Pressure test

[WyrTwister]

Any reason R134a could not be used to pressure test a R410a line set on a heat pump ? Instead of Nitrogen .

The R134a should be removed when you vacuum down the system ?

And , yes , I have an EPA card .

Thanks :-)
Wyr

[NiHaoMike]

It should work fine, but expect to see a lot more variation in pressure vs temperature. You also can't test at the full pressure.

[WyrTwister]

Good points . I have a jug of R410a , but I read to use it only as a liquid , since it is a blend with the 2 components having a slightly different boiling point . I did not really wish to shoot liquid R410a into the line set . Seems this would be too much ?

I also have a jug of R22 , but it is more expensive than either R134a or R410a .

Best I remember , when using Nitrogen to pressure test , you do so at around 400 psi ?

Thanks , :-)
Wyr
God bless

[WyrTwister]

I have looked up the regs & the EPA recognizes pressure testing with R22 . My memory had failed me .

God bless
Wyr

[NiHaoMike]

You can charge R410a as a vapor. The two parts don't separate very much in practice. Just to be sure, shake the container before use.

Have you considered using CO2? CO2 is more readily available in small containers.

[WyrTwister]

You are probably correct . I was going by the warnings I have read concerning R410a .

Real world , I had guessed that if you shook up the jug , very well , the gas would be mixed up well enough .

No , has not thought about CO2 . Is it dry , like dry nitrogen ?

God bless
Wyr

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by WyrTwister

...No , has not thought about CO2 . Is it dry , like dry nitrogen ?...

You are very wise to ask this question...

Quite a few EcoRenovators are Paint Ball enthusiasts, and they are unwittingly recommend Paint Ball propellant tanks, as a source of CO2 for testing, and purging.

But the readily available CO2 from this source is NOT dry.

-AC

[WyrTwister]

Originally Posted by AC_Hacker

You are very wise to ask this question...

Quite a few EcoRenovators are Paint Ball enthusiasts, and they are unwittingly recommend Paint Ball propellant tanks, as a source of CO2 for testing, and purging.

But the readily available CO2 from this source is NOT dry.

-AC

If it is not dry , seems like you might as well use compressed air ?

God bless
Wyr

[NiHaoMike]

Put the container in the freezer overnight before using. That will freeze out most of the moisture.

[AC_Hacker]

Originally Posted by NiHaoMike

Put the container in the freezer overnight before using. That will freeze out most of the moisture.

How much of the moisture?

50%?

60%?

-AC