Promax Refrigerant Recovery Units

Introduction

This document provides additional operating instructions for Promax Refrigerant Recovery Units, specifically for use with A2L refrigerants. It complements the original manual supplied with the product.

The Promax Refrigerant Recovery Units are universal machines capable of recovering CFC, HCFC, HFC, and Class A2L refrigerants. They feature a proven compressor for fast recovery and are designed for safe operation with A2L refrigerants when handled by properly trained personnel, adhering to safety practices and the guidelines within this manual.

Important Safety Information

PLEASE NOTE:

• For recovery of Class A2L refrigerants (e.g., R32, 1234yf, 1234ze, R143a), the unit MUST ONLY be operated by authorized personnel with proper and specific training in the use and handling of these refrigerants.
• The unit is NOT for use in hazardous/explosive environments.
• It MUST be ensured prior to use that the operating environment is FREE of hazardous concentrations of gases/vapors/dusts and/or fibers.
• The USE of an appropriate combustible gas leak detector (e.g., TIF 8900) or measuring device to ensure the safety of the working environment is mandatory before operating the Promax Refrigerant Recovery units.
• Users must follow these additional Promax A2L manual instructions, available through your supplier or upon request.
• If these conditions are not met, do not use this equipment in combination with A2L refrigerants.

THE SAFE WAY IS THE ONLY WAY!

This equipment must only be operated by authorized personnel with proper and specific training in the use and handling of A2L refrigerants.

NOTE! If you are not a qualified refrigerant service technician, do not use this equipment.

1. Technicians should always wear goggles and gloves when working on refrigeration systems.
2. Ensure the work area is thoroughly ventilated, especially if a leak is suspected.
3. The operating environment MUST be FREE of hazardous concentrations of gases/vapors/dusts and/or fibers before use.
4. Using an appropriate combustible gas leak detector or measuring device to ensure workplace safety is mandatory before operating Promax Refrigerant Recovery units.
5. Always think before acting. Familiarity can lead to carelessness, which can be harmful to your health or even fatal.
6. Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all compounds you may contact, including refrigerants and oils. Obtain MSDS sheets from your A2L refrigerant supplier.
7. Never use oxygen when testing for leaks. Oil in contact with pressurized oxygen can create an explosive mixture.
8. Refrigeration systems are typically electrically driven. Disconnect the unit from the power source before servicing.
9. Always store refrigerant containers in a cool, dry place.
10. Open service and cylinder valves slowly to allow for quick control of gas flow in case of danger. Valves can be opened fully once no danger is present.
11. Do not mix refrigerants in systems, tanks, or anywhere else. Each refrigerant type requires its own tank, filters, etc.
12. Moisture entering a refrigeration system can cause considerable damage. Keep all connected parts of the refrigeration system thoroughly dry and clean.
13. To reduce fire risk, avoid using extension cords that may overheat. If an extension cord is necessary, it should be a minimum of 14 AWG, not longer than 8m (25'), and fully unrolled. The equipment should be used in locations with mechanical ventilation (at least four air changes per hour) or located at least 45cm (18") above the floor. Do not use near spilled or open containers of gasoline or other flammable liquids.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions GmbH declines all responsibilities or claims when Promax units are used improperly or not according to all recommended/mentioned guidelines.

General Information

Before operating the Promax Refrigerant Recovery unit, read the following:

1. Always isolate large amounts of refrigerant and close valves after use to prevent escape if a leak develops.
2. Storage cylinders may sometimes have valves that are not properly seated. Valve caps can prevent refrigerant leakage.
3. Always operate the unit on a flat, level surface.
4. Your Promax has an internal pressure shut-off switch. If system pressure exceeds 38.5 bar (550 psi), the system will automatically shut off.

CAUTION: The 38.5 bar (550 psi) switch does not prevent tank overfill. If the system shuts off on high pressure while connected to your tank, the tank may be overfilled, creating a very dangerous situation! Take immediate measures to relieve any high pressure and/or tank overfill.

WARNING! Never overfill storage tanks. Overfilling may cause tanks to explode.

• A scale must be used to avoid overfilling the storage tank.
• Tanks and filters should be designated for one refrigerant only. Before using a tank previously used for another refrigerant, completely empty it, evacuate it, purge it with dry nitrogen, and re-evacuate it.
• Special care is needed when recovering from a burned-out system. Use two high acid capacity filters in series (e.g., Alco type EK-162-F or Sporlan type C-162-F).
• Always empty refrigerant from the unit into a storage tank (see Self Purge/Auto Evacuate procedure). Liquid refrigerant left in the condenser may expand, causing component damage.

