbs up as usual!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Francisco Castellanos Thanks for the support. GFM

[@lincolnhunt9558]

Francisco Castellanos A lot of it is because bad technicians aren't careful when installing/servicing systems, and they allow contaminants to get into the open system. It's not like the 80s, when line sets and entire units were pre-charged with self-piercing line sets that required no gauge hookup. They would flush the entire system after it was assembled, vacuum, and then charge and ship it out. Very clean systems that had almost zero contamination, but that isn't really seen today.

[@elbeemer]

Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to prepare the videos so that, us, the audience may learn from them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@anthonyw8107]

Can you add a video on using a thermal camera to find leaks and troubleshooting equipment. I love how informative you are with everything

[@grayfurnaceman]

I will see what I can do. GFM

[@smeglip]

Bad-a$$. Thank you. I needed a refresher and this one had the touch of a knowledgeable expert.

[@hg2.]

Min 1:40 About pressures in a turned off system: can we expect "high side" and "low side" pressures to be equal? Do they equalize when system has been "sitting around " unused for "a while" (wouldn't that indicate a leak?)

[@hg2.]

PS "saturation" is a fancy word for "boiling point" correct ?

[@pctuterman1]

Very detailed. I subscribed today to your channel just from watching this one video.

[@douglasheld]

5:43 what's the point of bleeding this to the atmosphere? Certainly most of it is air but some of that is refrigerant gas. Wouldn't it make better sense to pull a vacuum on all the lines before opening the service port valves?

[@jd3413]

Its air came out he didn't let it reach the refrigerant stage to escape, obviously 🙄

[@TheGibby3340]

Thank you Sir. This video clarified a few lingering questions for me. Cheers 👍

[@вечная_мерзлота]

Now that's a thorough explanation. Best ever.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support. GFM

[@courtneyrobinson4639]

Great sir I am watching from Jamaica well done

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support. GFM

[@cheddahman1604]

Keep up the good work brother sending respect tall from floor to ceiling.

[@grayfurnaceman]

cheddah man Thanks for the support GFM

[@1marcelfilms]

What do I do with the recovery machine after use? I rarely need to use it say once a year or less often. Do you need to suck a vacuum on it to empty it out of any remaining refrigerant and possible moisture? Also I recommend using a shutoff valve between the output and the hose so you dont end up with a hose full of liquid refrigerant.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I leave the machine with a refrigerant charge. Evacuation is not effective with many of these machines as I have seen them leak out the evacuation. GFM

[@WallaceRoseVincent]

6 years later ... Still good as new!

[@mrexecutive1]

Before evacuating, would there be a concern of what exactly the type of refrigerant was used on a customers unit? possibly contaminated china stuff?

[@pingpong9656]

What about the oil in the compressor? On car HVAC recovery you can separate off the oil to determine how much to put back in - is there anything like that for this system?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Oil removed from these systems is very small, and it is not generally replaced. Automotive does not have a reservoir of oil, so the oil charge is critical. GFM

[@stanmorton8975]

My robinaire rg 3 doesn't have purge valve. How is liquid removed from unit on this set up?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The compressor will pass liquid thru. I know it does not make sense that a gas compressor will pass liquid but they seem to have solved that problem, The purge is not necessary as the amount of liquid remaining in the recovery unit is considered to be deminimus. GFM

[@joshuapittle764]

How would you purge the recovery machine if it doesn't have a purge setting

[@grayfurnaceman]

If it has no purge, it is not considered necessary to purge. GFM

[@yahushaking4367]

did you open the recovery tank valve before starting the recovery process or both the blue and red knowbs on the recovery tank are closed?

[@utube9139]

Thank for the video GFM! I am going to replace a leaked service valves and suction line accumulator on a HP unit. Does my G5 recovery also recover all the oil out of the compressor or just the Refrigerant? How do I figured how much oil to put back into the system. Nitro while umbraze and braze, nitro standing leak test 150 psig and pull vacuum w/ micron gauge. Since the system is flat, I am giong to weight in the R22 liquid from my recovery tank +line lengh through the fully open hi side service valve unstill it stop (unit is off ) . Turn on unit and charging the rest of vapor in suction service valve. I am in my 2 semester in technical junior college . This I my first major repair inside a condenser. Not really sure if I am follow the right procedures. Your advices and opinions greatly appreciate.

