Refrigerant Opinions

[docholiday]

Granted the higher pressure would leak faster than alower pressure leak through the same hole. But a leak is a leak and the pressure is not the root cause. Eliminate the root cause and you eliminate the leak. A condenser is made of the same materials an evaporator is, R-22 head pressures are alot higher than R410A suction pressures yet the majority of leaks are in the evaporator. (other infulences).

Part of the problem is we like to fix symptoms, not the cause.

It probably should be noted that the aluminum fins are part of the overall strength of the tube itself. The copper by itself used in coils would burst even under R22 pressures. The burst pressure ratings of these coils is something like 2000 psig.

[davo]

Originally posted by sadlier

Originally posted by docholiday
Fact is, the pressure is not what causes the leaks. Leaks come from rubbing, poor solder joints, chemical or electrical infuluences inside our outside the coil and the like.

A poor solder joint would under higher pressures will leak more quickly than at lower pressure. As the copper tube is being rubbed a leak will appear first on the high pressure system unless it is a quick action (such as a sawzall which will have the whole tube cut through in a matter of seconds). Anything that weakens the tubing will face a quicker leak in a higher pressure system than a lower pressure system.

I have been installing R-410 systems since 1995 (did beta testing for Carrier), and today under 2% of our sales are R-22, and have found R-410a systems to be more reliable. All manufacturers tests prove this as well. Leaks have not been a problem.

A poor braze joint will leak no matter what. A good joint won't. If a leak were to develope "first" or "second", I would rather have it develope "first", as the chances of it being under warranty are better.

[sadlier]

Originally posted by docholiday
It probably should be noted that the aluminum fins are part of the overall strength of the tube itself. The copper by itself used in coils would burst even under R22 pressures. The burst pressure ratings of these coils is something like 2000 psig.

That's interesting to know.