Refrigerant Identification Testing

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Activation 

• 1.
  
  
  NOTE: Use Refrigerant Identification Equipment to identify gas samples taken directly from the refrigeration system or storage containers prior to recovering or charging the refrigerant system.
  NOTE: Use Refrigerant Identification Equipment that conforms to SAE J1771 for R-134a or SAE J2912 standard identifies R-134a and R-1234yf.

  Follow the instructions included with Refrigerant Identification Equipment to obtain the sample for testing.

  • 198-RI2012yfp A/C Refrigerant Analyzer for use with R134a and R1234yf vehicles Use the General Equipment: Refrigerant Identification Equipment

• 2.
  
  
  NOTE: The refrigerant identifier displays one of the following:
  • If the purity level of R-134a is 98% or greater by weight, the green PASS LED. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22, hydrocarbons and air will be displayed on the digital display.
  • If refrigerant R-134a does not meet the 98% purity level, the red FAIL LED and an alarm sounds alerting the user of potential hazards. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22 and hydrocarbons are displayed on the digital display.
  • If hydrocarbon concentrations are 2% or greater by weight, the red FAIL LED, "Hydrocarbon High" will be displayed on the digital display, and an alarm sounds alerting the user of potential hazards. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22 and hydrocarbons also are displayed on the digital display.

• 3.
  
  The percentage of air contained in the sample is displayed if the R-134a content is 98% or greater. The refrigerant identifier eliminates the effect of air when determining the refrigerant sample content because air is not considered a contaminant, although air can affect A/C system performance. When the refrigerant identifier has determined that a refrigerant source is pure (R-134a is 98% or greater by weight) and air concentration levels are 2% or greater by weight, it prompts the user if an air purge is desired.

• 4.
  
  If contaminated refrigerant is detected, repeat the refrigerant identification test to verify the refrigerant is indeed contaminated.

• 5.
  
  
  NOTE: If contaminated refrigerant is detected, DO NOT recover the refrigerant into R-134a recovery/recycling equipment. Recovery of contaminated refrigerant contaminates the recovered refrigerant supply and may damage the recovery/recycling equipment.
  NOTE: Install a new suction accumulator, receiver drier or receiver drier element as directed by the A/C system flushing procedure.

  Recover the contaminated refrigerant using suitable recovery-only equipment designed for capturing and storing contaminated refrigerant only.

• 6.
  
  Determine and correct the cause of the customer's initial concern.

• 7.
  
  Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Flushing .

• 8.
  
  Dispose of the contaminated refrigerant in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations.