Refrigerant Charging Methods-GESON Chiller

Refrigerant charging is an important and complex step in the installation and maintenance of air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems and chilling equipment systems.
It involves adding the correct amount of refrigerant to the system to ensure the whole system optimal performance and efficiency.
There are several methods of refrigerant charging operating, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog, GESON engineers will discuss some of the most common refrigerant charging methods used today.

1. Weighing Method:

The weighing method is perhaps the most accurate method to charge refrigerant into a chilling equipment system.
It involves weighing the refrigerant container before and after charging to determine the amount weight of refrigerant that has been charged.
This method is particularly useful when charging a refrigeration system with a fixed amount weight of refrigerant, often applied in the smaller air conditioning units.

To use the weighing method, you need prepare a refrigerant scale and a container of refrigerant.
First, connect the refrigerant container to the chiller system and open the valve.
Then, place the container on the scale and tare it to zero.
Next, charge the refrigerant into the system until the request weight is reached.
Finally, disconnect the refrigerant container and weigh it again to determine how much kg refrigerant was added.

2. Current Method:

The current method is a quick and easy way to charge refrigerant into a chilling equipment system.
It involves measuring the current drawn by the compressor and using this value to determine the refrigerant charge weight.
This method is particularly useful when charging a chilling equipment system that does not have a fixed charge, such as a larger air conditioning unit or a commercial refrigeration system.

To use the current method, you will need to prepare a clamp meter and a refrigerant charging chart.
First, measure the current drawn by the compressor while the system is running.
Then, use the charging chart to determine the proper refrigerant charge weight based on the current draw.
Finally, charge the refrigerant into the system until the desired charge is reached.

3. Pressure Method:

The pressure method is another quick and easy way to charge refrigerant into a system.
It involves measuring the pressure of the refrigerant in the system and using this value to determine the refrigerant charge.
This method is particularly useful when charging a system that does not have a fixed charge, such as a larger air conditioning unit or a commercial refrigeration system.

To use the pressure method, you will need to prepare a refrigerant pressure gauge and a refrigerant charging chart.
First, measure the pressure of the refrigerant in the system while it is running.
Then, use the charging chart to determine the proper refrigerant charge based on the pressure reading.
Finally, charge the refrigerant into the system until the desired charge is reached.

4. Mirror Method:

The mirror method is a unique way to charge refrigerant into a system that involves using a mirror to observe the sight glass on the system. The sight glass provides a visual indication of the refrigerant charge, and the mirror is used to view the sight glass from a distance.
This method is particularly useful when charging a system that does not have a fixed charge, such as a larger air conditioning unit or a commercial refrigeration system.

To use the mirror method, you will need a refrigerant mirror and a refrigerant charging chart.
First, observe the sight glass on the system while it is running.
Then, use the charging chart to determine the proper refrigerant charge based on the sight glass reading.
Finally, charge the refrigerant into the system until the sight glass indicates that the desired charge has been achieved.

In conclusion, there are several methods that can be used to charge refrigerant into an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
The weighing method is the most accurate, while the current, pressure, and mirror methods are quick and easy ways to charge a system that does not have a fixed charge.

15-years experience on Industrial Refrigeration Equipment engineering Water Chiller Manufacturer.

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