Maintaining Chemical Stability In the Refrigeration System

The life and efficient operation of the air conditioning system depends on the chemical stability of the refrigeration system. When foreign materials, such as dirt, air or moisture, contaminate the refrigeration system, they change the stability of the Refrigerant-134a and Polyalkaline Glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. They will also affect the pressure-temperature relationship and reduce efficiency. and could cause internal corrosion and abnormal wear of moving parts.

The following general practices should be followed to ensure chemical stability in the system:
- Whenever it becomes necessary to disconnect a hose connection, wipe away any dirt or oil at the end near the connection to eliminate the possibility of dirt entering the system. Both sides of the connection should be capped, plugged or taped as soon as possible to prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture. (It must be remembered that all air contains moisture. Air that enters any part of the refrigeration system will carry moisture with it and the exposed surfaces will collect the moisture quickly.)
- When adding Polyalkaline Glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil, the container/transfer tube through which the oil will flow should be exceptionally clean and dry due to the fact that refrigerant oil should be as moisture-free as possible.
- When it is necessary to "open" an air conditioning system, have everything needed ready so that as little time as possible will be required to perform the operation. Do not leave the air conditioning system open any longer than necessary.
- Anytime the air conditioning system has been opened, it should be properly evacuated before recharging.