[@FordRVRefrigeration]

Things in the HVACR industry sure have changed in the last 36 years. It makes me feel old haha

[@grayfurnaceman]

Ford's RV Training & Service We are old. There was nothing like this stuff when I started either. GFM

[@ghostridergr8259]

what happen is system have to much humidity ... the dry filter blocks or the freom and water goes inside to empty bottle? hi

[@grayfurnaceman]

If your system has been open as with a leak and it is R-410A, about the only way to dry the system is with an oversized drier. If you are also thinking of reusing refrigerant, I would not, especially if the system has been open. GFM

[@richardsegui1128]

If you do not have a purge option, how would you perform a purge? Thanks for passing on your knowledge!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Not sure why you are saying there is no purge option. Purging simply reduces any mixing of the refrigerant with air. GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

@Racist Brownie That machine passes the EPA regulations without a purge option. I would still purge the machine by opening the valves and pressurizing from the A/C unit. GFM

[@ronthomas6712]

You’re the man Gary!

[@EurekaRecycler]

Is there any difference if the AC unit has a check valve? Thanks for all your help

[@starlite528]

What happens to the refrigerant thats left in the line between the cylinder and the recovery machine? Or did that get cleared out by the purge?

[@truckinforever985]

excellent video from hook up to purge. I know you had both sides open while recovering, but alot of techs from what I see recover in vapor state. Do you know why that is, and how much longer would it take to remove vapor from a split system that had around 10 pounds in it of r410a

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

How often do you change filter dryer

[@samanderson9320]

thank you for this video, but do you think it should be connect the hose of discharge port ( in recovery machine) to the liquid side of the recovery cylinder ??

[@grayfurnaceman]

sam anderson When you are moving refrigerant into the cylinder, it makes no difference which port you use. The liquid and gas ports are only needed for removal of refrigerant. GFM

[@bunty9714]

Garry you are best teacher

[@MrStatic101]

Thanks GFM always wanted to know how this was done. Great video, very informative

[@biblebloopers946]

How often should you change your dryer for your recovery machine?

[@grayfurnaceman]

If the dryer is sealed after use, I generally replace them after about 5 uses. GFM

[@biblebloopers946]

@@grayfurnaceman thank you

[@vincentherman468]

I would like to know if you could pull a vacuum on the whole set of hoses instead of that long bleed? If you had ball valves at all the hose ends can you take the yellow from the recov. cyl. put a ball valve on it, hook it to a vac pump. Evac all lineset with process hose, close the ball valve and put the hose back to the tank and then no bleed. Can you do that? Thanks.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I don't see why not. GFM

[@vincentherman468]

+grayfurnaceman Thanks I like watching your videos :)

[@driverjeff1498]

Your cylinder had a vacum. Why. Did you pull a vacum on it first?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes. My intention was to reinstall the refrigerant I removed, so I wanted a clean cyclinder. GFM

[@RC-Heli835]

Can you vacuum down a tank that has a pound of freon in it or is it not necessarry?

[@grayfurnaceman]

That's a violation of federal law. It should be at 15" vacuum. You can certainly do it, it will just take a little longer. GFM

[@RC-Heli835]

@@grayfurnaceman You dont use a fresh tank for every single job do you? I figured you let it get close to capacity before swapping it. Is that correct?

[@grayfurnaceman]

@@RC-Heli835 I do not. It is filled to 80% then sent for recycle. I never reuse refrigerant. GFM

[@RC-Heli835]

@@grayfurnacemanIs the freon a low pressure gas before it reaches the recovery machine?

