I have seen refrigerant purge systems on R11 centrifugal chillers . In operation , the were running less than 1 atmosphere suction pressure and some what above 1 atmosphere on the high pressure side .
So , the plant operator was more concerned with air ( and water vapor ) being sucked in with a leak on the low side ( raises head pressure + the problems associated with water vapor ) . Than a leak on the high side loosing refrigerant .
The purge unit ran continuously ( small electric motor ) , pulling air + refrigerant gas from the top of the chiller vessel . The compressed mixture was run through a condenser coil , then into a small vessel . Liquid refrigerant would collect in the bottom of this vessel & the non condensables remain above the condensed refrigerant .
The vessel had a float & when liquid refrigerant reached a certain level , it would be discharged back into into the main chiller vessel .
The non condensables would be " burped off " periodically , maybe responding to pressure ? In theory , this would be mostly air and water vapor ?
God bless
Wir
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