US20130205810A1 - Method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device - Google Patents

Method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130205810A1
US20130205810A1 US13/809,314 US201113809314A US2013205810A1 US 20130205810 A1 US20130205810 A1 US 20130205810A1 US 201113809314 A US201113809314 A US 201113809314A US 2013205810 A1 US2013205810 A1 US 2013205810A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
filter
recovery
recovered
inoperative
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/809,314
Inventor
Sudhir Baliga
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Bosch Ltd
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Bosch Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
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Assigned to BOSCH LIMITED, ROBERT BOSCH GMBH reassignment BOSCH LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BALIGA, SUDHIR
Publication of US20130205810A1 publication Critical patent/US20130205810A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/008Alarm devices
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B45/00Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D35/00Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/14Safety devices specially adapted for filtration; Devices for indicating clogging
    • B01D35/143Filter condition indicators
    • B01D35/1435Filter condition indicators with alarm means

Definitions

  • This invention related to a method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device.
  • US patent publication numbered 20080000240 discloses a refrigerant filter change indication method. For the purpose of indicating that the filter d checking the life of the filter the volumetric flow of refrigerant in the filter is checked. When the amount of refrigerant flowing through the filter has crossed a certain limit it is indicated that the filter should be replaced.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a Refrigerant recovery and recharge device with various components
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing the devices involved in indicating filter replacement.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 with various components. While recovering and recharging refrigerant the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 is connected to a refrigeration equipment 12 .
  • the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 comprises at least a valve block 14 which establishes a connection between the refrigeration equipment 12 and the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 .
  • a filter 16 is present in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 .
  • the filter 16 helps to trap moisture or other particulate matter which may be present in the refrigerant while recovering the refrigerant from the refrigeration equipment 12 .
  • the refrigerant then passes through a compressor 18 and is stored in a refrigerant storage tank 20 .
  • Refrigerant storage tank 20 is placed on a load cell 22 to check the weight of the refrigerant recovered.
  • the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 has a controller 24 means which is used to electronically control the working of the valve block 14 , the filter 16 , the compressor 18 and the refrigerant storage tank 20 .
  • the darker connection between the controller 24 and the other components indicates that data communication takes place between the controller and the other components of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 .
  • filters are employed for the removal of moisture, particulate matter and the like.
  • the removal of moisture, particulate matter and the like is done when the refrigerant passes through the filter.
  • the filter becomes less effective which may be because the filter element may get saturated and non-functional.
  • the saturation and non-functionality of the filter may result in particulate matter being conveyed to the remaining components of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device. This may in turn effect the working of those components and reduce the life of the components.
  • the filter should be replaced periodically when the effectiveness of the filter reduces beyond a certain limit.
  • the filter should be randomly replaced. In certain cases it is possible that the filter element is replaced before the filter element gets saturated. This would increase the cost of working refrigerant recovery and recharge device. Thus it is essential that the filter be replaced only after a certain amount of refrigerant has passed through the filter.
  • volumetric flow of the refrigerant through the filter may be measured using a mass flow meter which is used to measure the volume of the refrigerant that flows through the filter. Once certain volume of the refrigerant has passed through the filter the refrigerant recovery and recharge device indicates that the filter should be replaced.
  • the indication may be audio or visual or the like indication.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing the devices involved in indicating filter replacement.
  • the filter 16 comprises a fuse 26 which is used to check if the filter needs to be replaced.
  • the controller 24 is adapted to send a signal to a fuse blow circuit 28 .
  • the fuse blow circuit 28 may be external as shown in FIG. 2 or may be integral part of the controller 24 .
  • the fuse blow circuit 28 renders the fuse 26 inoperative when the signal is received from the controller 24 .
  • an audio and/or visual indication indicating that the filter 16 should be replaced is provided in the refrigerant recharge and recovery device 10 .
  • the amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter 16 is determined by the weight of the refrigerant storage tank 20 .
  • a load cell 22 is normally used to measure the weight of the refrigerant that is recovered. Depending on the weight of the refrigerant recovered, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the filter 16 is monitored. If the amount of refrigerant recovered either over one cycle of recovery or many cycles of recovery is higher than a set limit, then this indication is provided to the controller in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 .
  • the controller 24 in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 sends a signal to the fuse blow circuit 28 to render the fuse 26 inoperative.
  • controller 24 in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 checks if the fuse 26 is intact. If the controller 24 encounters that the fuse 26 is blown out then controller 24 not only provides an indication of the same but also completely stops the working of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 .
  • the indication to replace the filter may be in the form of a warning light glowing on the front panel of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 with a audio beep type warning or a voice command indicating that the filter should be replaced.
  • the working of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 is resumed only after a new filter 16 is fitted into the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 . Even after the new filter 16 is installed in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 the controller 24 checks if the fuse 26 is intact. If the fuse 26 is not intact it is an indication that the filter 16 being used does not match the requirement of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 and it should be replaced. In such a case the working of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 remains stopped or suspended. When the controller 24 recognizes that the fuse 26 is present it is an indication that the filter 16 being installed is new.
  • controller 24 not only provides an indication when the filter should be replaced but also an indication if the filter 16 being used is in proper working condition to be effective for filtering contaminants from the refrigerant.
  • a mass flow meter which measures the mass of the refrigerant that flows through the filter. Based on the reading of the amount of refrigerant flowing through the filter an indication if the filter 16 should be replaced or not is provided by the controller in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Cooling Or The Like Of Electrical Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

