Method and apparatus for passive refrigerant retrieval and storage

Patent · Tue Dec 17 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5656942

Squire, D C

This patent describes a method of retrieving and storing refrigerant from a cooling system being serviced of the type having a compressor for circulating a compressible refrigerant in a closed, pressurized system between a condenser and an evaporator to provide a cooling effect. It comprises: connecting one end of a refrigerant collector tube contained within a housing to the cooling system at the condenser outlet; connecting the interior of the housing to the compressor inlet; operating the cooling system compressor to pressurize refrigerant in the cooling system and pump the refrigerant into the collector tube; and discharging refrigerant from the collector tube into the housing interior through a metering valve where the refrigerant pressure is reduced and evaporates and cools the refrigerant remaining in the tube and the evaporated refrigerant is drawn into the compressor inlet whereby the refrigerant becomes trapped within the housing.

• Assignee: NOV; EDB-92-087901; NOV-92-021398
• Patent Number(s): US 5072594; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-593689
• OSTI ID: 5656942
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
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CLOSED-CYCLE COOLING SYSTEMS
COMPRESSORS
CONTROL
COOLING SYSTEMS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
FLUIDS
PRESSURE CONTROL
PRESSURIZATION
RECOVERY
REFRIGERANTS
STORAGE
WORKING FLUIDS