Refrigerant recovery using the compressor

[@fredd8140]

I had to do this about a week ago on an over charged system. After watching your video I am assured that I did it right. thank you GFM

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@kawikaguibault7881]

Thank you for putting up these videos. I am new to this field and use the videos to supplement my education that I get from my community college. Easy to understand. Thank you again

[@danielmurray8778]

GYM Thank you, you got me into HVAC and it was one of the best career moves of my life, your videos have been more than helpful and influential. Again thank you

[@grayfurnaceman]

You are very welcome GFM

[@vernroach3413]

I love watching this guy as a refresher and as a learning tool...Always straight talking and informative... I have had the same do - hickey problem too....lol...Thanks again Furnace Man.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@craigmarshall40]

Thank you for this video I am going to try this on Saturday I do have a new recovery tank that I will put into a vacuum . I am working on a micro channel r22 system that we are moving it to another spot on the patio I will let the system suck down the remaining charge 😊

[@gregs9555]

nice video! Iv'e pinched the liquid line closed with vice grips and used this method since the unit was being replaced anyway. my recovery machine went down and had no choice

[@JamesPettinato]

when you transfer liquid from the liquid line to the recovery tank and the pressure equilizes and no more liquid is going to move, you can disconnect the condenser fan, hot gas will discharge into the condenser, this will raise the head pressure and push out the liquid remaining in the condenser. You could put an empty recovery tank on and get a little more liquid. Back in the 70's before recovery machines I would put empty tanks in a walk in freezer and get liquid out by disconnecting the condenser fan.

[@sgreen7401]

Jim Pettinato, what happened to to you jim.? I watched your videos all the time but you haven't been posting

[@dhguard1]

Jim Pettinato ,that is a good lesson.

[@TheRealistPhilosopher]

Won't this slag your compressor due to massive over heating?

[@StephenRardon]

A pleasure as always GFM, thanks

[@kennethmaki9255]

Exactly what I have been planning of doing. I have never felt safe running liquid through the recoverymachine even if it says it can do so. Thanks for confirmation.

[@71dembonesTV]

Excellent demonstration, sir. One of the seemingly common sense "tricks" that not everyone knows. I see a lot of concern for the compressor not receiving cooling during this time but, that strikes me as a bit silly considering how long the machine would be running

[@heatingairservices8708]

awesome but I Think u said remove R 22 & recharge w/410 A had no ides an R 22 compressor & coils would handle the 410A higher pressures ....thanks for all ur videos Gary ...ive been in HVAC for 20 + yrs & learn something new almost every single day

[@hugogarcia7574]

I think he meant in his recovery thank

[@geojor]

you are a super technical teacher, well done...

[@jamesduffey4442]

You can do the same on big coolers that have multiple stages and compressors when say stage 2 in low and 1 or 3 is a little high on gas then you hook the highline on the high stage to the low side on the low gas stage and pass it over using just the 2 compressors running

[@josephsangregory6436]

Ok, lets do a 50 ton R-410a welded plate chiller with 2 tandems, recover 50 lbs, of 410a and open up a 13 ton compressor that chewed it self to shreds which is part of the tandem of course, pump sump oil out of the running tandem thru the oil glass port and do acid test, and contaminate test....replace core drier 2 time in 24 hrs. etc etc.....want pics cause this was an inline scroll with 3 others.... 1 5/8 suction and 7/8 discharge and of course it was in the middle of the bunch. Take out all of the valve depressors in your hoses, use the shortest possible hoses, turn your recovery tank upside down and be hooked to the vapor side, cover the tank in the ice before you start. water hose and ice keep your head under 200 and 50 lbs in 45 minutes....:)

[@HarleyFXS]

I can understand this, I've ripped apart some bad compressors in my lifetime and they all had cracked reed valves. If liquid gets pumped, the reed valves would bend more that gas would bend them.