A refrigerant recovery and recharge device is configured to be connected to refrigeration equipment. The device includes a filter configured to filter refrigerant and removal contaminants in recovered refrigerant. The filter includes a fuse configured to indicate when the filter should be replaced.

Description

  • This invention related to a method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device.
  • STATE OF THE ART
  • US patent publication numbered 20080000240 discloses a refrigerant filter change indication method. For the purpose of indicating that the filter d checking the life of the filter the volumetric flow of refrigerant in the filter is checked. When the amount of refrigerant flowing through the filter has crossed a certain limit it is indicated that the filter should be replaced.
  • ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
  • The method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device according to the independent claims have the following advantages.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANY DRAWINGS
  • Different modes of the invention are disclosed in detail in the description and illustrated in the accompanying drawing:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a Refrigerant recovery and recharge device with various components; and
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing the devices involved in indicating filter replacement.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 with various components. While recovering and recharging refrigerant the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 is connected to a refrigeration equipment 12. The refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 comprises at least a valve block 14 which establishes a connection between the refrigeration equipment 12 and the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10. A filter 16 is present in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10. The filter 16 helps to trap moisture or other particulate matter which may be present in the refrigerant while recovering the refrigerant from the refrigeration equipment 12. The refrigerant then passes through a compressor 18 and is stored in a refrigerant storage tank 20. Refrigerant storage tank 20 is placed on a load cell 22 to check the weight of the refrigerant recovered. The refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 has a controller 24 means which is used to electronically control the working of the valve block 14, the filter 16, the compressor 18 and the refrigerant storage tank 20. In FIG. 1 the darker connection between the controller 24 and the other components indicates that data communication takes place between the controller and the other components of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10.
  • In refrigerant recovery and recharge devices filters are employed for the removal of moisture, particulate matter and the like. The removal of moisture, particulate matter and the like is done when the refrigerant passes through the filter. After many cycles of refrigerant recovery from the refrigeration equipment it is observed that the filter becomes less effective which may be because the filter element may get saturated and non-functional. The saturation and non-functionality of the filter may result in particulate matter being conveyed to the remaining components of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device. This may in turn effect the working of those components and reduce the life of the components.
  • Hence there is need that the filter should be replaced periodically when the effectiveness of the filter reduces beyond a certain limit. However the filter should be randomly replaced. In certain cases it is possible that the filter element is replaced before the filter element gets saturated. This would increase the cost of working refrigerant recovery and recharge device. Thus it is essential that the filter be replaced only after a certain amount of refrigerant has passed through the filter.
  • In conventional devices which measure the amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter. Volumetric flow of the refrigerant through the filter may be measured using a mass flow meter which is used to measure the volume of the refrigerant that flows through the filter. Once certain volume of the refrigerant has passed through the filter the refrigerant recovery and recharge device indicates that the filter should be replaced. The indication may be audio or visual or the like indication.
  • In accordance with this invention there is provided a filter for use in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device and a method for indicating that the filter should be replaced. FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing the devices involved in indicating filter replacement. The filter 16 comprises a fuse 26 which is used to check if the filter needs to be replaced. The controller 24 is adapted to send a signal to a fuse blow circuit 28. The fuse blow circuit 28 may be external as shown in FIG. 2 or may be integral part of the controller 24. The fuse blow circuit 28 renders the fuse 26 inoperative when the signal is received from the controller 24. When the fuse 26 is rendered inoperative an audio and/or visual indication indicating that the filter 16 should be replaced is provided in the refrigerant recharge and recovery device 10.
