Technician A says that all HFC-134a uses the same refrigerant
oil. Technician B says that refrigerant oil, regardless of type,
must be kept in a sealed container to keep it from absorbing
moisture from the air. Which technician is correct?
a. Technician A only
b. Technician B only
c. Both Technicians A and B
d. Neither Technician A nor B
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is (b) Technician B only.
Explanation:
Technician A’s statement that “all HFC-134a uses the same refrigerant oil” is incorrect. HFC-134a, also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, is a common refrigerant used in automotive air conditioning systems and some refrigeration systems. However, not all systems that use HFC-134a refrigerant necessarily use the same type of refrigerant oil. The choice of refrigerant oil is typically determined by the system design and manufacturer specifications. HFC-134a is generally compatible with oils such as polyalkylene glycol (PAG) or polyol ester (POE) oils, but the exact oil type will depend on the specific system’s needs. Using the wrong oil type can lead to poor lubrication, compressor damage, or system failure. Therefore, Technician A’s statement is overly generalized and inaccurate.
On the other hand, Technician B‘s statement that “refrigerant oil, regardless of type, must be kept in a sealed container to keep it from absorbing moisture from the air” is correct. Refrigerant oils, whether PAG, POE, or others, are highly sensitive to moisture. When moisture is introduced into the oil, it can lead to several issues, such as the formation of acids, the degradation of the oil, and the production of harmful contaminants that could damage the refrigeration system, especially the compressor. Additionally, water can react with refrigerants, leading to the formation of hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acids, which are highly corrosive and can further damage system components. To avoid these problems, refrigerant oils must be stored in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption from the air.
In summary:
- Technician A is incorrect because HFC-134a refrigerants do not always use the same refrigerant oil.
- Technician B is correct because refrigerant oil should always be stored in sealed containers to prevent moisture contamination.
Thus, Technician B is the only correct technician in this scenario.