Everything you need to know how to load cans Duracool 12a

The Duracool : what exactly is it?

The Duracool is an hydrocarbon-based refrigerant gas (propane and isobutane). It replaces some of the refrigerant gases used in cold production systems (refrigeration and air conditioning). Specifically:

• The Duracool 12a replaces the R-12 gas and the R134a;
• The Duracool 22a replaces the R-22 gas.
  
• 12a-yf Duracool replaces HFO 1234yf gas

But why replace these gases? Because they are part of the families of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC). Three types of gases well known for their contribution to the greenhouse effect and the destruction of the ozone layer. It is for this reason that they are now banned on the market (or in the process of being banned). The Duracool is thus used to replace these gases harmful to the planet.

How do I know how much Duracool you need?

the amount of refrigerant gas from r12 , r134a or HFO 1234yf contained in an air conditioning system is always expressed in grams or kilos (e.g. 500 grams of r134a , 1.2 kgs of r12 ... ) . So it is the same for the duracool and all its variants ( 12a, 22a, 12a yf ... ).

Namely, to replace these 3 gases (r12, r134a, 1234 yf), it will always take less duracool 12a because the molecules of this gas are larger, it will take less for an equivalent volume.

There is a ratio to calculate the amount of duracool 12a needed compared to other gases, useful to know the amount of gas to order:

For the R134a:
- Recommended weight / 2.70 - weight duracool 12a (e.g. 650 grams of r134 is equivalent to 650grs / 2.7 - 240 grams of duracool 12a)

For the R12
- Recommended weight / 3 - weight of duracool 12a (ex 1.2 kgs of R12 equates to 1.2 kgs / 3 - 400 grams of duracool 12a )

For HFO 1234yf
- Recommended weight / 2 - weight of duracool 12a (ex 500 grams of HFO 1234yf is equivalent to 500 grams / 2 - 250 grams of duracool 12a-yf)


The cans of duracool 12a contain 170grs of gas. So taking the first example, for 240grs of duracool you would have to buy 2 cans but load only part of the second can, assuming that the circuit is completely empty.

Safety guidelines

The Duracool 12a is a flammable liquefied gas, so it is strongly advised to follow the following safety measures:

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles
• Keep away from any source of heat, sparks and flames
• The temperature of the container should not exceed 55oC
• Store and use the can in a well-ventilated area
• Avoid contact with the skin and eyes
  

We advise you to read all the use and safety instuctions shown on the can.


What tools can be used to load cans?

- To be able to charge a can, you will have to use a recharging hose, equipped on one side of a self-piercing faucet and on the other the connection R134, R12 or 1234yf, depending on the gas that equips your air conditioning system. Our DC402 hose, for example, is equipped with the R12 and R134a fittings as standard, and an optional HFO 1234yf can also be fitted with it.

We always recommend using the pipes we offer for sale (DC402 and DC3000 ), as they are certified 100% compatible with our cans. It is possible to find much cheaper hoses on the market mainly from China, but many customer returns have informed us that these hoses have the tendency to damage the threading of cans, making the can either unusable, or preventing the loading of it or causing leaks.

- A very precise scale can also be useful to measure the amount of gas needed in the air conditioning system

- a thermometer. It may be useful to check the cold produced when venting. On a properly charged air conditioning, with all its organs in perfect working condition, the temperature of the cold produced should be around 7-8oC.

How to recharge the duracool 12a .

• before any loading, it is advisable to work on system that has been pulled to the void, otherwise you will lose energy efficiency if there is air left in the circuit for example.

• The loading of the cans is always done with compressor on, so in the case of a vehicle, engine turning and air conditioning switched on cold mode to make sure the compressor starts (even if it is safe due to lack of gas).

• Take the charging hose in hand, and make sure that the point inside the self-piercing faucet is fully reassembled by turning the faucet counterclockwise (manufacturers have the tendency to leave them in a low position), to avoid hitting the can when you are going to screw it with the faucet.

• Identify the low pressure on the air conditioning system. Generally this is quite easy, this is the tube having the biggest diameter compared to the high pressure. The valves also have a different diameter. In the case of R134a, low-pressure valves are smaller than high-pressure valves. Some car manufacturers like Renault sometimes put only one R134a valve on their circuit, usually high pressure. If this is your case, you will need to buy a high-pressure fitting.

• Connect the hose to the low-pressure valve, either by screwing it for the R12 or by clipping it (R134a or HOF 1234 yf)

• Screw the can to the tap. Once the one is properly screwed, hit the can by turning the faucet thoroughly clockwise. As it stands, the set is waterproof. To release the gas, turn the can upside down, head down and then raise the point. the duracool 12a will begin to enter the air conditioning and the manifold needle will start to rise.

• If you use a scale, properly measure the amount of gas you inject while being careful not to exceed 45 PSI. The ideal charging area is the blue area of our manometre, between 30 and 45PSI or between 2 and 3 bars.
  

• It is advisable to load the duracool 12a in increments, opening the faucet for a few seconds and then closing it. Allow the engine to run for about 30 seconds between each load of duracool 12a so that the gas is distributed well and the pressures are balanced.

• you should not exceed 45 PSI, otherwise you could be overloaded, so less cooling and damage to your compressor.

• If you need to use multiple cans, be sure to turn off the faucet each time before screwing a new can so that the circuit gas does not escape. If you have duracool 12a left in the can once the pressure has been reached, we advise you to turn off the faucet, dwarf the vehicle fitting and leave the screwed can at the faucet. This will remain watertight for some time. You can use the rest in the can in another vehicle later for example.
  

The Duracool range also includes other products that come in the form of cans or not. Here is the presentation of these:

• Duracool Duradry: This product removes moisture inside the circuit. Moisture is harmful and can cause damage to the air conditioning system
  
• Duracool Sealquick: This anti-leak will only act on micro leaks at the seals of the air conditioning system
• Duracool Systemseal: This anti-leak is more effective than the Sealquick. It will act on all micro leaks at the joints but also and above all on all the organs of the air conditioning system: evaporator, condenser ...
  
• Duracool AC Oil: Can containing Duracool oil, 100% compatible with R12 and R134a oils. to use if you notice a large oil leak in your engine at the air conditioning level.