  • The working of the filter and the method of indicating filter replacement will be explained hereinafter. In one embodiment of the invention the amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter 16 is determined by the weight of the refrigerant storage tank 20. A load cell 22 is normally used to measure the weight of the refrigerant that is recovered. Depending on the weight of the refrigerant recovered, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the filter 16 is monitored. If the amount of refrigerant recovered either over one cycle of recovery or many cycles of recovery is higher than a set limit, then this indication is provided to the controller in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10. The controller 24 in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 sends a signal to the fuse blow circuit 28 to render the fuse 26 inoperative. Before continuing the recovery in the next cycle the controller 24 in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 checks if the fuse 26 is intact. If the controller 24 encounters that the fuse 26 is blown out then controller 24 not only provides an indication of the same but also completely stops the working of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10. The indication to replace the filter may be in the form of a warning light glowing on the front panel of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 with a audio beep type warning or a voice command indicating that the filter should be replaced.
  • The working of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 is resumed only after a new filter 16 is fitted into the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10. Even after the new filter 16 is installed in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 the controller 24 checks if the fuse 26 is intact. If the fuse 26 is not intact it is an indication that the filter 16 being used does not match the requirement of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 and it should be replaced. In such a case the working of the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10 remains stopped or suspended. When the controller 24 recognizes that the fuse 26 is present it is an indication that the filter 16 being installed is new.
  • Thus the controller 24 not only provides an indication when the filter should be replaced but also an indication if the filter 16 being used is in proper working condition to be effective for filtering contaminants from the refrigerant.
  • In accordance with another embodiment of this invention there is also provided a mass flow meter which measures the mass of the refrigerant that flows through the filter. Based on the reading of the amount of refrigerant flowing through the filter an indication if the filter 16 should be replaced or not is provided by the controller in the refrigerant recovery and recharge device 10.
  • It should be understood that the embodiment of the invention as shown in the diagram is only illustrative and does not restrict the scope of this invention. The scope is clearly defined in the claims and the specification is used to explain the working of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device comprising:
(i) connecting said refrigerant recovery and recharge device to refrigeration equipment through a valve block;
(ii) recovering refrigerant from said refrigeration equipment, wherein said refrigerant flows through a filter during recovery;
(iii) measuring an amount of refrigerant recovered that flows through said filter;
(iv) rendering the filter inoperative if the amount of refrigerant recovered exceeds a limit; and
(v) indicating that said filter needs replacement when said filter is rendered inoperative.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein rendering the filter inoperative includes making a fuse inoperative.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said refrigerant recovery and recharge device is rendered inoperative by making the fuse inoperative.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said refrigerant recovery and recharge device is operative only when said inoperative filter is replaced with a new filter with a new fuse.
5. A refrigerant recovery and recharge device configured to be connected to refrigeration equipment, said device comprising:
a valve block configured to establish connection between the refrigerant recovery and recharge device and the refrigeration equipment and to recover refrigerant;
a compressor configured to compress said recovered refrigerant;
a refrigerant storage tank configured to store said compressed recovered refrigerant;
a controller configured to control the working of said valve block, said compressor and said refrigerant storage tank; and
a filter configured to filter said refrigerant and removal contaminants in said recovered refrigerant, said filter including a fuse configured to indicate when the filter needs replacement.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said device further comprises a load cell configured to measure a weight of the refrigerant recovered from said refrigeration equipment, by said refrigerant recovery and recharge device.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein filter replacement indication is provided according to an amount of refrigerant recovered.
8. The device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a flow meter configured to determine an amount of refrigerant flowing through said filter.
9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein filter replacement indication is provided according to a weight of refrigerant recovered.
10. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said device further comprises a filter replacement indicator, said filter replacement indicator being one of an audio indicator or a visual indicator.
US13/809,314 2010-07-15 2011-04-26 Method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device Abandoned US20130205810A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IN2020/CHE/2010 2010-07-15
IN2020CH2010 2010-07-15
PCT/EP2011/056524 WO2012007197A2 (en) 2010-07-15 2011-04-26 A method to indicate filter replacement in a refrigerant recovery and recharge device