[@grayfurnaceman]

@@RC-Heli835 Depending on how the recovery is done, it could be gas or liquid. GFM

[@Spencerbuildsit]

Thanks Grey. Going though all your vids as they are choked full of knowledge and experience. Not speaking too quickly, and not trying to be an entertainer. Thanks. Question: What equalizes the pressure as refrigerant is evacuated? .Is this replaced with air? Wouldn't this contaminate the refrigerant? Do you reuse the reclaimed refrigerant? Wouldn't it be better to replace with nitrogen? As an off topic question- Do you get concerned with cross contamination of different refrigerants in a single SMAN?

[@cibunea40]

You substract gas from system, and the pressure drops, thats is pressure equalisation pv=uRT Is replaced by nothing, so no contamination

[@michaelcostello6991]

If high and low side not the same pressure before you commence, would the refrigerant not flow from high to low via the hoses and manifold pushing the air in the hoses into the low side ?

[@grayfurnaceman]

There is no air as the first operation is to bleed the hoses before you start. GFM

[@Darkninja624]

I have a 220 window unit that I plan to convert to a heat pump ' putting in a reversing valve. the system is r22 can I put 152a in it without changing any other components

[@grayfurnaceman]

Do you like fire? I did a video on this "refrigerant" It is flammable. It may work but a heat pump is much more than a reversing valve. Have fun if you want, but be careful. GFM

[@Darkninja624]

+grayfurnaceman I plan on ducting air to the evaporator so it will not freez I plan on pulling this air from the basement floor.. I am just looking for advice

[@superchickensuperchicken7939]

grayfurnaceman, what if you are pulling refrigerant from a 2500 ton chiller do you run the cooling tower fan or fans?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I assume its a centrifugal. I would run the pumps and fans for the cooling tower as the removal may freeze the water in the evap or condenser. GFM

[@tyl8ter]

I watch all you videos there GREAT......I have a Question though?.........I am thinking of purchasing the Fieldpiece SMAN460 wireless .....are there any issues with these gauges your aware of.........Thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Michael Madrigal I can't give first hand on this but there have been some problems with the wireless. Great idea if it works. GFM

[@lroct6654]

great Job by showng us how to recover properly

[@fletcherphoto]

Do you reuse recovery machine driers if you know the system was not contaminated and appears to not have non-condensables, so long as you keep it closed off from the atmosphere? Also; if you re-charge the system with the recovered refrigerant--even if it appears to not have non-condensables--could it possibly be beneficial to crack open the cylinder's vapor valve momentarily in case there is some air present (aside from the issue of venting)? Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Brian Fletcher I do reuse the driers. It is kept closed off from the atmosphere with the process hose. A small bleed may be helpful. However, I do not reuse refrigerant. GFM

[@fletcherphoto]

grayfurnaceman You raise a question in my mind - in cases where the same refrigerant is not charged back into the system what about the oil that came out during a liquid recovery? And in my case I have a basic recovery machine with no oil separator. Is there a concern? Or I have read that refrigerant has its "own" oil. Is that the only oil that exits the system during recovery, and will the new refrigerant carry its own oil back into the system? Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Brian Fletcher None of the recovery systems have an oil separator. The machines rely on oil from the systems for their own lubrication. There is no refrigerant that "has its own oil" except perhaps Sulphur dioxide and you don't want that one! Oil that is in the system is from the crankcase of the compressor. For the most part, the amount of oil in the refrigerant is negligible. Hope this helps. GFM

[@fletcherphoto]

grayfurnaceman Thank you for the clarification, and all the time you take to help!

[@fletcherphoto]

A late follow-up, but still a question in my mind. I understand you do not reuse refrigerant. So after you recover and charge with new refrigerant do you add oil to the system? I read where you stated it is negligible but in my case my system charge is 14 lbs of R410A. If you removed 14 lbs and charged with virgin R410A would you not add any oil? Or if you would add some, is there a method to determine how much? While I have read where oil is necessary for the compressor I've also read that too much can impede with proper performance. Thx!

[@jimgill5706]

Where did you get the short 1/4" hose to attach the filter/dryer to the recovery machine? I have always used a short piece of 1/4" copper with flare connections on each end. I can't find any short hoses online and none of the supply houses here have them. Thanks again for your great videos.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Jim Gill Unfortunately, I don't remember where I got it. GFM

[@walterbrunswick]

The United Refrigeration supply place near my place has some that come with a removable ball valve (made by NRP). Check your local one.

