Two technicians are discussing retrofitting CFC-12 systems to HFC-134a standards. Technician A says that the process doesn’t take long but that mineral oil must be added before the retrofit is complete. Technician B says that 50 ounces of CFC-12 should be replaced with 50 ounces of HFC-134a. Who is correct? O A. Neither Technician A nor B B. Both Technicians A and B C. Technician B D. Technician A
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
When retrofitting a CFC-12 (R-12) system to HFC-134a (R-134a) standards, both technicians’ statements contain inaccuracies. Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. Neither Technician A nor B
Explanation:
Technician A’s Statement:
Technician A mentions that the process doesn’t take long but asserts that mineral oil must be added before the retrofit is complete. This is incorrect. R-12 systems typically use mineral oil as a lubricant, which is not compatible with R-134a refrigerant. R-134a systems require a synthetic lubricant, such as polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil or polyester (POE) oil, because mineral oil does not mix well with R-134a, leading to inadequate lubrication and potential compressor failure. Therefore, during the retrofit, the mineral oil should be removed and replaced with the appropriate synthetic lubricant compatible with R-134a.
Technician B’s Statement:
Technician B suggests that 50 ounces of CFC-12 should be replaced with 50 ounces of HFC-134a. This is also incorrect. R-134a and R-12 have different thermodynamic properties, including density and pressure characteristics. As a result, the charge amount of R-134a is not a one-to-one replacement by weight for R-12. Overcharging or undercharging the system can lead to operational issues, reduced efficiency, or even damage. The correct approach is to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or use established retrofit procedures to determine the appropriate charge amount of R-134a, which is typically about 75-85% of the original R-12 charge by weight.
Additional Considerations:
Retrofitting from R-12 to R-134a involves several critical steps to ensure system compatibility and performance:
- Lubricant Replacement: As mentioned, replace mineral oil with a compatible synthetic lubricant.
- Component Compatibility: Replace O-rings, seals, and hoses with materials compatible with R-134a to prevent leaks.
- System Flushing: Thoroughly flush the system to remove residual mineral oil and contaminants.
- Expansion Device Adjustment: Adjust or replace the expansion valve or orifice tube to match R-134a’s operating characteristics.
- Labeling: Clearly label the system to indicate it has been retrofitted to R-134a, including the type and amount of refrigerant and lubricant used.
Properly executing these steps ensures the retrofitted system operates efficiently and reliably with R-134a refrigerant.
For a visual explanation of the retrofitting process, you may find the following video helpful: