R-134A Service

[duke of earl]

Just wondering how many chiller guys use dedicated manifold for 134a on chillers to prevent oil contamination. Any war stories where you have seen contamination as a problem?

[chiller mekanik]

I have not as of yet, (that I know of) I keep thinking I'll get bit eventually.
I've got 4 sets of gauges & countless hoses, 3/8 thru 3/4, low & high pressure.
I just do my best to purge everything with nitrogen when I'm through using them, I make it part of the job.

[Randy S.]

One set for mineral oil and alkylbenzene, and another for the POE oils.

[acjourneyman]

I have a dedicated recovery unit, oil pump, reclaim cylinders, vacuum pump and manifold set for 134A and never cross them, but I also have an extended length van to carry them in.

[jimbob73]

I know by performing start ups and repairs with contractors that there are a lot of contractors out there that don't care or don't know the difference between the 2 oils and use the same equipment to service both. A while back we were informed by our office that just a drop of mineral oil will contaminate gallons of poe oil in a 134a machine. I personally use tools and equipment I labeled for 134a use only to avoid any problems down the road. Especially important when using hoses and sightglass to check oil level on trane rotary chillers. Sightlasses on the oil sump would be nice. I don't know the effects of mixing, And I don't want to find out.