[@pistonring1399]

Hi! How do I recalculate/recompensate for the lost oil xoes goes with the refrigerant on recovery? Is there any mathematical formula to determine how much oil is left on the system parts after the recovery?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The amount of oil in the refrigerant is very low. Not worth considering. I did a video on oil loss. GFM

[@pistonring1399]

grayfurnaceman thank you

[@zekenzy6486]

how I know the condenser unit need how many pound of R -22. Is all the condensers units need to charge into 5 pounds ?

[@grayfurnaceman]

You will need to know the factory charge. It will be found on the model plate. Line length may also require additional refrigerant. It all depends on the manufacturer. GFM

[@zekenzy6486]

my house have goodman condenser unit said factory charge oz R22 117.0 . How do I know this condenser unit is need charge recovery how many pound R22 ? Thanks you. I want to learn more about HVAC.

[@grayfurnaceman]

The 117 is ounces of charge. As for how do you know if it needs charge, that's a bit more complicated. If you are sure of your abilities, you can check out some my videos on charging that may help. GFM

[@bellestarr9188]

How can I tell if an a/c split unit has been evacuated of freon before I move it? It is not installed right now. Disconnected from power etc.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Belle Starr If you remove one of the the service caps, then depress the schrader (tire valve). Don't use your finger, liquid refrigerant will burn you. If pressure comes out, the unit is charged. Hope this helps. GFM

[@tuckkerreza4990]

Alot of times they are charged with nitrogen not refrigerant because it keep the system geting exposed to oxygen moisture and dirt cause this will ruin your sight glass moisture indicator and will ruin your compressor cause it cant compress thies things causing slugging

[@Guyhakverdi]

Is there anything special about the recovery cylinder? Is it just a can or has some special parts? Can we push refrigerant with this machine to any empty cylinder?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Guy Hakverdi The refrigerant cylinders are throwaway and have a check valve that will not allow refrigerant to go back in. The recovery cylinders are much heavier and have a liquid and gas valve. GFM

[@Guyhakverdi]

Got it. Thanks.

[@amtpdb1]

When you purged the recovery machine, isn't there still freon in the yellow hose and what do you do about that? Sorry for all the questions. The videos are very instructive. Thanks again.

[@Killahmike714]

No because the valves on the low and high side were still closed

[@grayfurnaceman]

It will be released when the hose is removed. It is considered a de-minimus release. GFM

[@Lunoevangelist]

he should be purging the manifold

[@joedixon8804]

Does that turning on the fan technique work with split systems also? Or just packaged units for recovery

[@grayfurnaceman]

It works well with splits. GFM

[@rosebud774]

How deep of a vacuum on the recovery tanks500 microns 300 or lower , what would you know to be a good vacuum for recovery? o the tanks. im sorry its late im sleepy an just curious.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+dale lankford You will be lucky to get 500 on a used system. I usually wait until the vacuum settles at a level below 1000. GFM

[@rosebud774]

+grayfurnaceman im sorry I wasn't clear how much vacuum on the recovery tank thank you inadvance for answering rdl

[@grayfurnaceman]

+dale lankford You should generally get 500 on a recovery cylinder. GFM

[@rosebud774]

Thanks man, Your videos answer a lot of questions . I have my NATE cert. and I still come across things I didn't think too ask or just plain don't remember im not new per say, but after Trade school ive had to unlearn a lot of OLD habits such as the beer can method of charging a system.

