Interview with Gaëlle Maria, Synergy Product Manager, for Valeur Energie magazine
What types of cleaning fluids do you recommend for small refrigeration circuits, particularly when switching refrigerants to HFO or CO₂?
The choice of cleaning fluid depends on the type of conversion envisaged. When switching from an HFC refrigerant to an HFO/HFC blend (A1 to A1), if the oil is POE type, it is essential to check the quality of the existing oil before any operation. If it is in good condition, cleaning is not necessarily required.
However, we recommend using Nettogaz GC+, which is specially designed for this purpose. When switching from an HFC fluid to an HFO, you are moving from an A1 (non-flammable) refrigerant to an A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerant, which requires a thorough risk assessment and compliance with safety requirements. For a switch to CO₂ (R-744), we do not recommend this type of conversion due to the much higher operating pressure.
Do you have any customer feedback on the energy savings seen after a complete refrigeration circuit clean?
Feedback shows that the main performance gains are achieved after cleaning the heat exchangers, particularly the evaporators and condensers, where fouling has an impact on heat transfer and overall efficiency.
However, the internal refrigeration circuit (pipes, expansion valve, compressor) is not supposed to deteriorate under normal operating conditions. Cases requiring cleaning are often related to specific incidents (charging with contaminated refrigerant, introduction of moisture, unwanted particles, compressor failure, etc.).
What are the recommended protocols for effective cleaning without completely dismantling an installation?
To clean effectively, start by dismantling or bypassing all components with openings, such as pressure regulators and valves, to avoid any risk of damage or blockages. The compressor must be isolated, as the interior must never be cleaned with a solvent. Before using any product, check the overall assembly of the installation and ensure that all clamps, plugs and fittings are tight to prevent leaks. Cleaning is then carried out by successively pulses of solvent in the pipe sections to remove any residue. This process is repeated until the product coming out is clear.
Does Climalife offer kits or specific solutions for small-volume installations?
NETTOGAZ GC+ is the ideal solution for internal cleaning of small-volume refrigeration and air conditioning circuits. Cleaning is necessary before starting up a new installation and following a breakdown that has led to contamination of the circuit. Dehydration is carried out by creating a vacuum with a pump. If there is water in the circuit, it must be flushed with nitrogen before cleaning with GC+.