[@taiwanluthiers]

I've used a trick to recover refrigerant out of a dead compressor/AC. You fill the cylinder with as much refrigerant as you can using just pressure, and then you put the cylinder in a freezer. The cold air will condense it and cause the pressure inside to become VERY low. The I suppose you can also heat up the condenser/line/whatever to raise the pressure as much as you can in the meantime. Doing this you will recover quite a bit of refrigerant without using a recovery machine. I'm thinking of using a spare mini split condenser and built a recovery machine out of it.

[@cleanairdude]

That is a great money saving tip!! Thank you sir

[@Pretzel114]

Fantastic video GFM! Thanks for posting.

[@floridasaltlife]

Great content every time I see it is you !!

[@charlescooney6900]

I used this method of recovery today, and it worked fine. I pushed 4.10.0 Lb. of R-22 in to a recovery cyl., and then hookup my recovery machine, and pulled out the vapor. In the end I removed 6.15.0 Lb. of R-22. I am not worried about the oil I pulled out because the unit is going to the scraper. Cc

[@TheRealistPhilosopher]

Wouldn't a filter drier on the inlet valve of the recovery machine protect against liquid recovery damaging the recovery machine? Also, isn't the a certain size of system beyond which you can't recover using the systems compressor? Also, won't you still need to recover some liquid from the liquid side of the system using a recovery machine once you've gotten out what you can using the compressor?

[@JamesPettinato]

If the pressure in the recovery tank is very low and you try to recover higher pressure liquid the recovery machine will draw high amps and kick off. Just put pressure in the recovery tank so the pressure going into the machine is close to the tank pressure then you can recover liquid.

[@DayClanTribe]

Want to start by saying thanks grayfurnaceman, Jim and all other positive contributers to the topic; much respect. My question, so when you say pressurize the recovery tank you mean opening the ports from the liquid service valve all the way to the tank without starting up equipment and just let it equalize first to relieve initial stresses to recovery machine?

[@grayfurnaceman]

If your recovery cylinder is below saturated pressure, you may open the valves to the unit being recovered and it will equalize. But first be sure you have bled all air out of the machine. GFM

[@fridgydownunder6734]

Jim Pettinato What happen to you?

[@archer9732]

Thank you for a good video that confirms what I had imagined for a system dependent recovery process. I have a question. I'm currently studying for my 608 certification. In my course material, I understood it to say never use a previously used recovery tank for a different refrigerant, even if the tank has been evacuated. If I understood your video correctly, you are using a tank that had previously contained a different refrigerant. Am I misunderstanding the video or my course material?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The only reason to not use a recovery cylinder for different refrigerants is you may be mixing different oils. To avoid this, I evacuate the cylinder in the inverted position. GFM

[@archer9732]

@@grayfurnaceman Thank you for your reply. I can see how evacuating the cylinder while inverted should remove all of the refrigerant. Good information to share for us just getting into the trade.

[@BodegaMouse]

I'm new to HVAC but I have absorbed so much knowledge in the last few days in preparation for technical school. I have one question; why do we recover refrigerant from a system? Is it because it's no longer efficient or expired or something?

[@mechanicwarrior20]

I imagine that would be a great way too if you were working a condensing unit that was overcharged and you needed to remove only some refrigerant to get the desired pressures.

[@dariuscsutak9843]

Good job,like a professional

[@utube9139]

Oh yes! finally learned another great tip to remove an overcharging system,wish they make smaller tank to carry around:-). Thank you very much GFM. When you recovery using a recovery machine or utilize comp. To push liquid tank, did you remove any valve cores and despresor ? Thank for the GREAT LESSONS:-):-):-)

[@grayfurnaceman]

Did not remove valve cores. Only remove them for evacuation. GFM

[@utube9139]

grayfurnaceman As always, Thanks you.

[@RobHVAC]

Great video Gray.

[@DayClanTribe]

So, this is called the "pump down" method correct? And when you hear that terminology this is what people in the field are referring to. BTW thanks again grayfurnaceman for another great educational video!

[@pauleohl]

Hi GFM. Why did the suction line pressure not go below ~50 psi. I have seen an R22 system pumped down to do repairs and the compressor pulled at least 10 psi vacuum on the suction line.

