AIRTEK ACentre-20 Electronic Refrigerant Processor

Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of the ACentre-20 Electronic Refrigerant Processor. This unit represents a significant investment for your workshop. Developed through continuous research and development, and the collaborative efforts of design, electronic, and mechanical engineers, along with sales representatives and air-conditioning manufacturers, the ACentre-20 is designed to meet the needs of workshop operators worldwide. It is one of the most user-friendly, efficient, and smart on-line refrigerant processors available. Incorporating an Android platform, the ACentre-20 offers enhanced connectivity and access to online training and support materials, helping your technicians improve their diagnostic and repair capabilities, thereby increasing productivity and profitability. AIRTEK aims to partner with businesses to maximize return on investment and is available to provide further assistance.

Specifications

• Packaged machine dimensions: 720*780*1285mm
• Unpacked machine dimensions: 644*731*1147mm
• Mains power supply: AC110V±10%~60Hz
• Compressor power: 3/8HP
• Max. refrigerant recovery speed: 0.25Kg/min. Features patent-pending SRR (Supreme Recovery Rate) system for 99% recovery rate.
• Vacuum pump capacity: 120L/min
• Evacuation time selection: 2-60 min
• Ventilation: Two flow-out ventilation fans (279CFM each) providing 14m³ per minute air change. The machine powers off if a fan stops.
• Pre-ventilation: 30 seconds of pre-ventilation upon power-on, ensuring 7 air changes in the cabin.
• Flush function: 8 minutes for small/medium A/C (requires min. 4.5KG refrigerant in tank); 16 minutes for large A/C (requires min. 6KG refrigerant in tank).
• Used oil vessel capacity: 400ml, high transparency.
• Refrigerant charging speed: Max. 2Kg/Min (liquid charging).
• Filter-drier: High capacity spin-on filter-drier (600ml capacity) for recovering up to 100KG refrigerant.
• Accuracy: Refrigerant cylinder load cell: ±10g; PAG/POE oil/Used oil bottle load cell: ±5g.
• Refrigerant cylinder: 10KG capacity, with heater band.
• Machine maximum working pressure: 20bar, with electronic high-pressure protection warning and safety release valve.
• Automatic Non-condensable purge (NCG): Based on R1234yf pressure-temperature characteristics.
• Display: 7" touch screen.
• Gauges: High side: -1bar to 30bar; Low side: -1bar to 16bar.
• Additional Features: Digitally displayed cylinder pressure and temperature, electronically controlled air purge, vehicle A/C database, electronic monitoring and display of system service intervals, thermal printer, in-built HFO-1234yf refrigerant identification (accuracy 0.1%, identification time 120 seconds).

General Safety Guide

This equipment must only be operated by qualified technicians.

• Read the instruction manual carefully before operating. Contact your distributor or manufacturer if any part is unclear.
• The refrigerant storage cylinder contains liquid refrigerant under high pressure. Overfilling can cause violent explosion. Do not disable the overfill safety protection. Always keep the cylinder on the load cell platform during operation.
• Use only cylinders supplied with or recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always use the machine in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling refrigerant and/or oil vapors. Always read material safety instructions for refrigerant and oil packaging.
• The machine will be powered off if any fan stops.
• Always switch off the machine and disconnect the power cable before removing covers or servicing to prevent electric shock.
• Never use compressed air to test for leaks on vehicles or equipment.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect eyes and skin from refrigerant contact. Liquid refrigerant can cause frostbite or blindness. In case of accidental contact, wash the affected area immediately with plenty of fresh water and seek medical attention.
• Avoid using the machine in very hot or flammable areas.
• Store the machine in a well-ventilated cool area when not in use.
• Use an extension power cable that is not thinner than 1.5mm² (10amp current carrying capacity).
• Keep gasoline or other flammable substances away from the equipment.
• If a leak is detected, switch off the equipment using the Emergency stop button and contact your distributor or service dealer.

CAUTION: SHALL BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

Component Identification

The ACentre-20 unit comprises several key components:

Equipment Views

Equipment front view (Control panel): Displays the high side manometer, refrigerant flow vision window, low side manometer, and the touch screen interface.

Left side view: Features the thermal printer, PAG oil vessel, UV dye vessel, PIE oil vessel, and used oil vessel.

Back side view: Includes the power switch, fuse, update USB port, power supply cable, LP coupler fitting, HP coupler fitting, LP hose fitting, and HP hose fitting.

Main menu: The primary interface displays function button icons (Recovery, Vacuum, Charge, Auto.mode, Tank fill, Flush, Sys.setting) and operational data such as cylinder temperature, cylinder pressure, oil separator pressure, and refrigerant weight. It also shows total oil volume (POE, PAG UV, and used oil).