The Vacuum Low pressure switch must always be in the OFF position while the unit is used. This applies only to Promax RG 5410A-E or RG 6-E models.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions GmbH declines all responsibilities or claims when Promax units are used improperly or not according to all recommended/mentioned guidelines.

Operating Your Promax Unit

It MUST be ensured prior to use that the operating environment is FREE of hazardous concentrations of gases/vapors/dusts and/or fibers.

Familiarize yourself with the operation of the front panel of your Promax Recovery Unit. You will find detailed instructions in the original manual supplied with the product, typically in section "III OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES".

BEFORE connecting your unit to a system containing a Class A2L refrigerant, it must be ensured that the recovery unit is empty of ANY refrigerant. ONLY an empty unit should be connected. Make certain that 0 or negative pressure is shown on both blue and red gauges before proceeding with use!!

Procedure for Normal System Recovery

Make certain that 0 or negative pressure is shown on both blue and red gauges before proceeding with use!!

1. Inspect the PROMAX unit thoroughly to ensure it is in good operating condition.
2. Ensure that both the Inlet and Outlet valves on the front panel are closed.
3. Make sure the Recover/Purge valve is set on Recover. (Applies only to Promax MiniMax-E, RG 5410A-E, or RG 6-E).
4. Ensure all connections are correct and tight.
5. Slowly open the liquid port of the recovery cylinder. Always open valves slowly to check hoses and connections for leaks and ensure there are no leaks detectable.
6. Ensure that the Vacuum Low pressure switch is in the OFF position AND remains OFF while the unit is used. (Applies only to Promax RG 5410A-E or RG 6-E).
7. Connect your Promax to the main power supply.
8. Switch the main power switch to the ON position. You should hear the fan running. Note: Allow the fan to run for 60 seconds.
9. Press the compressor start switch. This "momentary" switch will start the compressor.
10. Open the Outlet port of the PROMAX unit.
11. Open the liquid port on the manifold gauge set. Opening the liquid port will remove liquid from the system first, greatly reducing recovery time. After liquid removal, open the manifold vapor port to finish evacuating the system.
12. Slowly open the input port on the PROMAX unit.
    • a) If the compressor starts to knock, slowly throttle back the input valve until the knocking stops.
    • b) If the input valve was throttled back, it should be fully opened once the liquid has been removed from the system (the manifold vapor port should also be opened at this time).

ATTENTION: When pumping liquid, do not allow the Promax unit to operate with the input valve too far open, as this can cause the compressor to knock, potentially stalling or damaging the motor.

13. Run the unit until the minimum EPA or locally required vacuum is achieved.
    • a) Close the manifold vapor and liquid ports.
    • b) Close the Promax unit input port.
    • c) Leave the unit switched on and running.
14. Always purge the Promax unit after recovery is complete as noted below – DO NOT switch off the unit. Failure to purge remaining A2L refrigerant from the Promax unit could result in:
    • a) A hazardous environment after use of this equipment, and a hazardous environment on the next use.
    • b) Acidic degradation of internal components, ultimately causing premature failure of the unit.

PURGING YOUR PROMAX

These instructions do not apply to the RG3000 model as it does not include a purge feature; nevertheless, the unit must be purged of any A2L refrigerant remaining inside after recovery is complete.

Procedure for Purging Remaining Refrigerant from the PROMAX unit

(Continuing from step 13. C)

1. Turn the Recover/Purge valve (black) slowly from the Recovery to the Purge position.
2. Run until a vacuum of at least -0.3 Bar is achieved.
3. Close the ports on the recovery tank and the Outlet valve on the unit.
4. Turn the unit OFF.
5. Return the Recover/Purge valve to the Recover position.
6. Disconnect and store all hoses.
7. Replace the in-line filter on your Promax after every time excessive contaminant is encountered.
8. Make sure that the Promax unit has no remaining A2L refrigerant. This is very important, especially for the next use.

If not: do not use this equipment in combination with A2L refrigerants.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions GmbH declines all responsibilities or claims when Promax units are used improperly or not according to all recommended/mentioned guidelines.