[@derekreyes7487]

I know this is an old video but very helpful thank you

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@maplewoodsp]

Where did the system oil go during this operation? Is there oil in the recovery tank? If you were going to recharge the unit, would you need to put it in a vacuum and add a certain quantity of oil? Cheers

[@grayfurnaceman]

I get quite a few questions on oil removal. In most cases, there is not enough oil removed to effect operation. I will have to do a video on this. GFM

[@maplewoodsp]

+grayfurnaceman when you make that video, it would be nice to know how much oil is in a 3-ton condenser system, for example. If a unit is overcharged, removing charge through the suction line while the unit operates will remove some oil. There are also little expendable devices that will show when oil is burnt. I have a few of these in sealed blister packs, but never used one. I speculate is replacing oil is a good idea? Know-nothing auto mechanics will sometimes claim automatic transmission oil is "burnt" by smelling the dipstick. Maybe, and maybe not.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have never replaced oil in an air conditioning system. If the system is installed clean, there should be no breakdown in the oil because there is no oxygen in the system. GFM

[@erikthorsen4466]

The only time I find I need to add or replace oil in the compressor on an AC unit, whether hermetic or not, is when there has been a bad refrigerant leak. Usually you'll see oil around bottom of condenser floor and/or in areas where the leak has occurred. I remove the compressor and drain out as much oil as I can and then measure the correct quantity per manufacturer back in through the suction port.

[@winstonlee5351]

Can this machine be re-charge the recovered refrigerant back to the unit?and how?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Winston Lee You can recharge the unit with the old refrigerant. You do not need the recovery machine. Just use the cylinder as you would a new one. Legally, you can only use the recovered refrigerant in machines owned by the same person or company. Hope this helps. GFM

[@newstart49]

Remember, the tag on the condenser shows the charge for 15 ft of copper lines (Most systems today) and a matched system. If you have refrigerant lines longer than 15 ft. and a larger indoor coil, you will need to add xx ounces per foot of lines and see the spec sheet on the indoor coil or finish the charge per the subcooling for a TX valve or superheat per a piston system. But the indoor coil and filter must be clean, the proper cfm running for the system and the indoor temps near the comfort range. The dew point temp may be required for proper charging as well- see the systems specs.

[@grayfurnaceman]

newstart49 This video just covers recovery of refrigerant recovery. If you are interested, here is a playlist on charging: kzbin.info/aero/PLItXrh64d2JNue0B3iGRSAPpPgni6mcqS In any event, thanks for the thoughts. GFM

[@szymonkozaczka237]

IS THAT THE BEST WAY TO RECLAIM WINDOW AC UNIT REFIGERANT ? THANK YOU FOR VERY WELL DONE VIDEO.

[@arnoldnavarro21]

so when you purge dont you run the liqud refrigenerent thru the recovery machine? why didnt it ruin your machine?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Arnold Navarro Good question. The condenser on the recovery machine becomes an evaporator during purge. The refrigerant boils in the evap and is purged out as a gas. This is not to say these things do not get liquid in them. They do and are designed to be able to pump some liquid without damage. However, I try to not to get too much liquid in them as that is the primary cause of pump failure. Hope this helps. GFM

[@thatdoubleflife4505]

Lol are you serious buddy

[@grayfurnaceman]

+ThatDoubleFLife Yes GFM

[@davidmartinez-kb2ox]

so basically this recovers the freon right .... but is it wise to re use it or Bette off using new ?p.s how much is that pump ? never seen it .. it's not like the vacuum pump is it or is the same machine

[@grayfurnaceman]

+david martinez I virtually never reused refrigerant. It was sent for reclaim. The machine costs about $600. It is essentially a condensing unit. Hope this helps. GFM

[@junglejonny1000]

What separates the air from the refrigerant?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Nothing. If there is air in the system there is no practical way to remove it. GFM

[@hg2.]

This is in the "beggars can't be choosers" department, but a diagram would be helpful here b c we're mentally trying to construct what hose goes where?, is it gas or liquid?, does it have pressure?, is the pressure pos or neg?, etc. Thanks for making and posting.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have some diagrams that may help. I have not published them but will in the future. GFM

[@luisbenitez3428]

Mr. You should be teaching at some Institution or university-college ,you are a "Maestro"

[@grayfurnaceman]

I did teach. I am retired. GFM

[@jamesosborn5405]

Would turning the heat on help?

[@grayfurnaceman]

It may help a bit, but will not get it all out. GFM

[@jubaben2363]

Thank you for this video it was very helpful.