Function Table

Main functions

• Recovery: Recovers and purifies refrigerant from an automotive A/C system, storing it in the internal cylinder. Utilizes the patent-pending SRR (Supreme Recovery Rate) system for high efficiency.
• Evacuation: Removes air and moisture from the vehicle A/C system, preparing it for oil injection.
• Charging: Electronically charges the selected amount of oil and refrigerant into the vehicle A/C system. Offers 'Normal charging' for fuel vehicles and 'High voltage charging' for hybrid/electric vehicles.
• Tank fill: Transfers liquid refrigerant from an external cylinder to the machine's internal storage cylinder.
• Flushing: Extracts compressor oil and contaminants from the A/C system for oil replacement.

System setting

• Fully automatic function selection: Allows the machine to perform selected functions in a sequence automatically.
• Language: Select the desired language for the operation interface.
• Calibration: Calibrates refrigerant cylinder load cells, oil vessels load cells, and pressure transducer. Requires a special dynamic password for access, typically provided by the manufacturer. Incorrect calibration can lead to serious consequences.
• Component: Activates and deactivates electrical components for quick diagnosis and troubleshooting. Requires a special dynamic password. Mis-operation may cause equipment damage or injury.
• Altitude: Enter altitude for accurate function performance, especially with integrated identifiers or leak detectors.
• Unit: Select between metric or imperial units of measurement.
• Empty weight setting: Set the tare weight for empty refrigerant cylinders or oil vessels to ensure accurate readings.

Training

• Technical and marketing training: An associated APP provides training materials in video format, accessible via internet connection.

Preparations Before Operation

1. Unlock tank load cell: Remove the safety locking bolt from the load cell platform before use. Re-fit the bolt when transporting the machine to prevent damage to the load cell.
2. Tank fill: Connect the appropriate HP or LP service hose (blue or red) to the external refrigerant cylinder's liquid port. Follow specific instructions based on whether the cylinder has one or two valves. Set the desired amount of refrigerant to transfer. The machine will recover any residual refrigerant in the service hose. It is recommended to maintain 4-6KG of refrigerant in the tank for recovery/recharging, or 6-7KG if flushing is frequently used.

Refrigerant Load Cell Accuracy Check

The machine includes a 1kg (2.2lb) check weight to verify the refrigerant load cell accuracy.

1. Turn on the machine, navigate to the main menu, and record the displayed refrigerant weight as 'A'.
2. Remove the back cover and place the 1kg check weight precisely on the condenser's center of gravity.
3. Record the new refrigerant weight as 'B'.
4. Slightly move the check weight within the gravity center area. If the difference between 'A' and 'B' is within ±5 grams, the load cell is accurate. Otherwise, recalibrate the load cell via 'System setting' -> 'Calibration'.

Automatic non-condensable purge (NCG): After the machine enters the main menu, it waits 5 minutes for pressure and temperature stabilization. If excessive pressure is detected in the tank, non-condensable purging will occur, based on R1234yf pressure-temperature characteristics.

Operating Procedure

Upon startup, the machine first displays the filter-drier life for maintenance reminders. Each filter-drier is rated for a maximum of 100KG of refrigerant recovery. It is advised to replace the filter-drier after 80KG of recovery to avoid machine blockage.

Recovery Function

• Refrigerant identification is performed first if the machine is equipped with an internal identifier. If not, a separate identifier is required. Recovery proceeds only if refrigerant purity is above 98%.
• Empty the used oil vessel before initiating the recovery process.
• The recovery process removes refrigerant from the vehicle A/C system until a vacuum is achieved. During this process, refrigerant is purified of moisture, oil, and foreign particles, then stored in the internal cylinder. Recovered oil is discharged into the used oil vessel and its amount is displayed.
• Once system pressure drops to 0, the patent-pending SRR system injects hot gas refrigerant to aid in evaporating cold liquid refrigerant in the vehicle, ensuring a high recovery rate.
• Note: The recovered refrigerant amount is monitored for filter-drier life. The filter-drier can purify up to 100KG of refrigerant. Upon reaching its life expiration, the machine requires servicing (filter-drier change, calibration, etc.) before it can be powered on again.
• Note: If the machine stops during recovery and displays high pressure, it may indicate excessive air build-up in the storage cylinder, partially closed cylinder valves, a malfunctioning condenser fan, or operation in an extremely hot environment.

Evacuation Function

• Select 'Vacuum' to remove air and moisture from the vehicle A/C system, preparing it for oil injection.
• Evacuation time can be set from 2 to 60 minutes. An optional vacuum leak test function allows for a 1-60 minute leak test.

Charging Function

• Select the 'charge' icon and click OK to begin.
• Choose 'Normal charging' for fuel vehicles or 'High voltage charging' for hybrid or electric vehicles.
• Hose flush (using liquid refrigerant to clear oil residue) is optional for Normal charging but mandatory for High voltage charging.
• Oil (PAG or POE) and UV (optional) volumes can be set. Note that PAG oil is electrically conductive and can affect HV/EV range if mistakenly injected.
• Refrigerant charge amount can be set manually or by selecting the vehicle make and model from the database.
• Refrigerant can be charged through the high side, low side, or both.
• Note: For high side charging, ensure the vehicle is powered off. For low side charging, the vehicle's A/C system must be switched on.
• Note: When charging simultaneously from high and low sides, turn the compressor hub by hand several times after charging to expel any liquid refrigerant from the compressor chambers. Failure to do so can damage the compressor.

