-
Refrigerant pressing
Anyone utilizing anything for refrigeration pressing? With so many locations requiring burn permits, additional people for fire watch, etc, it only makes since. I personally use the RLS or Rapid Locking System. It can take an all day ordeal and knock it down to 2 to 3 hours. If I have to change a compressor, I will braze on tubing and cap them off at the shop or off site. Once I am ready to change it, I can cut the stubs and press it into place. You can also get any drier in tubing size with stubs to press it on.
If anyone would like any information, please let me know.
https://www.rapidlockingsystem.com/
-
5 Replies
-
I’ve never heard of press joints being approved for refrigeration. They leak.
-
Its specifically designed for refrigeration. It is a mechanical bond the does not rely on a sealing element. I have installed a ton with no leaks. Generally a s due to improper installation practices.
-
Ok, Pressed joints have a “O” ring seal inside them. Usually a neoprene, Like Bunta-N, but silicone or Viton could also be used. The EPA has had us remove from design any possible leak sources like valves and mechanical joints to reduce leakage. I understand that in air conditioning it could work. But not in refrigeration. There are conditions that piping can be -50F. Or even colder in flash freezers. Even <font face=”inherit”>Fluoroelastomer rings are only rated at -20F. And PTFE ones are not soft enough for reliable seal. They have been used as a compression gasket type. Let alone that some refrigerants will even migrate through copper tubing over time. As of this time I know of no Refrigeration </font>manufacturer<font face=”inherit”> that approves of pressed joints. If you know of one, let us know. </font>
-
-
-
I’ve seen these spoken of over on a HVAC forum. Since I don’t do refrigeration anymore, I haven’t read their opinions about it.
My own point of contention (or curiosity) is whether manufacturers use them in their boxes from the factory or…whether they would approve of them for use in repairs if they don’t.
If they don’t approve, I wouldn’t.
-
It is beginning to be used by manufacturers. I know for a fact the LTI uses this exact brand.
Log in to reply.