Oil-Less Refrigerant Recovery Unit for Cross-Contamination-Free Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge (R/R/R) units face challenges in handling multiple refrigerants without cross-contamination, particularly due to residual refrigerant trapped in compressor oil and filter driers, leading to equipment damage and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A single-circuit convertible R/R/R unit incorporating an oil-less compressor, vacuum pump, and control valve array, which allows for the removal of residual refrigerant and contaminants, enabling the unit to handle multiple refrigerants without cross-contamination through a conversion cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-circuit R/R/R unit uses oil-filled compressors to handle multiple refrigerants, then the unit can service different refrigerant types, but residual refrigerant trapped in compressor oil causes cross-contamination and equipment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (compressor oil) from the system by using an oil-less compressor. This eliminates the source of cross-contamination between different refrigerants while maintaining the ability to service multiple refrigerant types, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor by removing oil lubrication. This parameter change (from oil-filled to oil-less) prevents refrigerant absorption and cross-contamination, allowing reliable handling of multiple refrigerants without the harmful effects of oil-based systems
2Reliability
If a dual-circuit system is used to avoid cross-contamination, then refrigerant purity is maintained, but the system complexity increases and convertibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for dual circuits by extracting the source of contamination (compressor oil). A single circuit suffices when the compressor cannot absorb or retain refrigerant, simplifying the system while maintaining refrigerant purity and eliminating cross-contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The oil-less compressor provides universal compatibility with multiple refrigerant types without requiring dedicated circuits. This single component performs the function of multiple dedicated systems, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to service different refrigerants without cross-contamination
3Manufacturing precision
If filter driers with desiccant are used to remove moisture, then refrigerant purification is improved, but residual refrigerant is absorbed and held, leading to cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the filter drier component from the system. Without desiccant material to absorb and hold refrigerant, the system maintains convertibility between refrigerant types while still achieving necessary purification through the oil-less compressor design that prevents contamination at the source
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents cross-contamination and residual refrigerant buildup, allowing a single unit to handle various refrigerants like R134A and R22 without equipment damage, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator
Implementation Method 3
The oil separator removes contaminants from the refrigerant before passing the refrigerant to the oil-less compressor
Implementation Method 4
the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said one or more storage tanks
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge unit, comprising a control valve array, a vacuum pump, an oil separator, an oil-less compressor, and one or more storage tanks. The vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator, and the storage tanks are in flow communication with said oil-less compressor. The control valve array receives refrigerant from a refrigerant containing device wherein the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said the storage tanks. The unit is compatible with a plurality of refrigerant types without cross-contamination of the refrigerant due to the oil-less compressor and conversion cycle whereby the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit. A refrigerant identifier sensor is in flow communication with the system and can detect contaminants and selectively open and close the storage tanks.