[@jamesduffey4442]

You should of had the tank upside down for a while at first then when vapor starts coming in the tank you flip it back up right and then you won't get much flash vapor from it being upside down the whole time. And you get as much liquid as you can which is more dense and you get it out faster

[@peterhodgkins6985]

The other thing that can be done is to put it in the liquid side of the recovery tank.

[@rcinfla9017]

Not a major change but should use liquid port on recovery tank instead of vapor port. Dumping the liquid in vapor port will agitate it more into greater vapor pressure in recovery tank due to physically free-falling liquid the length of recovery tank. Liquid line has internal tube in recovery tank that takes liquid to bottom of recovery tank. Good part is the A/C unit's condenser is cooling the liquid so recovery tank should stay relatively cool allowing more recovery. It would be nice if you stated the time from start to termination. As refrigerant gets low in unit there may be less oil circulating in compressor depending on type of compressor. Don't want to run compressor for extended time in this state. Some compressor types will go down to below vacuum level on suction line which should not be allowed on any compressor type. Monitor suction line and stop unit if gets low positive pressure (

[@taiwanluthiers]

Another video demonstrated that if you are recovering vapors, no oil should be leaving the compressor. Some will, but you will need to be doing several recoveries before this becomes a problem. Getting oil out of the compressor is harder than you think.

[@laworder6092]

One crucial point before putting recovery machine don’t forget to close high side of the gauge and cylinder to suck the remaining refrigerant in pipe by opening the low side of the gauges then connect the recovery machine in order to avoid any venting gas to atmosphere.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I guess you could do that if you want but it is considered a de-minnimus release. GFM

[@crabjoe]

wouldn't this process cause some oil to go into the recovery tank? And if so, how would you go about cleaning out the tank, so it can be used for a different refrigerant that uses a different type of oil?

[@olusolagafar8050]

+crabjoe No one have actually answered these questions, am eager for answers

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have a video coming out soon on the oil removal that might be interesting. GFM

[@davidallegro3395]

If you have the closed have way or 3/4 way it won't kill the recovery unit. I've been in the a/c business for 21 years I've never killed a recovery unit. What ever you are doing its wrong. If the tank is in a vacuum, then fill it with unit off first and you can do this with the recovery unit connected just off with valves open. Good luck.

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have to love the "What ever you are doing its wrong." If you don't know what I am doing, how do you know its wrong. Certainly, if the recovery cylinder is in a vacuum, you can pull the liquid out, but most of the time you will not have that option. This method is a valuable way to remove the liquid refrigerant if the compressor is operable. It is faster than restricting the inlet valve of the recovery unit. Restricting the inlet generally works but is not always an effective way to protect the recovery unit. Many dead recovery units at my company tell that tale. Consider using this method with your next recovery. Its a better way. GFM

[@Leon5495]

Cant you just close the suction service valve to increase liq line pressure to take out more?

[@grayfurnaceman]

You are removing liquid refrigerant from the liquid line under saturated temp/pressure. Closing the suction service valve will not increase the pressure. GFM

[@z0sickvett60]

Dose the recovery tank have to be empty or can it have some refrigerant in it? TIA

[@grayfurnaceman]

It is not necessary to have an empty cylinder. The compressor will increase the pressure above the saturated pressure. GFM

[@workinprogress4579]

Great video, Mr. Furnace. Now if you want to charge that refrigerant back into the system, is there enough pressure in the tank to get it back in through the suction line?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The pressure inside the recovery cylinder is saturated for the temp the cylinder is in. As the low side pressure will be lower than the ambient, it will move into the system. GFM

[@dcrickerson9775]

Thanks for another great video.

[@mtdewcowboy1]

As always very good info

[@grayfurnaceman]

Thanks for the support. GFM

[@ronie1337]

Thanks GFM!

[@spinroyd]

Would it be possible to install an accumulator before a recovery machine so the machine doesn’t slug?

