- Inspect
the regulator for any damage and ensure
that the P/A (pressure adjusting knob)
is in the OFF position
- Fit
the regulator to the Nitrogen Cylinder
- Connect
an isolation valve and pressure gauge
to the regulator delivery fitting.
Gauges
should be scaled to a pressure around
50% higher than the regulator delivery
pressure. A suitably rated high-pressure
isolation valve should be fitted between
the gauge and the regulator. This allows
the gauge to be read around mid scale
where it is most accurate.
- The
gauge and valve assembly should then
be connected to the system using flared
copper tube or a stainless steel flexible
hose.
- The
P/A (pressure adjusting knob) should
then be increased in stages to allow
the system pressure to be built up
slowly.
UNDER
NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD REFRIGERATION
MANIFOLDS AND HOSES BE USED FOR NITROGEN
LEAK OR PRESSURE TESTING.
Refrigeration
Manifolds and hoses are designed for
use with refrigerants only. Refrigerants
are supplied in liquid form at specific
standing pressures and by their very
nature and properties deliver a softer
flow or damping effect through the manifold.
Refrigerant cylinder valves are designed
to 'control' the release of the gas or
liquid. The release of refrigerant pressure
into a system causes a pressure drop,
this in turn causes the cylinder pressure
to fall rapidly so 'velocity' through
the manifold is controlled naturally.Nitrogen
is a high-pressure gas (not a liquid)
and must be regulated down to a lower
pressure than the cylinder pressure.
If mistakes are made i.e. a fully adjusted
50bar regulator is fitted to a new cylinder
and the cylinder valve opened quickly
the increasing 'velocity' through the
manifold and hoses can cause serious
damage and mechanical failure. It can
also cause system damage both internally
and externally, and serious injury to
the operator if the system explodes.
REFRIGERATION
SYSTEMS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ARE NOT
DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND EXCESS VELOCITY
AND SHOCK. |