[@electriccar3253]

Welcome GFM

[@sman5877]

Awesome video,great teacher. thanks a million

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@amtpdb1]

The manifold said you had the same pressure on both sides as they were both open. The recovery machine said you had 2 different pressures. That does not make since. Are you pumping into the recovery tank into the liquid or vapor side and does it make any difference? You used a dryer filter. If you replaced the compressor, would this clean up the freon enough to return it or would you just put in new? Thanks for the information and videos. Have a nice weekend.

[@grayfurnaceman]

amtpdb1 It actually does make sense when you understand that the recovery machine is a condensing unit. It must increase the pressure to the level of the saturated pressure in the recovery cylinder to move the refrigerant. It makes no difference whether you use the liquid or gas side of the cylinder. The filter dryer is for protection of the recovery machine. I always like to use new refrigerant because I know it is clean. Hope this helps. GFM

[@amtpdb1]

grayfurnaceman Thanks

[@bigurn21794]

going on my first remove and replace install tomorrow by myself, great video to reassure the process and get my head right. thanks!

[@grayfurnaceman]

Aaron Watkins Welcome and good luck. GFM

[@calebmcaninch392]

Vary helpful I was given this same set up and was not sure how the pump worked thanks

[@winimulyani2583]

how to transfer freon R40 in large tanks to small tanks? please help me .....

[@grayfurnaceman]

+wini mulyani First, I have never heard of R-40. Any containers you use must be rated for that refrigerant. I don't know the pressure of the refrigerant. When transferring, you must not exceed 80% of the capacity of the cylinder you are transferring into. If you want to transfer it from large to small cylinders, there are 2 ways. One is to place the large cylinder above the small one and connect a hose between the two. Cool the small one. The second is to use a recovery machine like the one in the video to pump the refrigerant as a gas (from the top). Hope this helps. GFM

[@winimulyani2583]

+grayfurnaceman Thank's for reply, sorry but i want to ask a recovery machine, what is name machine can be used? I'm hear methyl chloride or chloro methane boiling point of -23.8 ° C it is type freon R40 so I had to the small cylinders is colder than the source large cylinders, but i'm confused of temperature settings. how many degrees centigrade cooler temperature should I set the small cylinders ? Look forward to your reply

[@grayfurnaceman]

+wini mulyani The machine in the video is made by Bacharach. If the chemical is methyl chloride, there is no recovery machine I know of that can be used. The small cylinder can be as little as 20C lower than the large cylinder. GFM

[@winimulyani2583]

oh so mean yes there is only one way sir? that for small cylinder temperature should be lowered 20 degrees, measured on the outside of cylinder temperature or the temperature inside cylinder? usually to perform cooling what wear?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+wini mulyani You can check the outside. I would wear a face shield and insulated gloves. Also a breathing mask that will filter out the gas you are working with. Very careful here. If I am correct, the gas is poisonous. GFM

[@carlosportillo8863]

Nice video. So, with out system compressor running you evacuated liquid and vapor through recovery machine at the same time?

[@Pretzel114]

Hi GFM, could you recommend a good recovery unit to buy. I am getting ready to buy my first one on my own. My company has yellow jacket but just like to know what you recommend. Thanks for all you do.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Sorry about not getting back to you. The Appion is probably the easiest to use, as there is no purge. I have had no failures with it. The Bacharach you see in the videos is more conventional and works well, but has had a failure of the hand valves. I suppose I would pick the Appion if the amount of refrigerant was not too large. Hope this helps. GFM

[@Pretzel114]

Thanks a lot GFM! I haven't bought one yet but I have had the Appion in my sights. Thanks for the info I really appreciate it.