Tank Fill

• Refrigerant identification is performed first. Purity must be above 98% for recovery.
• Select 'Tank fill' to add refrigerant to the internal storage cylinder. Maintain 6-8 kg for flushing operations or 4-6KG for recovery/recharging.
• During filling, the machine will prompt the technician to close the external cylinder valve when the target amount is reached. It then recovers residual refrigerant in the service hose and internal pipelines.
• Note: The amount of refrigerant transferred from an external cylinder is not counted towards the filter expiration life.

Flushing Function

• Select based on A/C system size: 'Small and medium-sized A/C' (≤500g refrigerant) or 'Big-sized A/C' (>500g refrigerant).
• For small/medium A/C: 8 minutes flush time, requires at least 4.5kg refrigerant in the tank.
• For big A/C: 16 minutes flush time, requires at least 6kg refrigerant in the tank.
• Note: Empty the used oil vessel before starting this operation.
• Flushing extracts compressor oil and contaminants. Flushing refrigerant is recovered and purified.
• Note: For multi-flow condensers, debris in clogged tubes may not be fully flushed. Replacing the condenser is recommended if the compressor is mechanically damaged.
• Note: The machine calculates filter-drier life based on the difference in refrigerant amount before and after flushing.
• Note: Connect the Android pad to the internet via WIFI for access to training materials.

Automatic Function Mode

• Empty the used oil vessel before starting.
• Refrigerant identification is performed first; purity must be above 98%.
• Select 'Auto.mode' for a full cycle of recovery, vacuum, oil injection, and charge.
• Choose 'Normal charging' or 'High voltage charging' as applicable. Hose flush rules apply.
• The machine automatically executes the sequence with user-preset data.

System Setting

Access the system setting menu by selecting 'system setting' from the main menu and entering the password '111111'. Options include Language, Calibration, Air purge, Unit set, Empty container weight set, Component testing, Altitude, and Owner information.

• Language: Select the desired language for the operation interface.
• Calibration: While the machine has calibration weights, professional technicians should perform calibration of load cells, pressure transducer, and temperature sensor. Access requires a special dynamic password from the supplier or manufacturer. Warning: Incorrect calibration can have serious consequences on the machine and vehicle A/C system.
• Unit settings: Set measurement units to metric or imperial.
• Empty container weight set: Adjusting this value affects the displayed refrigerant/oil content.
• Component test: Allows technicians to activate and deactivate electrical components for diagnosis and troubleshooting. Access requires a special dynamic password. Note: Improper use can cause damage to the machine or injury to the operator.
• Owner information: Change the password and input company name and contact information. This information will be automatically printed on reports.

Machine Maintenance

Filter-drier Replacement

The machine automatically shuts down and prompts for filter-drier replacement after 100KG of refrigerant has been recovered. It is recommended to service the machine after 80KG of recovery.

After entering the password to access the ACentre-20 app, select 'change filter-drier'. The machine will prompt for a dynamic password (contact your distributor/manufacturer) and then a filter-drier code.

Important: Do not press the 'Reset service interval time' button prematurely.

Procedure: Remove the front cover, change the filter-drier, drain and refill the vacuum pump with oil, then press the 'Reset service interval time' button.

Vacuum Pump Oil Change

It is recommended to change the vacuum pump oil every time the filter-drier is changed. Access the pump by removing the front cover. Drain the old oil and refill with new oil (ISO100), observing the level line.

Compressor Oil Change (Recommended if flushing function is used)

Remove the compressor by disconnecting suction and discharge pipes and then removing the four mounting bolts. Drain the oil from the suction port (480ml). Re-fit the compressor and pipes. Pressurize the system and perform a leak test. Oil type: POE68; volume: 450ml.

Calibration of Load Cells, Pressure Transducer, and Temperature Sensor

It is suggested that only well-trained technicians access the calibration and troubleshooting program. Contact your distributor or manufacturer for assistance. A 1KG calibration weight is supplied with the machine. Follow the machine's instructions for calibration.

Caring for Your Equipment

• Keep your equipment clean and well-maintained at all times.
• Store service hoses on storage adaptors when not in use to prevent dirt and dust contamination of couplers, which can lead to system malfunction.
• Always clean vehicle A/C system service ports before connecting machine quick couplers.
• Store the system in a clean area away from direct sunlight and artificial heat sources when not in use.
• Perform regular services as recommended by the manufacturer. Ignoring services can deteriorate the machine's integrity.
• If the machine is frequently used on contaminated A/C systems, change vacuum pump oil and replace main filters more often. Contaminated oil can corrode the pump, and contaminated filters reduce refrigerant purity.
• Do not bump or move the machine while charging a vehicle, as this can affect charging accuracy.
• If the machine is bumped or knocked down, check calibration and for internal leaks.
• DO NOT use compressed air to test for leaks.
• If unsure about operation, contact your distributor or manufacturer for assistance.

Packing List