US20090314013A1 - Method for servicing air-conditioning systems, and container for carrying it out - Google Patents
Method for servicing air-conditioning systems, and container for carrying it out Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090314013A1 US20090314013A1 US12/309,980 US30998007A US2009314013A1 US 20090314013 A1 US20090314013 A1 US 20090314013A1 US 30998007 A US30998007 A US 30998007A US 2009314013 A1 US2009314013 A1 US 2009314013A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- container
- air
- line
- cooling circuit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00507—Details, e.g. mounting arrangements, desaeration devices
- B60H1/00585—Means for monitoring, testing or servicing the air-conditioning
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
- G01M3/20—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
- G01M3/22—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators
- G01M3/226—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators for containers, e.g. radiators
- G01M3/228—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators for containers, e.g. radiators for radiators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
- F25B2345/001—Charging refrigerant to a cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
- F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for filling a fluid (2) into the cooling circuit (1) of air-conditioning systems, in particular into those of motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, in which method the fluid (2) which is to be filled in is stored at approximately atmospheric pressure in a container (3), in which method a filling line (11) is connected to the cooling circuit (1), which filling line (11) can be connected by means of an initially closed valve (10) to a riser line (7) which dips into the fluid (2) which is to be filled in, in which method the filling line (11) is then evacuated, and in which method the valve (10) is subsequently opened such that the fluid (2) which is stored under approximately atmospheric pressure rises through the riser line (7) into the evacuated filling line (11). The invention is based on the problem of preventing the undesired infiltration of moisture into the cooling circuit (1). In order to solve the problem, the fluid (2) which is stored in the container (3) is closed off in an air-tight fashion by means of a cover (4) which is in contact with the fluid (2). The air-tight closure prevents moisture from the atmosphere from infiltrating into the cooling circuit (1) via the hygroscopic fluid (2).
Description
- The present invention relates to a method for filling a fluid into the cooling circuit of air-conditioning systems, in accordance with the preamble of
claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a container when filling a fluid into the cooling circuit on an air-conditioning systems in accordance with the preamble ofclaim 5. - Method, container, and its use are known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,039 B2.
- In the cooling circuit of an air-conditioning system, not only the coolant but also refrigerator oil, which primarily serves to lubricate the compressor, circulates as a working medium. The cooling circuit of a motor vehicle air-conditioning system, in particular, must be checked for leaks from time to time, since escaping coolant represents an environmental problem and reduces the performance capacity of the system. During the search for leaks, so-called air-conditioning service devices are used, which are connected to the cooling circuit with a filling line. The air-conditioning service devices are equipped with a vacuum pump, by means of which the connected filling line is evacuated. The connection between filling line and cooling circuit is, of course, closed while the vacuum is being generated, in order not to draw the coolant into the vacuum pump. The filling line is connected with a riser line, by way of a valve that is closed, at first; the riser line dips into an open container in which a liquid testing agent (fluid) is stored. This fluid is refrigerator oil into which a UV leak-seeking additive has been mixed. The UV leak-seeking additive is understood to be a liquid or solid pigment that fluoresces when excited by UV radiation.
- After the filling line has been evacuated, the valve to the riser line is opened, so that a continuous connection between the riser line and the filling line is formed. The air column that bears on the fluid drives the fluid through the riser line into the filling line, so that the latter is completely filled with the liquid testing agent. Depending on the pressure conditions prevailing at the filling location of the cooling circuit, the fluid evaporates, it can be poured in, or it must be pumped into the cooling circuit by means of external pressure application.
- A device for pumping the fluid into the cooling circuit, which is under pressure, is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,066.
- Once it has arrived in the cooling circuit, the UV leak-seeking additive is pressed against the wall by the internal pressure. It exits at leak points, and is traced using a UV lamp, with which the cooling circuit is lit up during the inspection. The testing agent remains in the cooling circuit if it does not escape.
- A problem that has not been taken into consideration in the state of the art consists in the fact that the fluid is extremely hygroscopic. For this reason, water from the moist ambient air collects in it, while the testing agent is being stored in the container. Thus, moisture is introduced into the cooling circuit when the fluid is filled in. This is undesirable, since this can result in icing within the system, or corrosion in the lines.
- The present invention is therefore based on the task of further developing a method for filling a fluid into the cooling circuit of air-conditioning systems, in such a manner that the undesirable introduction of moisture from the air, by way of the hygroscopic fluid, is avoided.
- This task is accomplished in that the fluid stored in the container is sealed, in air-tight manner, using a lid that stands in contact with the fluid.
- The basic idea of the present invention consists in storing the fluid in air-tight manner. In order to allow rising of the fluid through the riser line into the evacuated filling line, however, it is necessary for at least atmospheric pressure to be applied to the container. For this reason, a lid is provided that transfers the atmospheric pressure to the fluid. It must therefore stand in contact with the fluid, and furthermore must be movable; the lid can also be configured as a membrane.
- Preferably, the lid floats on the fluid and is sealed, with regard to the wall of the container, by means of a circumferential seal. The lid that floats on the fluid transfers the air pressure column directly to the fluid. The hydrostatic pressure in the fluid is additionally increased by the inherent weight of the lid. To this extent, the fluid is not stored precisely, but rather only approximately, under atmospheric pressure, namely at a slightly higher pressure. The circumferential seal is not supposed to exert overly great friction forces, so that the lid can follow the dropping fluid level.
- Preferably, the lid is provided with an opening through which the riser line extends. In this manner, the lid is guided along the riser line. Of course, the opening must be sealed on the riser line, so that no moisture in the air gets to the fluid through the opening.
- The present invention will now be explained using a fundamental diagram and an exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the figures show:
-
FIG. 1 : fundamental diagram of filling method and container: -
FIG. 2 : exemplary embodiment of container. - What must be done is to service the
cooling circuit 1 of a motor vehicle air-conditioning system. Within the framework of this action, a mixture of refrigerator oil and UV leak-seeking additive, referred to in short as “fluid” 2, must be filled into thecooling circuit 1. - The
fluid 2 is situated in acontainer 3 that is open towards the top, in which alid 4 is guided to move. Thelid 4 floats on thefluid 2 and therefore follows its level. Thelid 4 is provided with acircumferential seal 5, which seals it with regard to the wall of thecontainer 3. In the center, thelid 4 is provided with anopening 6, through which ariser line 7 penetrates thelid 4 and is immersed in thefluid 2. Theopening 6 is sealed with aseal 8, so that thefluid 2 as a whole is enclosed in thecontainer 3 in air-tight manner. - The
air column 9 rests on thelid 4 andfluid 2, so that thefluid 2 is stored in thecontainer 3 approximately under atmospheric pressure. The quotient of the weight force and area of thelid 4 is added to the atmospheric pressure; the hydrostatic pressure in thefluid 2 is therefore slightly above atmospheric pressure at the level height. - The
riser line 7 is connected with afilling line 11 by way of avalve 10. Thefilling line 11 in turn is connected with thecooling circuit 1 by way of asecond valve 12, and with avacuum pump 14 by way of athird valve 13. - At first, all the
valves valve 10 on theriser line 7 must remain closed, so that thehygroscopic fluid 2 does not draw any moisture. After thefilling line 11 is connected with thecooling circuit 1, thevalve 13 is opened and thevacuum pump 14 is turned on. The latter evacuates thefilling line 11. After the vacuum has been produced, thevalve 13 is closed, and thefirst valve 10 is opened. Theair column 9 now presses thefluid 2 through theriser line 7 into thefilling line 11. As soon as the latter is filled, thevalve 10 is closed again, and thevalve 12 is opened. Now thefluid 2 situated in thefilling line 11 can flow into thefilling circuit 1; if necessary, a piston, not shown here, is required, which presses the fluid in. After filling, thevalve 12 is closed again. -
Container 3,riser line 7,valve 10,filling line 11,valve 13, andvacuum pump 14 are combined into an air-conditioning service device 15. This can now be connected with another air-conditioning system. -
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer 3. It is closed off, towards the top, with aclosure 16, in order to protect themovable lid 4. In order to guarantee that proper functioning is fulfilled, theclosure 16 is provided with a passage bore 17. Because of the vacuum in the filling line, it is sufficient if theriser line 7—as shown in FIG. 2—comes into contact with the surface of thefluid 2 and thus is immersed only minimally. Theriser line 7 can optionally be configured as a flexible hose or as a rigid pipe.
Claims (8)
1. Method for filling a fluid (2) into the cooling circuit (1) of an air-conditioning system, particularly into that of a motor vehicle air-conditioning system,
a) in which the fluid (2) to be filled in is stored in a container (3) at approximately atmospheric pressure, whereby the fluid (2) stored in the container (3) is closed off, in air-tight manner, using a lid (4) that stands in contact with the fluid (2),
b) in which a filling line (11) is connected with the cooling circuit (1), which line can be connected with a riser line (7) that is immersed in the fluid (2) to be filled in, by way of a valve (10) that is closed, at first,
c) in which the filling line (11) is then evacuated,
d) and in which subsequently, the valve (10) is opened, so that the fluid (2), which is stored at approximately atmospheric pressure, rises into the evacuated filling line (11) through the riser line (7).
2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the lid (4) floats on the fluid (2) and is sealed, with regard to the wall of the container (3), by means of a circumferential seal (5).
3. Method according to claim 2 , wherein the lid (4) is provided with an opening (6) through which the riser line (7) extends.
4. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid (2) is refrigerator oil, UV leak-seeking additive, or a mixture of the two.