[@CosmicCloud72]

You have some very nice equipment. how much do those digital gauge sets cost?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Conner Smith They run about $350 to $550. GFM

[@CosmicCloud72]

Awesome thanks man wish I had a setup like this but I mainly just charge my vehicles

[@SombraLocs]

Where did you get that short hose that you have that filter drier hooked up?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Everyone has been asking that. Truth be told, I don't know. Sorry. GFM

[@erikthorsen4466]

Any idea as to what would cause too high a pressure in the recovery tank while recovering R22? We got a new Robinair RG3 machine and I used it along with new tank for first time today to pull 8 lbs of R22 from a rooftop package unit. By 6 lbs the outlet(red) gauge of the machine was reading 300+ psi and this was while filling a 30 lb capacity recovery tank. Just to be certain that was the pressure in my tank I hooked up my other gauges to the vapor side of the tank and opened it and sure enough it was up over 300 psi. I thought it must have pulled some air into it so I bled a little out to get any air out of it but pressure was still high. On the roof it was around 85 deg today with very high humidity and the tank was in the sun. With R22 however that is still high especially considering the 30 lb tank wasn't even half full with 6 lbs in it. Once the tank had been down off the roof for an hour or 2 the pressure did go down some to just under 200 psi but still seems quite high to me again, considering the tank only has 6 lbs in it. Any ideas as to what is causing this?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Are you sure you have the machine in recovery mode and not pump down mode? GFM

[@erikthorsen4466]

On the RG3 they direct you to separately recover liquid first and then switch to vapor. There is only 1 basic setup. The inlet side has Closed, Vapor, Liquid setting while the outlet side is either open or closed. No purge setting. 1 basic setup for all operations. I frankly don't like it as well as our other older machine. I had my Testo gauges hooked up to both high and low side of equipment with yellow hose going to inlet of machine and inlet set to liquid. Outlet of machine going to tank on scale. I only had liquid side of gauges open to run liquid out through machine and into tank. I bled lines prior to recovery as well. The RG3 appears to me to be a recovery only machine. Being this is the first go round with it I thought possibly I had done something wrong but if so, I am not sure what it would be. Liquid into inlet of machine and out of machine into tank. I thought about non-condensibles but I would think they would be trapped in liquid in bottom of recovery tank and not creating a pressure issue like air might.I'm still here going over my procudure in my mind wondering if I made a mistake but cannot see what it would be that could create such high pressure with a less than half full tank. It was ht on that roof today but at 'only' 85 deg that does not explain it for me. The presssure did drop to just under 200 psi in the tank an hour later but that was also after several bleedoffs.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Did you evacuate the cylinder? GFM

[@bbm8873417]

On the last video I watched you said you would always recover vapor only. In this video it appears your recovering both high and low side at same time?

[@BoffinGrusky]

I also watched the intro to the machine video and was wondering the same thing. GFM, could you please clarify?

[@Nyxzimus]

What kind of gauges are those? Informative video. Thank you for posting.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Its a fieldpiece SMAN 3. Thanks for the support. GFM

[@Dresden0010]

I completed the recovery procedure on my 2006 dodge MAGNUM. The process appeared to go as planned (the gauges connected to the high and low diminished to negative on both sides). HOWEVER...the valve on the tank to which I connected the hose (the right/red) does NOT close (the three times I made the attempt to disconnect the hose from thr valve, refrigerant escaped the tank [though the valve had been turned completely to close/clockwise]). At present, I have kept the machine connected to the tank via the specific hose (the hose, unfortunately, does not have its own valve, which would have at the least allowed me to disconnect the machine from the hose). I am perplexed--it appears that the valve is damaged, though the tank is new, and I was able to pull a vacuum on the tank prior to using the tank for recovery. I do not believe I am doing anything incorrectly...but it is the first time I have done this. The tank is identical to the one in your video. Any advice on how to proceed?

[@Dresden0010]

Please disregard my inquiry. I just disconnected the cylinder from the recovery machine and the pressurized refrigerant I was concerned about releasing was simply the diminutive volume entrapped in the service line.

[@anyimiguel]

can I use the same vacuum to recover the oil?

