In an age of ever-growing refrigerants, rules, and regulations, recovery and reclamation has become more important than ever. Fortunately, contractors have a wide range of choices when it comes to properly equipping their technicians to perform safe, efficient refrigerant recovery. Here’s a look at some of the latest equipment and services.

BACHARACH

Bacharach offers the ECO-2020™ refrigerant recovery machine, a compact unit that is designed to efficiently and quietly recover all chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) nonflammable refrigerants. The ECO-2020 is Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)-certified for fast R-410A and liquid recovery rates, including R-22 and R-134a. The unit features a rugged design to protect its gauges and connections against the rigors of daily use. A purge function allows the ECO-2020 to handle various refrigerants without cross contamination or loss of refrigerant, and a replaceable in-line filter prevents contaminants from entering the machine. The unit’s single-knob dial allows for intuitive operation, and each unit is equipped with a port to enable 80 percent shut-off capability.

INFICON

The Inficon Vortex Dual™ refrigerant recovery machine is designed to offer rapid recovery rates of all common refrigerants, even in hot conditions. According to Inficon, the unit’s microchannel condenser helps reduce discharge pressures, and the 1-hp dual-piston compressor offers fast recovery rates under real-world service conditions. Vortex Dual is designed to be simple to operate with two-valve operation, easily readable gauges for both suction and tank pressure, and a self-purge capability without the need to change hoses. The unit is covered by a three-year warranty.

MASTERCOOL INC.

Mastercool’s 69300 Twin Turbo refrigerant recovery machine is designed to offer maximum recovery capacity in a small, lightweight unit. This unit’s design features a double-piston oil-less compressor and cooling by a large fan and condenser. Other features include oversized gauges and a safety high-pressure switch. According to Mastercool, the Twin Turbo can be used with all refrigerants, including R-410A. The unit is covered by a two-year warranty.

NEUTRONICS

Neutronics Refrigerant Analysis has released an updated version of its Ultima ID Pro Model RI-700H refrigerant analyzer. This portable instrument uses infrared refrigerant gas analysis technology to provide fast and accurate analysis. It identifies more than a dozen refrigerants with a component breakdown of the blend ratios for some of the most common HVAC refrigerants. The Ultima ID Pro comes standard with a built in LiFE rechargeable battery for wireless use, a USB port for remote software updates, and an accuracy of plus or minus 2 percent or better. It will analyze R-22, -32, -134a, -404A, -407C, and -410A, as well as hydrocarbons (HCs) and air in systems or cylinders. It can also identify R-12, -1234yf, -408A, -409A, -417A, -421A, -421B, -422A, -422B, -422C, and -427A. The unit features a large LCD display, soft keys, and a built-in printer.

RAPID RECOVERY

Rapid Recovery offers high-speed refrigerant recovery, coast to coast. According to the company, its trucks arrive with everything needed for recovery, from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified technicians to certified recovery equipment. EPA documentation is provided for every recovery. In addition to job site recovery, Rapid Recovery also delivers refrigerant and offers a cylinder service and buyback program. Free proposals and job walks are available.

REDI CONTROLS

The Refrigerant Mizer™ Model RS-503/13-C3 (RS-503/13-H) very-high-pressure refrigerant recovery system from Redi Controls is designed to be a compact, lightweight, and portable solution for recovering high-pressure refrigerants, including R-503, -13, -23, and -508B (SUVA-95). The fully automatic, completely self-contained system recovers into standard DOT-3AA cylinders and is non-ambient temperature sensitive. It does not require an ice bath or pneumatic air, can recover up to 25-inches Hg, and operates on standard 120 Vac.

REFTEC INTL.

The Shark recovery/recycle unit from RefTec Intl. is Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)-certified for cleaning used R-134a back to ARI-700 standard reclaimed gas in a single pass. Utilizing an open-drive compressor, easily serviceable desiccant tubes, and an oversized condensing fan, the Shark is designed to quickly remove oil, acids, moisture, and hard particulates from even the dirtiest of gases. According to RefTec, when used in conjunction with RefTec’s MiniPurge system, the gas produced meets AHRI’s standards for non-condensables, as well.

RITCHIE ENGINEERING CO.

The Yellow Jacket YJ-LTE™ refrigerant recovery system features a built-in purge circuit that eliminates the need for extra tanks and vacuum pumps designed for easy clearing at the end of the job. According to Ritchie Engineering, the unit’s direct-drive fan enables high condenser performance, as the fan cools the condenser first to help keep the recovery tank pressure lower, which means the recovery tank stays cool and allows more refrigerant to be recovered without a high-pressure cut-out. The lightweight unit is designed to be simple to operate using its single valve and single-gauge control panel.

ROBINAIR

The RG6 portable refrigerant recovery machine from Robinair is equipped with a rugged case, oversized pressure gauges, a comfortable handle, and simple controls, which help it withstand harsh conditions often found in industrial and commercial refrigerant recovery. The unit features a twin-cylinder design combined with an oil-less compressor and oversized condensers, making it capable of handling both liquid and vapor recovery with short cycle times and high heat dissipation. According to Robinair, the RG6 recovers almost all refrigerants, including common chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like R-410A. Safety features include a high-pressure safety switch that automatically shuts off the machine if pressure rises above 550 psi and a self-purge feature to eliminate the potential for
cross-contamination.

UNIWELD PRODUCTS INC.

Uniweld Products Inc. offers the U5VP2 5.5-cfm two-stage deep vacuum pump, which is designed to provide long-term, reliable service in many appliances, including residential and commercial air conditioning units and commercial refrigeration systems. The U5VP2 has a factory micron rating of 15 microns. The power selector switch allows for toggling between 110 V or 220 V. The unit weighs 20 pounds and its center-balanced handle has a non-slip grip to make moving the unit safe and easy. Heat-dispersing fins and an internal fan help keep the motor running cool. A large sight glass is located on the front of the oil reservoir and allows for easy monitoring of the oil level.

Publication date: 4/4/2016

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