Evacuation And Leak Testing - Rheem P16 Series Installation Instructions Manual

EVACUATION AND LEAK TESTING

EVACUATION PROCEDURE
Evacuation is the most important part of the entire
service procedure. The life and effi ciency of the equip-
ment is dependent upon the thoroughness exercised
by the serviceman when evacuating air and moisture
from the system.
Air or nitrogen in the system causes high condens-
ing temperatures and pressure, resulting in increased
power input and non-verifi able performance.
Moisture chemically reacts with the refrigerant and oil
to form corrosive hydrofl uoric acid. This attacks motor
windings and parts, causing breakdown.
• After the system has been leak-checked and proven
sealed, connect the vacuum pump and evacuate
system to 500 microns and hold 500 microns or less
for at least 15 minutes. The vacuum pump must
be connected to both the high and low sides of the
system by connecting to the two pressure ports. Use
the largest size connections available since restric-
tive service connections may lead to false readings
because of pressure drop through the fi ttings.
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• After adequate evacuation, open both service valves
by removing both brass service valve caps with an
adjustable wrench. Insert a 3/16" [5 mm] or 5/16"
[8 mm] hex wrench into the stem and turn counter-
clockwise until the wrench stops.
• At this time gauges must be connected to the ac-
cess fi tting on the liquid line (small) service valve
and the common suction port connected to the com-
mon suction line between the reversing valve and
compressor to check and adjust charge.
IMPORTANT:
scroll type) should never be used to evacuate the air
conditioning system because internal electrical arcing
may result in a damaged or failed compressor. Never run
a scroll compressor while the system is in a vacuum or
compressor failure will occur.
FINAL LEAK TESTING
After the unit has been properly evacuated and service
valves opened, a halogen leak detector should be used
to detect leaks in the system. All piping within the heat
pump, evaporator, and interconnecting tubing should be
checked for leaks. If a leak is detected, the refrigerant
should be recovered before repairing the leak. The Clean
Air Act prohibits releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Compressors (especially