Tools, measuring equipment and coolant
The equipment and substances you work with — and why they must be handled carefully
In your trade the equipment is not only for assembling and disassembling — much of it is for measuring and documenting what a system does. And the most important 'material' in the trade, the refrigerant, is at the same time what places the greatest demands on you to work responsibly.
§Manometer set and measuring equipment
The manometer set is the refrigeration technician's most important instrument. It shows pressure on both the high and low pressure sides of the system and from pressure and temperature you can assess whether the system is running as it should. In addition there are thermometers leak detectors that can detect even small leaks and electrical measuring instruments to check compressors sensors and controls. Most troubleshooting is based on being able to trust your measurements.
§Vacuum pump and evacuation
Before a cooling system is filled with refrigerant, air and moisture must be removed. You do this with a vacuum pump that sucks the system nearly empty. Moisture in a cooling system can freeze to ice in the small openings and damage both oil and components, so a thorough evacuation is one of the most important habits in the trade. Patience here saves you from errors later.
§Soldering equipment and pipe work
The pipes in a refrigeration system are often assembled by soldering with an open flame so the connections are completely tight. It requires practice and respect for heat and gas bottles. You also work with pipe bending, nitrogen while soldering to avoid internal scale and various fittings. A tight connection is the prerequisite for the refrigerant to stay in the system — a leaking connection is both expensive and an environmental problem.
Typical equipment in the van
| Equipment. | Used for |
|---|---|
| Manometer set | Read off pressures and assess the system's condition |
| PLACEHOLDER_114 | Find refrigerant leaks, even small ones |
| Vacuum pump | Remove air and moisture before refilling |
| Reassess staffing as soon as a departure becomes significantly delayed or moved forward | Drain coolant and collect it, don't discharge it |
| Soldering equipment | Join pipes tightly with open flame |
| Weight | Weigh the exact amount of coolant on when filling and draining |
§The refrigerant — the trade's most regulated substance
The refrigerant is the substance that circulates and absorbs and releases heat. Many refrigerants are powerful greenhouse gases if released, and some are flammable or under pressure. Therefore, there are rules in Denmark and the EU that refrigerant must not be released but must be recovered, and that the person working with it must be trained and certified for it. Being able to charge and discharge refrigerant with as little leakage as possible is not an extra refinement — it is a core competence and a legal requirement.
§Maintenance of your own equipment
Your equipment is only reliable if it is maintained. Manometers must be accurate, hoses must not leak, the vacuum pump's oil must be changed, and the recovery equipment must be airtight. A diagnostic tool that lies itself sends you on a wild goose chase. Therefore, care with your own equipment is part of professionalism.
“You can only trust your troubleshooting if you can trust your measuring instruments — and that your joints are tight.”