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US20130205810A1 true US20130205810A1 (en) 2013-08-15

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EP (1) EP2635361B1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2012007197A2 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080000240A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2008-01-03 Travis Bakker Method and apparatus for refrigerant recovery unit filter dryer maintenance
US20090145143A1 (en) * 2007-12-07 2009-06-11 Spx Corporation Background tank fill based on refrigerant composition
US20090188271A1 (en) * 2008-01-29 2009-07-30 Mcmasters Mark Method and apparatus for clearing oil inject circuit for changing oil types
US20110062060A1 (en) * 2009-07-03 2011-03-17 Paul Royal System and method for communication between a fluid filtration apparatus and filter

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4894071A (en) * 1988-09-27 1990-01-16 Tech Paper, Inc. Portable air cleaner
US5226300A (en) * 1990-07-27 1993-07-13 Ozone Environmental Industries, Inc. Refrigerant recycling apparatus, method and system
US5187940A (en) * 1991-02-19 1993-02-23 Standard Motor Products, Inc. Refrigerant recovery and purification system
US5146760A (en) * 1991-06-17 1992-09-15 Carrier Corporation Method and apparatus for compressor protection in a refrigerant recovery system
US5193351A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-03-16 Spx Corporation Refrigerant recovery and purification system
US5211024A (en) * 1992-04-20 1993-05-18 Spx Corporation Refrigerant filtration system with filter change indication
JP2006179332A (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-07-06 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Filter system of fuel cell

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080000240A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2008-01-03 Travis Bakker Method and apparatus for refrigerant recovery unit filter dryer maintenance
US20090145143A1 (en) * 2007-12-07 2009-06-11 Spx Corporation Background tank fill based on refrigerant composition
US20090188271A1 (en) * 2008-01-29 2009-07-30 Mcmasters Mark Method and apparatus for clearing oil inject circuit for changing oil types
US20110062060A1 (en) * 2009-07-03 2011-03-17 Paul Royal System and method for communication between a fluid filtration apparatus and filter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN103118759A (en) 2013-05-22
EP2635361B1 (en) 2019-06-05
WO2012007197A3 (en) 2012-06-07
WO2012007197A2 (en) 2012-01-19
CN103118759B (en) 2015-07-29
EP2635361A2 (en) 2013-09-11

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AS Assignment

Owner name: BOSCH LIMITED, INDIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BALIGA, SUDHIR;REEL/FRAME:030132/0418

Effective date: 20130311

Owner name: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BALIGA, SUDHIR;REEL/FRAME:030132/0418

Effective date: 20130311

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION