A/C Refrigerant - General Recovery & Recycling Tips

Group
8

Number
8902

Model
All

Part Identifier
8700

September 1, 1989

Subject:
Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling

Porsche Cars North America, in order to help preserve and protect the environment, supports the use of refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment by its dealers.

The following is intended to provide general information concerning the use of refrigerant (such as Freon R-12) recovery/recycling systems. In order to better understand the need for recovery/recycling systems, a basic knowledge of the problems caused by the release of refrigerants into the air is necessary.

CFC's (chlorofluorocarbons)
Specifically refrigerant R-12 and Stratospheric
Ozone:

The earth is surrounded in the extreme upper region of the atmosphere (stratosphere) by a layer of ozone. This layer of ozone protects the earth by blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. Scientists have determined that certain synthetic chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) when released into the atmosphere, rise to the ozone layer and react with high level radiation. This results in molecular breakdown of the CFC molecules into atoms of chlorine, which attack and destroy ozone. A single chlorine atom can destroy over 10,000 ozone molecules.

An increase in ultraviolet radiation due to ozone layer depletion can cause health problems such as cataracts, skin cancer, and damage to the human immune system.

Destruction of the ozone layer could also reduce crop yields and harm plant and animal life. In addition, ozone depleting chemicals are greenhouse gases, and therefore contribute to global warming.

In view of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated a reduction in the amount of CFC's produced and, if possible, a complete halt of CFC production within a matter of years. This will no doubt have a significant impact on cost and availability of CFC's such as refrigerant R-12.

Studies show that the largest single source of CFC released into the atmosphere is from the servicing of mobile air conditioning systems such as automotive air conditioners. Until alternatives to R-12 are available, a workable and timely solution is to recover and recycle automotive refrigerant.

Because refrigerant recycling technology is new, equipment manufacturers are currently engaged in design and testing of various models of recycling stations. As these models meet with approval, they will become available.

The refrigerant recovery/recycling station will be designed for use with all types of air conditioning charging equipment. Depending on design, it may also be used by itself for refrigerant charging. Approved equipment will separate oil and filter and store reclaimed refrigerant to industry standards.

Typical Recovery/Recycling Station Operation:





Instead of venting refrigerant into the atmosphere during system discharge, a hose is connected between the vehicle A/C system and the inlet connection of the refrigerant recovery equipment (A, Fig. 1). Refrigerant is pumped at a controlled rate out of the vehicle and into a storage cylinder. During this phase, filtering takes place and oil is separated. Some equipment may have a sight glass for measuring the amount of oil removed during A/C system discharge.

Refilling the A/C system is accomplished by switching the hose from the inlet to the outlet side of the recovery equipment (B, Fig. 1). Filtered refrigerant can then flow into the A/C system of the vehicle. Since equipment designs may vary, always refer to the manufacturers instructions for safe and proper operation of equipment.

Where applicable, warranty repair times have been adjusted to allow for use of refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.