Tools and equipment for refrigeration systems

Servicing a refrigeration system requires tools suited to the refrigerant used, the operating pressures, and the type of operation to be performed. Omnia Frigo assists installers and maintenance technicians in selecting equipment for recovery, leak testing, flushing, vacuuming, and measuring system parameters.

The range includes solutions for traditional refrigerants and instruments intended, according to the manufacturer's specifications, for systems using A2L or CO₂ (R744)‎ refrigerants. For the latter, it is particularly important to check the maximum allowable pressure of each component of the equipment, including hoses and fittings.

Refrigerant recovery is an essential phase of maintenance and decommissioning operations: it allows the fluid present in the circuit to be collected and managed appropriately, avoiding its release into the environment.

Omnia Frigo offers Wigam systems for the recovery and, where applicable, treatment of recovered refrigerant. The choice of unit depends on the fluid, the quantity to be recovered, and the operating conditions. For A2L‎ refrigerants , it is necessary to use equipment declared suitable by the manufacturer for the specific refrigerant.

For CO₂systems , the intervention methods and equipment must be chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. Our staff can help you determine which tools are suitable for the intended operation.

Leak testing helps identify any leaks before commissioning or after any work on the circuit. Depending on the configuration, nitrogen booster systems include reducers, pressure gauges, piping, and connection accessories.

The selection must take into account the expected test pressure of the system and the limits declared for each piece of equipment. This aspect requires particular attention in CO₂ systems. For systems with A2L refrigerants, it is also necessary to choose tools and procedures consistent with the characteristics of the fluid and the system manufacturer's instructions.

Nitrogen can also be used during brazing, according to the established procedures, to limit the formation of oxides inside the pipes.

Omnia Frigo can advise you on the best options for testing systems with A2L and CO₂

Wigam flushing systems and accessories allow the correct flushing of refrigeration systems, an operation that the maintenance technician may need to perform during maintenance when:
· a system is being retrofitted in which incompatible oil types may coexist
· there is a need to remove all residues that may be present in the system following a mechanical failure of a compressor, a filter or another existing component
· other contaminants that could compromise its medium and long-term life need to be eliminated.

It is necessary to use specific washing liquids, with a high pollutant removal capacity, that do not leave fixed residues, are non-flammable and are compatible with all the materials generally used in refrigeration systems.

Depending on the size of the system, the technician can choose whether to use pressurized cleaning fluid (small systems) or washing stations equipped with an electric pump (for large systems and volumes).

High vacuum pumps for refrigeration systems are used wherever the installation or maintenance technician works on a refrigeration or air conditioning system.

The condition that the technician must ensure is that there are no non-condensable gases inside the circuit and that all present humidity is removed before the refrigerant gas is charged.

This operation can be easily carried out using double-stage vacuum pumps, compatible with all commercial refrigerants, including the highly flammable ones in class A2L (R32 and R1234YF).

· solenoid valve on the suction side, to avoid the backflow of oil/air into the system during periods in which the pump is not in operation

For a comprehensive analysis and correct adjustment of a refrigeration or air conditioning system, in addition to sound technical know-how, precise measured values ​​are essential.

The manifold is therefore an indispensable tool for all installers and maintenance technicians. From the simplest two-way analog pressure gauge to the complex four-way digital manifold, technicians can always find the right one for their specific needs.

‎ Analogue manifolds, can help in everyday work and are characterised by:
· easy handling
· robustness
· cost-effectiveness

The new digital manifolds are becoming increasingly popular due to the undoubted advantages they bring:
· ease of use
· completeness of information and automatic calculation of superheating and subcooling
· possibility of recording the parameters detected over time
· precision in measurement

Along with manifolds, vacuum gauges are another essential tool for technicians, as they allow for precise measurement of the vacuum level achieved during system maintenance. Depending on the customer's needs, they are available, as with manifolds, in both analog/mechanical and digital versions.