[@grayfurnaceman]

That was tried many years ago. It did not help. The compressors in modern recovery machines will accept slugging (mostly). That "mostly" is one of the main reasons I use the compressor if it is operable. GFM

[@mr.invisible3770]

I’ve never had a problem recovering liquid, I do it on Trane intellipacks all the time.

[@JessYalyson]

Excuse my ignorance. ..When you open the Valve Liquid Side of the Manifold-Gauges to release refrigerant to the recovery tank. At the recovery tank; Why is that the Yellow Hose Is Connected to the Vapor Side (Blue), and Not to the Liquid Side (Red)? I don't know if I make myself sense. Thank you!

[@grayfurnaceman7640]

Jess Dallas The recovery cylinder liquid and gas valves are for use when removing refrigerant from the cylinder. When adding gas, it makes no difference. GFM

[@Rinebo]

Looks a lot easier! Do you connect the yellow hose (middle hose) from the manifold to the gas side (blue side) of the recovery tank, while the system is running? Why not the liquid side of the tank? Just wondering.

[@grayfurnaceman]

When putting refrigerant into the cylinder, it makes no difference which tap on the cylinder you use. GFM

[@Rinebo]

grayfurnaceman Thanks!

[@clintonhinote9724]

Did you close the high side service valve before or after you started the condensing unit?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Actually, The high side is opened after the compressor is started. GFM

[@khadijahussain1938]

so what you will do with recovery refrigerant? you can use it again to charge? If not, how you get red of the recovered old refrigerant? Can you explain? Thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

By law, you can only use recovered refrigerant if it is used in the customer's unit. The recovered refrigerant can be recycled if it is not damaged and is usually returned to a supplier for recycling. GFM

[@timewing224]

I always wondered if it could be done. But do you know if you can recover the rest if close the high side valve on your gauges then close the suction service valve on the unit then open low side valve on your gauges? Just wondering.

[@tekdro]

Tim Ewing If you did it the way you described, closing the high side on your gauges and opening the low side on them, the compressor would then just be recharging the system with the higher pressure supply of refrigerant inside your recovery tank. Without supplying it with refrigerant through the low side you can't close the suction service valve on the unit until you're ready to turn off the compressor or pull the disconnect fuses because as soon as the suction line is closed off all the way the compressor will then only have a couple feet of suction line inside the condenser to pull low pressure vapor from and will pull down into a pressure vacuum within just a few seconds. If you've ever pumped a systems' refrigerant into the condenser you may have experienced similar to this, holding in the contactor to prevent the low pressure sensor from turning the compressor off until the suction pressure starts to drop so low that you have to quickly close down the suction service valve and turn the compressor off so it didn't have a chance to pull down to 0 PSI or into a vacuum. Obviously it's better to leave a few PSI worth of R410a behind in the lineset and evaporator than pump out every last ounce by forcing the compressor to pull its vapor port into a vacuum, thereby damaging and possibly even destroying it

[@tekdro]

Tim Ewing If you did it the way you described, closing the high side on your gauges and opening the low side on them, the compressor would then just be recharging the system with the higher pressure supply of refrigerant inside your recovery tank. Without supplying it with refrigerant through the low side you can't close the suction service valve on the unit until you're ready to turn off the compressor or pull the disconnect fuses because as soon as the suction line is closed off all the way the compressor will then only have a couple feet of suction line inside the condenser to pull low pressure vapor from and will pull down into a pressure vacuum within just a few seconds. If you've ever pumped a systems' refrigerant into the condenser you may have experienced similar to this, holding in the contactor to prevent the low pressure sensor from turning the compressor off until the suction pressure starts to drop so low that you have to quickly close down the suction service valve and turn the compressor off so it didn't have a chance to pull down to 0 PSI or into a vacuum. Obviously it's better to leave a few PSI worth of R410a behind in the lineset and evaporator than pump out every last ounce by forcing the compressor to pull its vapor port into a vacuum, thereby damaging and possibly even destroying it

[@kennycoleman5241]

Great

[@XHarrisonJonesX]

What brand of gauges are those? NICE VIDEO BTW

[@grayfurnaceman]

Its a Fieldpiece 360. GFM

[@rodneythornhill9526]

I use the Appion G5 Twin and it is said to recover liquid without causing damage to the unit I have done this several times I would hate to mess it up I paid a lot of money for it have you used the G5 and if so have you had problems with it messing up when recovering liquid?

