Unusual white smokey vapor from vacuum pump that caused nausea, faint, info please.

[PIMP TECH]

Vacuum pump had more of a thick consistent smoke that was white. Didn't seem to have real strong odor, but definitely had an unusual one that I had not come across before. Refrigerant was 410A. Replaced leaking warranty TXV on condenser. Odor wasn't any of the normal additives like R11 Flush, Acid Away, etc. That I have ran across. I've heard that there were some bad and nasty chemicals out there that some people put in systems. Kind of worried. Would appreciate any information, factual information, good or bad, but at least some kind of idea and what the toxicity, effects and time period that I should be concerned about it.

Thanks for reading. Look forward to a response.

[j3hvac]

I'm not sure about this, but I will do some checking around and try to post back pretty quick. This makes me very curious as well.

[PIMP TECH]

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[luv2cruiserccl]

I am curious had u done any bra zing what things had u performed on this unit prior to this happening?

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[Nuclrchiller]

In commercial work I have seen that happen several times when moisture is in the system. Especially on chillers. I believe it to be water vapor. I'm not saying that is what you have, just putting it out there. But you may want to keep the possibility in mind. I would pay particularly close attention to your evacuation level.

[motoguy128]

I've seen water vapor and R22 create a nice fog. It has some odor, and just anxiet alone thinking that your inhaling something toxic can make you get sikc and pass out. I've sliced my finger and am fine most of the time, but have had a small anxiety attack another time and nearly passed out. Same with giving blood and dental work. Good most of the time, but sometimes I get myself worked up.

[j3hvac]

Some older units and even new ones have ammonia in the system. I've also seen the slight vapor while pulling a vacuum on an r22 unit. I've asked some more techs and no one has gotten nauseous from it.

[timebuilder]

Water vapor.

[Tony3696]

I'm going with water vapor too. I would setup the vacuum pump and leave the area. Go clean out your truck, grab a sammich, or clean your hoses. I always go do other things when evacuating a system and check on it every 10-15 minutes. Watching a micron gauge is like watching paint dry, but in your case, more toxic. Don't risk it. If you suspect something might be toxic, "Step away from the vacuum pump"

[LibertyTree]

Water vapor.

+1

I have had some cloudy vapor come out of the pump before while working on systems that have continued to compress with a leak

[Snapperhead]

if theres that much water in there you definately need to replace the drier ... with a Big one

[truck12]

If you suspect water look in the oil sight glass on the vacuum pump. It will turn the oil white.

[luv2cruiserccl]

Was the evap before u started have ice on it being froze up just curious

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