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Fact Sheets > Dry-Pak® R-22 for Stationary Systems
A/C Background for Introduction of Dry-Pak®
Moisture is an air conditioning or refrigeration systems worst enemy. Moisture which tends to intrude in all AC&R systems, blends with the refrigerant and bad things start to happen. First, even relatively small amounts of moisture (ppm) significantly degrade the system’s efficiency. This results from differences in thermodynamic properties of moisture and the system refrigerant. The amount of energy required to evaporate a given amount of water is approximately 50% higher than that necessary to evaporate an equal amount of today’s commercially used refrigerants. This same energy must then be removed from the moisture in the condenser if the moisture is to act as a refrigerant. While a typical AC&R system will be able to evaporate the moisture despite its higher heat of vaporization, removing a sufficient amount of heat within the condenser to condense it is another matter. Because of this, moisture essentially acts as a noncondensible gas within the AC&R system. The end result of this is the presence of vapor (gases) in the “liquid” stream returning to the expansion valve, which impedes the flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve and causes the compressor to operate at approximately 10% higher discharge pressure. Compressor amperage increases about 10% and system cooling decreases due to reduced refrigerant flow being flashed in the evaporator.
Cold Facts About Moisture
Moisture may freeze at the refrigerant expansion orifice, eventually clogging it. In hermetic systems it may also cause a chemical breakdown between the oil, the refrigerant, and the motor winding insulation. Acids are created which ruin the motor windings and attack metal components. If immediate action is taken to REMOVE MOISTURE, many troubles can be eliminated. The state-of-the-art to date in moisture control has involved “moisture traps” or molecular sieves. Both of these systems operate by sequestering an equilibrium amount of the moisture within the system. Even under optimal conditions, neither method claims to be able to completely dry the system. Nor do they remove the problem moisture from the refrigeration system. Additionally, these “traps” lose their efficiency as they age and accumulate more moisture. The untrapped moisture continues to circulate with the refrigerant, killing efficiency and forming acids. Another problem with conventional drying systems is that, under certain conditions, they will release their trapped moisture back into the refrigeration system, thereby magnifying the problems experienced daily. A final point is that desiccant is released into the systems circuit when the drier fails. This can result in expansion valve blockage, compressor wear, and ultimate system failure.
Our Dry-Pak® Solution
Our technology inherent in Dry-Pak® completely ELIMINATES all moisture within the system by chemically converting it into silicone oil which is similar in properties to that of standard refrigeration oil. The ADVANTAGES of this approach over trapping moisture, is that chemical elimination is much more EFFECTIVE and allows the Service Technician to achieve and maintain a “bone-dry”, zero ppm moisture level within the system.
Advantages
- As Dry-Pak® circulates, it eliminates ALL moisture.
- Reduces compressor head pressure and amperage draw approximately 10%.
- SAVES ENERGY
- Results in less likelihood of compressor failure shortly after maintenance thus fewer call backs.
- Conditioned AIR TEMPERATURE as measured at the register will drop an average of 5 Degrees F and lower which, RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.
- Eliminates time-consuming high vacuum evacuation requirements following maintenance.
- Increases profits for contractors who offer full-service contracts especially those who participate in “shared savings” contracts based on REDUCING CUSTOMER ENERGY COSTS.
- Can be sold for added profits as part of a seasonal “tune-up” of air conditioning/refrigeration systems.
How to Use Dry-Pak®
Using our Dry-Pak® is used for intallation by licensed, experienced 608 Service Professionals/Contractors. A technician who can charge a refrigeration system can use this product successfully. One simply adds Dry-Pak® in the amount of 1 ounce per pound of the systems total capacity. Dry-Pak® is packaged in ONE 16 ounce can. The product can be used in all standard servicing equipment. Please see Procedure Guide SSR-22.
ALWAYS RECYCLE/RECOVER/RECLAIM
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