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Rodney Thornhill I have used the G5. Yes they can break if used extensively for liquid. Kind of like the check is in the mail and that other one. GFM

[@71dembonesTV]

I have a G5 that hasn't broken yet but I typically recover as much as possible with a freshly vac'd cylinder and/or the compressor as shown here. Hard to say that it has seen "extensive" liquid use but it has definitely seen some with no complaints. Great little machine overall, very fast any way you slice it.

[@GuyWithBeardedLizard]

Is there any significant oil loss when recovering by liquid since some oil can be mixed in with the refrigerant? Thanks for all the great videos.

[@grayfurnaceman]

GuyWithBeardedLizard There is some loss with the liquid, but as far as I can tell, it is not significant. GFM

[@lamarrthompson6879]

Can you also purge air out the gauge hoses by throttling the Guage valves and loosening the yellow hose?

[@grayfurnaceman]

LaMarr Thompson Yes. It is actually the best way. GFM

[@RefriXpertise]

This is certainly a fast way to expedite your recovery. It also helps to get results with the added benefit of not putting "extra mileage" on your recovery unit. However, aren´t you also putting a lot of the system´s oil into your recovery tank by doing this?

[@gfriedman99]

+Ollie Makes sense to me. Good call.

[@DayClanTribe]

I wonder the same thing. My guess is it's negligible? Is there an easy way to find out how much? say, do a slow controlled recovery from 1st tank to another perhaps and weigh the difference or would it be hardly measurable but still detrimental enough to refrain from this method?

[@dgb5820]

Great video Sir

[@grayfurnaceman]

Merry Christmas GFM

[@sman5877]

Thank you,very helpful

[@david880brown]

Is it safe to introduce liquid refrigerant into the suction side of a running compressor if there is oil in the recovery cylinder? The contents of the cylinder has been taken out of the same compressor. After recovering some refrigerant into the cylinder I've noticed the oil level has dropped and there was some oil in the hoses after taking them off.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+david880brown If you are charging thru the low side, whether or not there is oil in the refrigerant, you need to meter the refrigerant. GFM

[@ac4cars656]

Thanks

[@moeselec]

Good Bless you .Thank you much.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+moeselec Welcome GFM

[@mdw159]

worth to donate ! Nice vids! :D

[@alfacor27]

sir did you evacuate the air in the recovery tank first? before you do the recovery process? I want to know because I want to apply it on the car a/c system, and can I use the refrigerant again? thank you

[@grayfurnaceman]

+edalcor cupric If the cylinder is new or has only air in it, it must be evacuated with a vacuum pump. You can use the refrigerant again but I do not because of the possibility of contamination. Hope this helps. GFM

[@bkoz319]

does it matter if you use the red side or the blue side on the recovery tank? I have seen it done both ways and just want to know if there is a correct way?

[@grayfurnaceman]

For removing refrigerant from a system to the cylinder, it makes no difference. GFM

[@ryoung212]

I usually pinch the liquid line then cool down the tank and every thin mostly comes out. I even cool down the tank with water.

[@timewing224]

Or would the recovery tank have to much pressure?

[@guitarhvac]

Great video! Thanks

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@LongTrout]

Do you need to be concerned with oil lose during the recovery process?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Oil loss is generally overblown. Under certain conditions, such as low charge, you can have oil loss with the initial removal of liquid. However, in actual practice, I have almost never seen enough loss to be dangerous. GFM

[@LongTrout]

@@grayfurnaceman thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@hoangkybactien7207]

👍Great video. I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Welcome GFM

[@brianellsworth4767]

I have always been lucky with the availability of ice. The liquid going into the cylinder also cools the bottle..

