Air conditioner refueling pressure gauges are measuring instruments that monitor the pressure in a split system. They are used to evacuate the track so that moisture vapor is completely removed before refueling. Every master who professionally deals with cooling systems has such a device, the device of which is simple, but requires an understanding of the principles of operation. Since different types of refrigerants have different potential pressures, appropriate manifolds are used to charge air conditioners.
What is a gauge station (collector)
Refrigerant pressure in the air conditioning system is the most important parameter for the operation of a split system. If the pressure in the high or low circuit is increased, this leads to increased operation of the compressor and its rapid failure. At low pressure, the equipment works poorly and does not fully fulfill its functions. To measure the level of freon pressure, gauge manifolds or stations are used. Applied devices for refueling air conditioning units with freon and oil.
A gauge station with hoses for filling air conditioners are used in automobile air cooling systems. In car services, stationary devices with extended hoses are used to control pressure. Service technicians of wall-mounted split systems carry portable compact devices.
Collectors are used to repair refrigerators. The modification of the devices is somewhat different, but the principle of operation and the ultimate goal is the same: check the refrigerant pressure and, in case of a shortage, top up.
What are the gauge stations
There are two types of collectors:
- Equipped with one tap, 2 hoses and a blue pressure gauge. In other words, single-valve. For the repair of refrigerators, such a device is quite enough. It measures the suction level of the coolant. The connection between the hoses is insulated with a valve.
- Equipped with 2 taps, 2 pressure gauges and three hoses. These are two-valve instruments that can measure pressure in two directions. The red gauge measures the discharge pressure, the blue one the suction pressure. This equipment is used both for refueling the lines of air conditioners and refrigeration equipment with freon, and for evacuating the pipe system after the disposal of the refrigerant. The air in the system stops flowing during the operation of the connected device.
There are also four-valve and six-valve ones, but a one- or two-valve device is enough to service split systems.
Subdivided according to the accuracy class from 0.2 to 4.0. The lower the coefficient, the more accurate the equipment is considered to be. For maintenance in vibration conditions, vibration-resistant models of pressure gauges are used.
In turn, reference devices are used to check the correct operation of the pressure gauges. If in doubt that the gauge station is showing incorrect values, it must be checked with another gauge.
For each type of freon, a measuring device suitable for the pressure level is used.
The fact is that the potential pressure in a system filled with more environmentally friendly fluids is higher than outdated banned freons. Therefore, in order not to damage the pressure gauge, it is selected according to the type of freon in the system.
Gauge equipment manufacturers
The best gauge stations are made in the USA and Japan. The Mastercool brand of equipment is a recognized leader in the production of spare parts for measuring instruments. The devices are reliable and durable, they work for years without the need for repairs. Depending on the design and raw materials, they are selected for the price.
The second manufacturer of measuring instruments is China. Many craftsmen prefer Chinese products for their cheapness. When buying cheap devices for everyday use, you can make a mistake and buy a fake that will not work until the end of the warranty period. The device may not show the correct values - because of this, customers will have problems with the operation of the HVAC equipment, which will entail complaints and proceedings.
There are really good manufacturers among the Chinese models, so you need to know from whom to buy a professional device for work.
The domestic brand EKV is suitable in price and quality for Russian split systems, but for high-tech equipment made in Japan, you should choose higher precision pressure gauges.
How to use the gauge station to fill the air conditioner
The first time it is recommended to see how the specialist measures the pressure with a pressure gauge, and then fills the system with freon. Without experience, you should not take on such a job.
- if at least 30 - 50% of the refrigerant remains in the system, evacuation can be omitted, if less than the specified amount - the procedure is carried out completely - first the system is drained, then evacuated, then filled;
- after refueling, it is checked for leaks and pressurized with nitrogen (an ordinary citizen may not have a device for this purpose);
- if you need to add oil, then it is calculated by weight - no more and no less, so as not to change the chemical characteristics of the refrigerant;
- if you check the amount of liquid filled by temperature, you need to have a special device that is expensive enough to buy it at a time;
- a single-valve suction gauge is used only when the compressor is on.
Stages of work:
- The system is drained using a liquid nitrogen cylinder.
- A vacuum pump removes residual moisture and nitrogen.
- The required amount of freon will be charged into special scales through a gauge station (how much and what brand is written in the instructions).
- They turn it on and wait until the liquid is pumped into the line.
The refueling procedure without special equipment can render the climatic equipment unusable, therefore, in order to avoid costly repairs, it is recommended to invite air conditioning service specialists.
To check the filter in the car air conditioner, the degree of clogging of the evaporator, the operation of the compressor, use a metrological station and connect the high pressure line. It is not necessary to connect a high pressure station for simple refueling.
