Safety Measures When Handling Refrigerant (R 12/R 134a)
Safety Measures When Handling Refrigerant (R 12/R 134a)
The air conditioner is charged with a safety propellant Frigen R 12 or, from early 1991, on a progressive basis, with Frigen R 134a.
CAUTION: Decomposition in the system starts to occur if even minute quantities of R 12 and R 134a come into contact with one another. For this reason, R 12 systems may only be charged with R 12. the same applies to R 134a systems. Different refrigerant oils are used for both systems and must also not be mixed. Vehicles with R 134a systems and parts for repairing these systems are clearly identified. the service station for R 134a is green and is identified with the letters R 134a. the service station for R 12 is blue.
R 12 contains CFC's and is a serious environmental pollutant. It must always be drained, cleaned and refilled using a special service station. Frigen R 134a does not contain any CFC's but it also has to be drained, cleaned and refilled using a special service station.
Although these refrigerants are non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive in any mixing ratio with air at normal temperature, there must be conformance with safety precautions.
Avoid any contact with liquid or gas refrigerants. Wear goggles and gloves when working on the refrigerant circuit. Refrigerant on the skin will cause frostbite. Wash off thoroughly with cold water. It refrigerant gets in eyes, also rinse out with water and then contact a doctor immediately. Frigen is heavier than air and could, if it gets into the atmosphere and in spite of working with a service station, lead to asphyxiation - especially in working pits - which would not be readily noticed since the gas has neither color nor odor.
Turn on all available extraction systems.
Prerequisite for air conditioner to function effectively is optimum cleanliness when working on the air conditioner and optimum evacuation procedure (at least 30 minutes de-humidifying from refrigerant circuit) on air conditioner.
R 12 refrigerant absorbs moisture very readily. the same is true to a greater extent of R 1 34a. Plug opened pipes, condenser, evaporator, compressor or drier with plugs immediately.
CAUTION: Also in this case the plugs must not be mixed up and should be stored separately.
When replacing parts, the plugs should be removed only immediately before connection of pipes.
In case of warranty claims, old parts must be fitted with plugs to be able to determine the cause of damage.
If an air-conditioning system is completely drained because of leaks, an accident or repairs, the drier must always be replaced as too much moisture will have entered the unit.
there should never be welding on or near a filled air-conditioning system. there could be danger of an explosion because of the excessive pressure produced when a refrigerant is heated.
In addition, refrigerants decompose at high temperatures or when exposed to an open flame. Decomposed products are dangerous to health.
Store charged refrigerant pressure flasks in a place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight or any other heat source (max. 45 °C).
CAUTION: After each refilling, check protective caps of charging valves for a hand tight fit. they serve as additional seals.
the following procedures describe drawing, discharging and charging air-conditioning systems with help of a SECU 134 service station from the company "Behr".
Refer to relevant operating instructions for changes in service station design. Prior to starting any operation, the service station must be set to its basic setting.
Basic setting means:
All shut-off valves of service station and both hose valves must be closed.
CAUTION: When using a different service station, refer to the relevant operating instructions.