[@lovieinspire]

In small split units 1 ton if there is no liquid line valve Is any possibility to recover refrigent without recovery machine

[@Z-Ack]

So i just tried this and it seemed to work but the low side pegged 350 and high was 250 then worked its way down to 150 and i got sketched out looking at the other gauge pegged out at 350.. when i didconnect the low side its all dry and high side is definately liquid.. but why the hell is the low side that high? Im doing it attempting to reclaim the r22 that was pumped down into the compressor and whole unit removed.. so i sealed both the line set s after the service valve but the unit still has the expansion valve and reversing valve still on the system..

[@oldtimedrumcorps]

So the compressor can run out of refrigerant and still not sieze up when you recover ? Wont the compressor shut down by switch if a loss of refrigerant through a leak happens ? Does the compressor have its own oil not the refrigerant oil

[@grayfurnaceman]

The compressor has its own oil sump. Unless it is automotive. It will pump oil but very little so you are ok for the short time you are running it. Some units have a low pressure switch that may have to be bypassed (the unit used for the demonstration does but it did not open). GFM

[@SF_XX]

Is this a passive recovery?

[@grayfurnaceman]

No. Passive recovery uses no mechanicals. GFM

[@SF_XX]

@@grayfurnaceman thank you! I figured out how to perform one in class today

[@truckinforever985]

now is that the push pull method, and if the system was broke and you had to recover say 10 or 11 pounds of refrigerant with a recovery machine would you only recover all that in vapor form only and not liquid due to possible recovery machine damage

[@hailea3840]

Question? When you recover what is the temperature liquid line,how hot is this “Hot liquid “into cylinder,confused?

[@grayfurnaceman7640]

May not be able to clear up all the fog, but the recovery machine pumps out liquid and gas, lowering the temp of all refrigerant in the system. GFM

[@ronaldcach2779]

HI, how much vacuum did you pull on the recovery tank, before you recovered the refrigerant? THANKS FRIEND

[@grayfurnaceman]

I pull to 500 microns GFM

[@ronaldcach2779]

Thank You

[@вечная_мерзлота]

The lower the better

[@harleyjoat]

Are you not worried about damaging the compressor? With out refrigerant won't the motor over heat?

[@grayfurnaceman]

William Warner It takes time to overheat the compressor. As the refrigerant is removed from the system, the load on the compressor reduces also. I am not saying to leave it on for an extended time. You could pump out the oil of the compressor and lock it up. GFM

[@markcarpenter3600]

It is my understanding that the oil isn't suspended in the liquid refrigerant like you might think. The majority of the oil is actually resting in low spots in the system, this is why you don't want to create unengendered low spots in your line set. Think about it if the oil was suspended in the refrigerant, there would be no oil to dump out of the compressor. In refrigeration a "double suction riser" uses the oil in a p-trap, like a valve to shut off the 2nd riser when there is low demand on the system.

[@johnnygallardo76]

how do i recover it without the unit running and without a recovery machine? (All i have is a recovery tank and gauges)

[@grayfurnaceman]

You cannot do it. Period. GFM

[@johnnygallardo76]

Can you maybe explain why it can't be done cuz I'm thinking can't you just connect the lines from the compressor with the gauges to the recovery tank and just open the connection and allow the freon into the recovery tank?

[@johnnygallardo76]

Also I am currently getting a recovery machine so I can do it properly but when I get this recovery machine I do not need the compressor running correct I can do it without the compressor running?

[@creditrepairwizards]

for just using the unit to get liquid out did you even need to attach the blue hose ??? why did you suet h blue side on the cylinder ?. thx in advance coach

[@grayfurnaceman]

No. When adding refrigerant to a cylinder, it does not make any difference which cylinder tap you use. The liquid and gas valves are only useful for removing refrigerant. GFM

[@mark.r8900]

hi, you're putting liquid into the vapor side of the recovery tank. does it matter? thanks.,

[@grayfurnaceman]

When you are putting refrigerant into the cylinder, it makes no difference. GFM

[@joinusmorelikely5428]

So what's the worst can happen if you only have one side access port to do the recovery low side and you use low side access port to recover both of the liquid first then change the hose on the cylinder to vapor side from the same low side port coming off the compressor refrigerator can you damage the recovery machine like this? What's the worst can happen?

[@heartwinners]

What about if I don't have a recovery machine how can I remove the rest of the liquid?

[@grayfurnaceman]

You can't. You need the machine GFM

[@heartwinners]

@@grayfurnaceman can you rent the machine?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have never seen one for rent. GFM@@heartwinners

[@jameslecroy5740]

@@grayfurnaceman Do you have to recover if your changing out an air handler?

[@grayfurnaceman]

You can use the compressor in the outdoor unit to pump down the refrigerant into the outdoor unit. Just shut off the liquid line valve and start the compressor. You may have to bypass any low pressure switch. GFM@@jameslecroy5740

[@758Redwhulf]

How do you vacuum the tank like you did?

[@grayfurnaceman]

Evacuating the recovery cylinder is done with a vacuum pump. GFM

[@758Redwhulf]

grayfurnaceman do you need to turn the tank upside down?

[@grayfurnaceman]

@@758Redwhulf If there is a lot of oil in the cylinder, that will remove it. GFM

[@edfletcher1716]

So lets say you had a R22 system that never had a vacuum pulled on it and you used this technic would there be any air put into the recovery tank? I'm thinking about doing this and reusing the recovered refrigerant after pulling a vacuum but obviously don't want to put air back into the system.

[@electriccar3253]

Do not use the recovered refrigerant. Air and moisture cannot be effectively removed. GFM

[@maplewoodsp]

I have been curious about how much oil can be removed without damaging a compressor. Let us take this hypothetical situation. The tech overcharges an R22 system, and then reduces some charge from the suction line, and at the same time releases oil (into recovery tank of course). Now the system cools correctly with less oil for the compressor. Where is the danger point of low oil? What could be done to return oil to the system without complete evacuation?

[@grayfurnaceman]

If you undo not want to remove any oil, you must recover the refrigerant as a gas. Very little removed with this method. GFM

[@MrMunchiemo]

Would this be a passive system dependent

[@grayfurnaceman]

MrMunchiemo Sorry about the wait. No. Passive is generally used only with unit with very small charge. Such as domestic refrigerators. GFM

[@MrMunchiemo]

Thanks for the information and thanks for the videos.

[@stuemany]

I like working while I'm drinkin to!

[@rollerdoors]

Hahaha the only way

[@8127jcater]

Good video

[@SigmazGFX]

I love your videos, I have learned so much from you. But the constant lip smacking is distracting.

[@SigmazGFX]

+Ben quinn That would be wonderful. Thanks.

[@SigmazGFX]

+Ben quinn That would be wonderful thanks.. but I'm not the only one that thinks the peanut butter sandwich could wait.

[@gearhead0800]

+SigmazGFX A FRESH peanut butter and jelly sandwich should never wait. Too Fresh and TOO Good. What I do to remedy this is spray the inside of my mouth and lips liberally with WD-40 just before eating. Works like a charm!

[@SigmazGFX]

+gearhead0800 !!! +1 lol

[@blubunn]

was unable to watch the video due to the lip smacking. *shudder/cringe*

[@XHarrisonJonesX]

Why are you recovering liquid on the vapor side?

[@grayfurnaceman]

It makes no difference which valve you use when recovering. GFM

[@Zamoramax6.6]

The down tube is 1/4" and some cases may be damaged. Vapor side is free flowing but the tank should be inverted.

[@Nihlistpunk_CM]

You know you can buy a cheap atomizer, itll stop all liquid slugging from happening, i got this little aluminum one for like 15 bucks and its been working great

[@grayfurnaceman]

You have got to be kidding. Atomizers will not help. It is still liquid refrigerant. GFM

[@Nihlistpunk_CM]

@grayfurnaceman you use the atomizer on your gauge, itll have time to go from the atomized liquid to damn near gas, especially when you go slow with it, I've never had an issue. Give it a try, you just might be surprised at what results you get good sir

[@andycensus]

Great video - however warn your viewers to only use separate recovery tanks for the different types of refrigerant (R-22 vs R-410A) NEVER MIX the refrigerants they are not compatible (that is why I have two different tanks and they are marked)

[@grayfurnaceman]

Good thoughts. Thanks. GFM

[@brandonhvacants2217]

You shouldn't be going this unless your a tech or certified to use freon in which you should already know this.

[@benkuxhouse787]

it's always best to recover liquid but there's a valve on the recovery machine that I use you don't completely slam the machine with liquid you can hear the compressor when it's starting to get too much liquid is pretty obvious so you start to pinch off valve if you are working on bigger or equipment it would take you forever to recover it in vapor only

[@thanhtruong4673]

Hi Sir, if my system is overcharged, say half of a pound, can I recover the half pound using this method? Can I run my air conditioner cooling the house while I am taking some refrigerant out of the system? will it hurt the system in anyway? Thanks,

[@grayfurnaceman]

You certainly may. Removing refrigerant from the liquid side during operation is the easiest way. You just need to weigh the refrigerant to be sure of the amount. GFM

[@thanhtruong4673]

@@grayfurnaceman Thank you very much for your quick reply.

[@takleung7130]

How would you go about putting the 410A back into the condenser? I'm assuming this is only a demonstration and you are not actually repairing the unit. Thanks for all the videos, I've learned more from you than any other.

[@grayfurnaceman]

When recharging back into the unit, you would have to open the low side to the cylinder. I will be doing some videos on the methods of charging soon. Hope this helps. GFM

[@takleung7130]

Thanks gfm!! I thought about it and thats what I suspected.

[@bbm8873417]

grayfurnaceman Would you turn the recovery tank upside down because the low side of recovery tank has a short tube and feather liquid back into suction line on condenser if using R22,that's a question

[@grayfurnaceman]

The recovery cylinder has a tube on the liquid side that drops to near the bottom of the cylinder, so liquid can be charged from there. Hope I have answered your question. GFM

[@alfacor27]

Ok thanks

[@brennanac1]

another great video! Thanks!

[@tronixfix]

What would happen if you close the valve of the high pressure side so that it sucks everything from the low pressure side and creates vacuum till the compressor? Wouldn’t that increase the pressure on the high pressure service valve and push almost all the stuff out?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The problem with that is, the line tap is on the lineset side of the high side valve. GFM

[@tronixfix]

@@grayfurnaceman ohhh so by closing it you’re also cutting flow to the service valve? Any other idea? Crimping the high side right after it leaves the outside unit until system is empty and then remove the crimp?

[@grayfurnaceman]

@@tronixfix I would do it just like the video shows. GFM

[@rogerwalsberg]

So, you started off by saying that you weren't going to recover liquid, then you "pushed liquid in to the recovery cylinder". Explain please?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The point is, I don't like running liquid thru the recovery compressor, as it is damaging to the compressor. This method gets most of the liquid out of the system by pushing it out with the system pressures, rather than running it thru the recovery compressor. GFM

[@chrisscott1547]

Seems like you could place the recovery tank in an ice bucket to get the rest out, and in hot water to get it back in ...

[@grayfurnaceman]

Takes far too long. GFM

[@Toaster808]

Unless you flushed that recovery drum after using it for 22, and are now using it for 410, the next time you charge liquid into a 410 machine, you've now contaminated that unit. I never reuse drums for different refrigerants. Just like my gauges. I have designated 22 and 410 gauges.

[@grayfurnaceman]

Recovery cylinders should be designated for only one refrigerant due to oil in the refrigerant. However, I will use the gauge set for both as the oil in the manifold and hoses is very small. Far below manufacturer's specs. That said, I don't see any problem with using gauge sets for each refrigerant. I do a lot of refrigeration so that would mean about a dozen gauge sets so I won't go there. GFM

[@71dembonesTV]

mineral oil and POE oil are not as incompatible as some would have you believe. the small amount in hoses (and typical linesets) would make no difference. different drums for different refrigerants is a good idea

[@Islam-sq3kr]

good system