There are other shortcomings as well. The green/yellow moisture indicators work only at higher levels of moisture, about 10 percent relative humidity (rh). Paper indicators are susceptible to damage from brazing during installation. And their color can actually wash out under wet conditions, leaving behind a useless piece of blank paper.

More Colors Mean More Insight

That's why Emerson Climate Technologies Flow Controls (formerly Alco Controls) designed the Hermetic Moisture Indicator (HMI), developed to provide much more sensitive indication. Instead of the old green/yellow papers, the HMI features a tri-color molded disk wafer dial with blue (dry), purple (caution), and pink (wet) indications.

The addition of the purple caution color alone gives the HMI a critical advantage over previous indicators. It alerts technicians early on to rising moisture levels, allowing them to take corrective action before any damage occurs. And as the colors continue to change as moisture content rises, the HMI allows those same technicians to determine conditions more accurately, taking the guesswork out of their monitoring activities.

But the real benefit to the HMI is its ability to read moisture at levels significantly below current industry standards. The HMI begins to change color at 2 percent rh - a "very dry" indication. At 3 percent rh, the purple caution color begins to appear. Conventional indicators, on the other hand, do not begin changing colors until about 7 percent to 8 percent rh.

That early detection capability was not as important with the old HCFC and CFC refrigerants. But it will be vital with the coming HFCs. That's because HFCs utilize polyolester (POE) oils. And because POE oil can attract and hold up to 20 times more moisture than the mineral oil used by older refrigerants, the systems will require closer monitoring than ever before to detect contamination.

It's All Relative

The Hermetic Moisture Indicator works by utilizing a unique salt that holds more water than a traditional green/yellow indicator salt. This salt also changes through a wider color range than the green/yellow salt. Additionally, the indicator itself is thicker and together these attributes allow for a wide range of rich colors that enhance the ability to better understand the amount of water in the refrigerant.

In addition, the HMI, along with all other moisture indicators, does not simply sense parts per million (ppm) of water in a system. Instead, it measures relative humidity. This is a significant distinction. Why? Because, for example, a reading of 50 ppm in R-12 is extremely dangerous, while 50 ppm in R-410A is not. The difference is in the refrigerants. The new refrigerants, along with their POE oils, can physically hold more water; and since they operate at low ppm, this translates into extremely low relative humidity levels, in the 2 percent to 7 percent rh range.

There is a misconception across the HVACR industry that 10 percent rh moisture detection is sufficient. That's an assumption that can lead to a dangerous - and expensive - false sense of security. At 3 percent rh in many HFCs, a green/yellow indicator will show a green color, pronouncing the system is still "dry." In fact, it is actually at risk of acid formation from the breakdown of the POE oil. At 10 percent rh moisture detection, the system has already been contaminated with moisture and acids, and will need to be cleaned. That could mean anything from replacing the filter-drier and exchanging some or all of the oil in the system, to replacing a compressor or multiple compressors.

Actually, the old green/yellow indicators show a "dry" reading as high as 7 percent rh. And a 7 percent rh reading in R-410A means there are nearly 300 ppm of water present. Emerson Climate Technologies' studies have shown that acid begins forming at approximately 75 ppm, when water starts to turn POE oils back into acid. That means the newer refrigerants, with their high moisture content, see severe problems to the lubricant at 100 ppm.

Any acid formation can be a problem, of course. So detecting moisture content as soon as possible is crucial to protecting the life of the system. Again, traditional green/yellow indicators fall short. By the time the indicator goes off, damage is already occurring to the lubricant. So it's an indication that doesn't actually indicate anything.

The HMI Difference

The HMI also differs from moisture indicators that use similar technologies. For starters, the HMI is currently the only sight glass on the market that is UL-listed with a 680 psig maximum working pressure, making it acceptable for use in R-410A. Also, it has a larger viewing window for easier visibility and charging. It is resistant to "wash out" from water and can withstand brazing temperatures up to 450 degrees F. (The green/yellow paper wafer of traditional indicators can be damaged at temperatures as low as 350 degrees F.)

The HMI's fully hermetic design includes a corrosion-resistant, all-brass body with no O-rings or knife seals that are likely to leak. The indicator also features solid copper fittings for easier, universal replacement or new installation.

Conclusion

Effectively monitoring an HVACR system for water content is already a critical step in assuring a long and useful life for the system. But it's a step that cannot be taken if the view to the system - the moisture indicator - does not provide timely, accurate readings of the moisture level in the refrigerant. And as new refrigerants emerge, today's traditional green/yellow solutions will fail to offer the insight needed to keep pace with the systems of tomorrow.

Reprinted with permission from the Emerson Climate Technologies Flow Controls HMI White Paper, Form No. 2004ECT-31. Flow Controls (formerly Alco Controls), part of Emerson Climate Technologies, is a leading provider of electronic and electromechanical controls for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. For more information, visit www.emersonclimatecontractor.com.

Publication date: 02/23/2004