O/T ---cooler refrigerant

time2plow · Sep 24, 2009

I have a cooler unit that I am going to install into a homemade cooler.
The unit is probably 25 years old, but was running perfect when we removed it from an old store that went out of buisness. I"m pretty sure that the unit ran on R-12 ( might be wrong here) refrigerant because of its age.
My question is what refrigerant would be compatible with any residue that might be left in the lines. thanks for any and all advise

ps: I have an A/C guy coming to look at it, but he is not sure, as this is a little different than his usual houseold A/C. I posted this on another site also, trying to get all the advise I can !! thanks

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Sep 24, 2009

R12 was usually found in mobile A/C, not very often in commercial refrigeration. I'd bet more likely it had R22. Be sure you get the correct refrigerant in it. If it had R22 and you top it off with R12, it will work for a while, but the two refrigerants together make acid and will destroy the system.

DH in Carolina · Sep 24, 2009

Look at the expansion valve. It will probably be marked r-12 or r-22. Also the temp at which it was used may tell you. Above 32 to 45 degrees probably R-22. Zero or below may be R-12 or R-502. Hope this helps DH

mhmalcolm · Sep 24, 2009

If it did indeed have R12 in it, FR12 is a drop-in replacement for R12, and you can mix the two in the same system. The manufacturer can"t tell you this because of EPA regulations. Click on the link below to the distributor. However, I would be more inclined to agree that, if it is a stationary unit it probably had R22 in it. I don"t know of a drop-in replacement for that because I"ve never worked with it before.
FR12 Refrigerant

Tim/NC · Sep 24, 2009

Unit that old would more than likly have R-12 in it.R-12 was very common in older commercial units.Quick way to tell is to look at the expansion valve.R-12 valves are color coated yellow.(R-22 green)(R-502 purple) R-22 was used mainly for A/C units.R-502 was mainly used in low temperature units.
A refrigerant compatable with mineral oil will have to be used.R-414B or R401A will work in medium temp. units with mineral oil.
If you cannot tell by looking at the expansion valve post the model # on the compressor and I can tell you the refrigerant it was designed to pump.

guido · Sep 25, 2009

Hello DH in Carolina,
I thinmk you fingers misfired.
R12 systems were usually designed for
0 degrees F. while R22 where for -20 to -30 degrees F. to achieve - 20 to -30 with R12, the system would have to run under vacuum. they where systems like that some time back, but soon abandoned. A leak on the low side,and that all she wrote!
R12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane) boils at -21.7 F
R22 (Monochlorodifluoromethane) boils at -41 Degrees F. Much better for colder temps applications.
Guido.

O/T ---cooler refrigerant

time2plow

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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DH in Carolina

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mhmalcolm

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Tim/NC

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guido

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