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For the blends like R-455A: what happens if there is a leak? At which % of leaks do i need to replace the entire refrigerant content of the installation due to a too high change in the composition?
This question has been addressed by a French public research institute (CNAM) who have carried out an extremely extensive test campaign on R455A combined with measuring circulating composition by infrared spectrometry.
The aim was to generate a 30% calibrated leak in the middle of the condenser of a condensing unit. There was a measurement of the COP and the cooling capacity before / after as well as the circulating composition. Then the unit was topped-up with new R-455A and the same procedure was applied 6 times in a row.
The conclusion is clear: the unit must be topped-up with new fluid until at least 30% leakage. The performance of the system is unchanged and the composition in circulation is still within the specifications of the original product.
Therefore, there must be a much greater leakage than 30% before thinking of changing the fluid. In this case other issues such as oil leakage and the condition of the compressor would have to be considered.
L40X-mixtures of gases, what is taken care while charging in system?
As with all refrigerants with temperature glide, the charge must be carried out in the liquid phase. Never charge in gaseous phase.