[@grayfurnaceman]

No. The recovery machine will only work for gas. GFM

[@bomark2002]

Furnaceman, do you recommend removing the valve cores?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Absolutely yes. GFM

[@bomark2002]

grayfurnaceman I went ahead and turned on my indoor and out door fans and started recovery but I didn’t have that tool, but I will get one tho, I used a unit similar to yours in the video, I was able to pull 8.60 lbs out of a 9 lb unit holding R22 within an hour, that is a very slick trick on turning the fans on for sure, thanks for the instruction vid

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@mikestevenson1819]

I would have cracked open the yellow hose fitting at the recovery tank first then opened valve on manifold. Better in my opinion

[@chrisscott1547]

Great job - very clear instruction!

[@prowlersupersonic]

can you use this system on a cars a/c?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes. The auto designed systems have more controls to make them easier to use. GFM

[@Nox665]

As far as I know, refrigerant pipes also contain the compressor oil. So what happen to the oil ???

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Nox665 When the liquid is recovered some oil will come with it. Gas does not bring out oil.The amount of oil removed is seldom enough to cause any problems in the system. GFM

[@juanmendez6045]

what,s the weight of the recovery cylinder empty

[@grayfurnaceman]

The weight is marked on the cylinder, but is usually about 27#. GFM

[@muhammadafzal5865]

This is good tarning so good ple reciver gas how do use refrigeration again no problem

[@martintran2800]

Very clear teaching thank you

[@richardsegui1128]

Your recovery machine has a purge option, mine does not.

[@grayfurnaceman]

When using a recovery machine without a purge, I purge all the hoses and gauge set up to the recovery machine. GFM

[@MR-nl8xr]

I thought you are only suppose to recover gas, if so, why did you open up both sides on the gauge set to recover, shouldn't you only open up blue side to recover.

[@grayfurnaceman]

You may recover limited amounts of liquid to the point that the unit slugs. You open both side to increase the speed of recovery. GFM

[@MR-nl8xr]

grayfurnaceman.👍

[@andrewwilson8317]

Are you not leaking some refrigerant when you purge your line to atmosphere at the set up stage?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Yes. It is what is called a de minimus loss. That is refrigerant losses related to proper repair processes. GFM

[@andrewwilson8317]

grayfurnaceman thank you. Figured there was always going to be a small potential loss during purging. The very small amount should be no real problem?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The line loss is about .2 oz. If the charge is very small, it could make a difference and should be accounted for. GFM

[@passxblanche]

Andrew Wilson it’s called deminimus release, the EPA allows it

[@patriotvoice8952]

thx. for making very easy to understand. it was very informant.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@1wcastro]

Great Video, Thanks for making the video.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+1wcastro Thanks for the support. GFM

[@4sineweaver2]

Clear as the proverbial bell.

[@dannycalk8051]

OK so the refrigerant recovery machine will recover the refrigerant, and a vacuum pump will pull a vacuum, Now the reason for pulling a vacuum is to boil any moisture that may be in the system. Correct?? Why can't the recovery machine pull a vacuum as well. Or does it.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Danny Calk The recovery machine will pull a shallow vacuum, but the vacuum pump is a very specialized pump that is not designed to move large amounts of gas. It can't do both well. GFM

[@hummvee100]

great video man I love it

[@grayfurnaceman]

+evel knievel Thanks for the support. GFM

[@deloct]

Great video Sr. thanks.

[@purrungas2012]

As always very thoroughl .... Thank you

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@1gladiator888]

Awesome vid Gary

[@dieselhater]

Great video Grey

[@tuckkerreza4990]

Aren't you suppose to recover a vaper cause that is what I learned because you have the house connected to the liquid side of the recovery tank??

[@grayfurnaceman]

tuckker reza What I do if the compressor runs is pump out as much liquid as possible, then pull out from high and low. The machines will accept liquid if the inlet is restricted but be careful. GFM

[@lincolnhunt9558]

grayfurnaceman Something I have learned about ball valves, is that there is a small gap between the inside of the valve body, and the actual ball, just crack the ball valves on the hoses about half way to purge/vacuum the entire ball valve, even though it only contains a tiny amount of air, any air is bad in my book.

[@deanmartin1966]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@tmaxrecer]

Well explain thank you! ☺️👌🏼👌🏼

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM