Save Yourself Time at the Job Site
Pulling a proper vacuum is essential to making sure the life of the equipment meets its full potential. With today’s technology, we also accomplish this at a faster rate with large diameter, vacuum rated hoses; and a well-maintained quality vacuum pump.
Here are four things you can do to make sure you are giving your customers the best install possible:
- Remove the valve cores using a vacuum rated valve core removal tool.
- Use a vacuum rated, large diameter hose.
- Use a high quality, two-stage pump, connected directly to the system.
- Use a digital micron gauge and place it the furthermost point away from the pump.
Issues within the refrigeration circuit can be avoided with the correct install steps, including a good vacuum. Your goal should be to keep the closed refrigeration circuit clean, dry, and tight. Let Ferguson help you – contact your local Ferguson sales representative for more information or with any questions.
Remember these good practices while assembling the field connections and doing repairs:
- Keep tubing sealed with original plugs/caps, or tape if needed, prior to assembly.
- Confirm fittings and refrigerant circuit components are clean and free of debris.
- Eliminate contaminants from the tubing by cleaning before cutting.
- Ream in such a way that shavings won’t fall into the lines.
- Protect open pipework so that no rainwater or condensation can enter the lines.
- Install and/or replace filter/driers as appropriate.
- Purge with nitrogen before and after fitting and brazing the tubing.
- Flow nitrogen while brazing to prevent a buildup of cupric oxide (nasty black flakes) inside the copper tubing.
- Inspect joints all the way around with a mirror.
- Perform a standing pressure test with high-pressure nitrogen, according to manufacturer recommendations.