5. Use of a container (3) when filling a fluid (2) into the cooling circuit (1) of an air-conditioning system, particularly a motor vehicle air-conditioning system, whereby the fluid (2) to be filled in is stored in the container (3) at approximately atmospheric pressure, and whereby the container (3) is closed off, in air-tight manner, by a lid (4) that stands in contact with the fluid (2), whereby the lid (4) is sealed, with regard to the wall of the container (3), by means of a circumferential seal (5), wherein a riser line (7) for removing the fluid (2) out of the container (3) is immersed in the fluid (2), and that the lid (4) floats on the fluid (2).
6. (canceled)
7. Use of a container according to claim 5 , wherein the lid (4) is provided with an opening (6) through which the riser line (7) extends.
8. Use of a container according to claim 5 , wherein the fluid (2) is refrigerator oil, UV leak-seeking additive, or a mixture of the two.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102006036697A DE102006036697A1 (en) | 2006-08-05 | 2006-08-05 | Method of servicing air conditioners and vessel for carrying it out |
DE102006036697.2 | 2006-08-05 | ||
PCT/EP2007/006824 WO2008017417A2 (en) | 2006-08-05 | 2007-08-02 | Method for servicing air-conditioning systems, and container for carrying out said method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090314013A1 true US20090314013A1 (en) | 2009-12-24 |
Family
ID=38884995
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/309,980 Abandoned US20090314013A1 (en) | 2006-08-05 | 2007-08-02 | Method for servicing air-conditioning systems, and container for carrying it out |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090314013A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2049849A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102006036697A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008017417A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120272667A1 (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2012-11-01 | Tony Ferraro | Air conditioning lubricant delivery vessel, method and system |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4413747A (en) * | 1982-06-14 | 1983-11-08 | Spokane Industries, Inc. | Floating lid for a liquid storage tank |
US5027605A (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1991-07-02 | Murray Corporation | Oil injection system for air conditioning equipment |
US5357782A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1994-10-25 | Advanced Research Technologies | Leak detection in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems using an environmentally safe material |
US5574213A (en) * | 1995-03-13 | 1996-11-12 | Shanley; Alfred W. | Apparatus and method for detecting leaks |
US5975151A (en) * | 1998-08-06 | 1999-11-02 | Ipg Corporation | Charging a refrigerator with non-volatile liquid |
US6155066A (en) * | 1998-09-10 | 2000-12-05 | Century Manufacturing Company | Injector, methods for using injector, and kit |
US6183663B1 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2001-02-06 | Bright Solutions, Inc. | Leak detection dye delivery system |
WO2002048601A1 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2002-06-20 | Bright Solutions, Inc. | Fluid delivery apparatus and method |
US6595039B2 (en) * | 2000-01-10 | 2003-07-22 | Brasscorp Limited | Method of applying liquid fluorescent dyes to the internal parts of air conditioning or refrigeration systems |
USRE38342E1 (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 2003-12-09 | Uview Ultraviolet Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2396923B (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2005-03-16 | Western Technical Services Int | Heat exchangers |
-
2006
- 2006-08-05 DE DE102006036697A patent/DE102006036697A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2007
- 2007-08-02 WO PCT/EP2007/006824 patent/WO2008017417A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-08-02 US US12/309,980 patent/US20090314013A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-08-02 EP EP07801490A patent/EP2049849A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4413747A (en) * | 1982-06-14 | 1983-11-08 | Spokane Industries, Inc. | Floating lid for a liquid storage tank |
US5027605A (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1991-07-02 | Murray Corporation | Oil injection system for air conditioning equipment |
US5357782A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1994-10-25 | Advanced Research Technologies | Leak detection in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems using an environmentally safe material |
US5574213A (en) * | 1995-03-13 | 1996-11-12 | Shanley; Alfred W. | Apparatus and method for detecting leaks |
USRE38342E1 (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 2003-12-09 | Uview Ultraviolet Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system |
US5975151A (en) * | 1998-08-06 | 1999-11-02 | Ipg Corporation | Charging a refrigerator with non-volatile liquid |
US6155066A (en) * | 1998-09-10 | 2000-12-05 | Century Manufacturing Company | Injector, methods for using injector, and kit |
US6183663B1 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2001-02-06 | Bright Solutions, Inc. | Leak detection dye delivery system |
US6595039B2 (en) * | 2000-01-10 | 2003-07-22 | Brasscorp Limited | Method of applying liquid fluorescent dyes to the internal parts of air conditioning or refrigeration systems |
WO2002048601A1 (en) * | 2000-12-11 | 2002-06-20 | Bright Solutions, Inc. | Fluid delivery apparatus and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008017417A2 (en) | 2008-02-14 |
DE102006036697A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 |
EP2049849A2 (en) | 2009-04-22 |
WO2008017417A3 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VULKAN LOKRING-ROHRVERBINDUNGEN GMBH & CO. KG, GER Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SCHMIDT, ANDRE;REEL/FRAME:022823/0506 Effective date: 20090512 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |