Technical Info — FAQ

Welcome to Airgas Refrigerants frequently asked questions page.

QUESTION

I have heard about the 3 -R's, Recovery, Recycling and Reclaiming. Aren't they all the same?

ANSWER:

No these terms are not the same. The differences are:

Recovery is the removal or extraction of refrigerant from an appliance accomplished through a recovery unit. The recovered refrigerant is then transferred to an external storage vessel or container.

Recycling (a term primarily used in the mobile A.C. industry) is the transfer of the recovered refrigerant through the use of a machine that removes most of the impurities such as moisture, acidity, particulate matter and oil; then recharges the cleaned refrigerant into the same appliance. Under EPA section 609, refrigerant can be removed from one car's AC, recycled on site, and then charged into a different car.

Reclamation is the process of taking recovered refrigerant and processing (cleaning) it through a quality controlled procedure to meet or exceed ARI-700 purity specifications, the same purity standard used for new refrigerant. Thorough testing and verification of the purity to the ARI-700 standard is mandatory. Reclamation normally requires sending the recovered refrigerant to an approved reclaimer. Some reclaimers have the ability and equipment to reclaim on-site, but testing and verification are still required.

QUESTION

What's the difference between virgin & reclaimed gas? Is virgin gas still available?

ANSWER:

If the refrigerant gas is reclaimed by an EPA Certified Reclaimer, there is virtually no difference, since virgin and reclaim refrigerant both must conform to the same ARI-700 purity standard. There are still some supplies of 'virgin' CFC based gas available. Most reclaimers define 'virgin' refrigerant as refrigerant in original container with unbroken seal.

QUESTION

Is it legal to recover refrigerant from one unit and put it back in that unit or a different unit?

ANSWER:

For stationary AC system, if the ownership of the refrigerant doesn't change, the answer is yes. For instance, refrigerant removed from one building at a university could be reused in another building without processing the material and returning it back to ARI 700 standards. However, if the ownership of the refrigerant changes, the answer is an emphatic NO! It must be sent to an EPA certified refrigerant reclamation company.

For automotive applications, it is legal to recover refrigerant from car A, recycle it through a small machine, and transfer it to car B.

QUESTION

Are there reasons why one should not reuse untested refrigerants?

ANSWER:

We have found that used refrigerant always contain contaminants including oil, moisture, acid, air, and rust. Reusing refrigerants of unknown purity is like playing russian roulette. You never know what’s going to happen. The most common contaminants we find in refrigerants are air, moisture, and oil. Air and oil reduce efficiency and moisture can seriously damage the system. Think about it this way, you wouldn’t take used motor oil from one car and put it into another just to save a few bucks…would you?

QUESTION

I thought CFCs like R-12 & R-502 were banned. How come they are still available?

ANSWER:

Production of all CFCs was banned January 1, 1996. This ban does not end the use of CFCs for service replacement. Therefore reclaimed CFCs are still available as a replacement refrigerant, but supplies continue to drop.

QUESTION

Are there any substitute refrigerants for R-12 that perform like R-12 but don't cost as much?

ANSWER:

There are actually a substantial number of R-12 alternatives. Our research shows that a product called R-416A is an excellent alternative because the refrigerant properties closely approximate R-12 for medium temperature applications. It is one of the few alternatives that is approved for automotive, stationary, and chiller applications.

QUESTION

Which refrigerants are CFCs, which are HCFCs, and which are HFCs?

ANSWER:

CFCs- R-11, R-12, R-13, R-113, R-114, R-500, R-502, R-503 (Chlorofluorocarbons)

HCFCs – R-22, R-123, R-124, R-401A & B, R-402A, R-406a, R-408a, R-409 (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons)

HFCs- R-23, R-134a, R-404A, R-407c, R-410a, R-416A, R-507, 508 (Hydrofluorocarbons)

For our complete product listing, click here. 

QUESTION

What does it mean to be an EPA Certified Reclaimer mean? Why is it important?

ANSWER:

To become an EPA Certified Reclaimer, one must first petition the U.S EPA. If they approve your petition and you begin processing refrigerants, you are required to return all used dirty refrigerant to ARI 700 standards, the exact same standard as new, “virgin” refrigerant. In addition, it must be tested to verify that it meets or exceeds this standard. You are also required to annually report the volumes and types of refrigerants that you have reclaimed.

QUESTION

Why does the time to recover gas from a chiller vary so much among companies that recover refrigerants?

ANSWER:

This strictly has to do with the technology, equipment and know-how of the refrigerant recovery company and technician. For most mechanical contractors and end-users, time is money, and it's important to minimize downtime and get the repairs done quickly.

QUESTION

What does it mean when a reclaimer refers to net yield?

ANSWER:

Net yield is defined as the net amount of recovered refrigerant after impurities; particulates, air, water & oil have been removed. Reclaimers normally pay based on net yield.

QUESTION

How are reclaimed refrigerants typically packaged?

ANSWER:

Reclaimed refrigerants are normally packaged in the same industry standard size cylinders and drums that new refrigerants from the producers use.  

QUESTION

My refrigerant system is having problems; can you help me troubleshoot it?

ANSWER:

Yes. Give us a call to discuss your problem.  We don’t do mechanical work on equipment, our industry has a large number of qualified HVACR service contractors who specialize in that type of work.  At Airgas Refrigerants our expertise is specific to the refrigerant function of both small and large refrigeration units.  Our certified Airgas field technicians are available to work with you or your equipment contractor to resolve your refrigerant system's problems.

QUESTION

Are there ways to predict or prevent system failures from refrigerant & oil analysis?

ANSWER:

Yes. Some reclaimers have the capability to assess the condition of chiller systems by providing analytical services through laboratory testing of refrigerant and oil samples for reasonable fees.

QUESTION

Is it possible to process and clean the refrigerant in my unit while it's still running?

ANSWER:

Usually it is. Only a few reclaimers have the technology and capabilities to perform this service. The key is having the sophisticated equipment and talented service technicians to perform this service. For information on our side stream technology give us a call. 

QUESTION

Do I need different certification approvals to work on HVAC stationary units and Auto AC systems?

ANSWER:

Yes.1 EPA has 2 major standards for refrigerant certification. Certification for Mobile Air Conditioner must be in accordance with EPA Section #609. A separate certification is required for Stationary AC (non-mobile) in accordance with EPA Section #608 (4 separate types exist depending upon the size & type equipment worked on).