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We started using the apion setup. I had a system that i had to install and remove and reinstall 2 weeks later for repairs to the building. First time I didn't have the Apions with me, I started the vacuum pump and left for lunch. Little 2.5 ton split system. It took 1 1/2 hours to get down below 300 microns. Same system 2 weeks later with Apion valves and hoses and had it down in 15 minutes. Huge difference.

Originally Posted by knave

Does anyone have a part # for the Appion 1/2" x 1/4" vacuum rated hoses? I poked around their website but....

Our 1/2" hoses can be made with any combination of 1/2", 3/8", or 1/4" fittings. If you are looking for a 6-foot 1/2" hose with 1/2"x1/4" fittings, that would be:

MH120006GAK - 6 foot, 1/2" hose, 1/2" FL to 1/4" FL

We can also make shorter or longer, if you like... just change the "0006" to however many feet you want. Also, call us if you want any other info.

dont depend on the ball valve in a vacuum tree to hold a vacuum .. that damn thing cant hold a vacuum worth isht ... i rebuilt the whole thing using vacuum rated thread sealant & tried again which proved to be the valve ..... it has me frustrated idk how to pull a vacuum through the tree & isolate the system & have it hold .... maybe ill sell my bluvac & go back to a less accurate micron gauge lol this way i wont be able to tell .... all jokes aside this is irking me

Originally Posted by jim bergmann

There are only two problems with low loss fittings, techs over tighten them and they try to use them for evacuation. If you are working on smaller systems (less than 5 tons) they are a much better solution. I have been using NRP low loss fittings for over 20 years and have never had a single failure of the fitting. We also have them in several program applications (hundreds of sets) and again we almost never have to warranty them. (1 or 2 in three years)

On a side note, dumping the liquid from the high side into the low side is not a good practice for today's critically charged systems. When checking charge, what is in the hose is not in the system. Adding it to the system after the charge is correct simply overcharges the system.

Jim,

I try not to over tighten them. I keep up with o-rings and keep them clean.

I used to try to evacuate with them, but have recently switched to straight hoses to the pump.

The problem that I had with them was the inner cylinder would unscrew and bind the outer part.

It comes and goes, and the set that I am using currently hasn't done it to me in a while, but my snap-ring pliers are never far away.

Jim - Let me know where you find a SMAN3, and see if you can get a deal for two?

Thanks for for reply too, but wouldnt you think the vacuum would boil off the refrig better then just nitro? I dont know, I'm still pretty new so any help is always appreciated.

knave - I would be interested in that hose set too.

Does anyone have a part # for the Appion 1/2" x 1/4" vacuum rated hoses? I poked around their website but....

I said I wasn't looking at digital but I've spent all afternoon reading up on the SMAN3.

Going to call the only supplier I have that carries Fieldpiece in the morning to check price and availability before I pick up a couple sets of Yellow Jackets from someone else.

jthomley, I don't think a vacuum would hurt. But I think nitrogen will do a better job of getting rid of any oil or refrigerant in the hoses.

jim

I hope you dont mind, and sorry for walking on your post.

But, just yesterday I was looking into my manifold and hoses too. I ended up pulling a vacuum on the hoses (ball valve at pump), and valved off and have left the gauge set in a vacuum. was trying to boil off any left over refrig. You guys see any issue with leaving it in the vacuum state? I was going from r22 to 134a with the set. Thanks!

Originally Posted by jpsmith1cm

I will second Jim's reccomendation on using straight hoses and VCRTs for evacuation rather than using manifold.

I will, however, disagree on the NRP low loss fittings. I dislike them.

I'm looking at a set of ball valve hoses for my next purchase.

There are only two problems with low loss fittings, techs over tighten them and they try to use them for evacuation. If you are working on smaller systems (less than 5 tons) they are a much better solution. I have been using NRP low loss fittings for over 20 years and have never had a single failure of the fitting. We also have them in several program applications (hundreds of sets) and again we almost never have to warranty them. (1 or 2 in three years)

On a side note, dumping the liquid from the high side into the low side is not a good practice for today's critically charged systems. When checking charge, what is in the hose is not in the system. Adding it to the system after the charge is correct simply overcharges the system.

One of the guys here suggested Nylog sealant/lubricant, when I had the same question. I was going crazy over not being able to hold a vacuum on any of my manifolds.

I have a cheaper Yellow Jacket manifold about 2 years old. I pulled the valves, cleaned them, and lubed them up with Nylog. New YellowJacket hoses standard RYB. Of course, I lubed the seals in the hoses aswell. I haven't used it on my Titan or Smans yet.

Haven't had a problem since, holding <500micron vacuum for over 30 minutes.

Only if you tap into a system in a vacuum. And then you have bigger problems.

Thanks for the advice guys. I have to do some checking around tomorrow.

I did a vacuum meter to pump test with a stack of hoses and can't believe I have pulled good vacuum on systems. Even my newest ball valve leaks.

jim

Originally Posted by mario_m

I discharge my hoses (allow pressure to draw back through low side), but I leave some vapour. Don't you put air in the system if you empty the hose?

Never had an issue.

If I am hooking up to a system that is in a vacuum, it is broken and will require leak check, drier, evacuation, and recharge making air in the system a non-issue.

Otherwise, the system is at a positive pressure and a quick hose purge removes it.

I discharge my hoses (allow pressure to draw back through low side), but I leave some vapour. Don't you put air in the system if you empty the hose?

Originally Posted by jpsmith1cm

Actually, I vent my hoses after servicing each job and ball valve hoses will make that go a bit easier.

and your hoses will last longer!

Originally Posted by mario_m

Ug hate the ball valves. Wait until you keep knocking them open while transporting!

Actually, I vent my hoses after servicing each job and ball valve hoses will make that go a bit easier.

whats wrong with knocking them open you don't leave refrigerant in your hoses do you?

Ug hate the ball valves. Wait until you keep knocking them open while transporting!

I will second Jim's reccomendation on using straight hoses and VCRTs for evacuation rather than using manifold.

I will, however, disagree on the NRP low loss fittings. I dislike them.

I'm looking at a set of ball valve hoses for my next purchase.

You should consider the Appion vacuum rated hoses for evacuation 1/2" x 1/4". I would suggest two hoses and two core removal tools. Attach the hoses directly to the pump with a 1/2 flare x 1/2 flair by 3/4 MPT (or whatever is screwed into your pump) to the pump. This will cut your evacuation times considerably (typically by a factor of 10). Use one of the side ports of the core tool for your vacuum gauge. This will allow you to isolate the gauge from the pump to verify vacuum levels. After The evacuation is finished, valve off the core tools, remove the large hoses, purge and attach your manifold and charge the system.

For standard hoses, I like NRP. They have a black heavy duty hose with a ball valve or if you prefer a really nice low loss fitting. Most hoses are Goodyear GY5 hose so it really comes down to the fitting construction. NRP does a nice job with the fittings.

New gauges and hoses

I'm having trouble pulling a good vacuum on any of the hoses or manifolds I have.

I going to buy at least two new sets this week. I'm not up to needing the speed of the digitals. I've used Yellowjacket all the years I've been doing this.

I see many old brand names and a few new ones in the catalog, what are you guys liking?

jim