Charging Cylinders

DuMass

Does anyone occasionally use these for small critical charge systems like PTACs, ice machines, window units, coolers, etc…?
I have two of the heated Dial-a-Charge models made by Robinair. One is calibrated for R12/22/502 and the other for R134A only. I think I overdid it a bit though by getting the 5 LB size… I probably would have been fine with the 2.5 LB models.

mechanicalDvr

Haven't been anywhere near one of those puppies since working for my Uncle years ago. I just use the digital scale.

jvegas

Never used one just a digital scale

mo-flo

i've got an old one that i picked up at an auction years ago,never have used it......

pipefitter636

Haven't used one since the 80's. But on small systems you can't beat em, more accurate than a digital.

mechanicalDvr

How small are you talking? I use the scale for 18oz-23oz in Climatemaster untis all the time with great results.

beenthere

Haven't used one of them since the 80's.

A good digital is easier to use. No temp compensation to consider.

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hvaclover

Got the same one you got, Dumass. Still use it today.

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pipefitter636

On a cap tube system less than 2lbs...... Don't think I would trust it...... jmo

beenthere

To each his own.

Do reach ins, etc, that take less then 2 pounds, no trouble.

A calabrated digital scale is just as accurate as a charging cyclinder.
And no temp compensation errors.

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pipefitter636

Glad I don't do the small sh*t any more....And your right(To each his own.)

DuMass

Temperature compensation? Whooh… you have to turn the outer shield to match the reading of pressure gauge on top… not too hard to accomplish.
That's why it's called the Dial-a-charge.

beenthere

Wait until you use it on a system, thatgives you a little trouble getting all of the charge in, when its not running.

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DuMass

That’s why there heated. You just plug them in to a 120V receptacle. This has the same effect as using a tank heater on a 30lb or 50lb cylinder.

hvaclover

Unless it says Testo on it Beenthere gets a little confused.

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beenthere

LOL... I understand the word Bacarach too.

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beenthere

Come back and tell me how mch you like using one, in another 2 years.

I used a 5, and a 10 pound one.

Used them in both summer, and winter.

A digital scale is better, easier, and faster.

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DuMass

Okay, but I’ve already had them both for probably six or seven years now. I also own and use a digital scale as well as a digital programmable scale/refrigerant meter, so I use them all.
I’m not trying to convert anyone here… just asked if anyone else used them occasionally for small critical charge systems.

They do have their advantages though. You can fill them in the shop or in the truck and bring them pre-filled to the equipment, so you don’t need to carry a digital scale and 30lb cylinder, just the charging cylinder.
You would probably already have your extension cord running your vac pump at the equipment if needed for the heater.

beenthere

I got tired of filling them. Thats time that can be spent doing other things.

Back when I used them. They didin't have digital scales yet(atleast not portable ones).

I did however, discover that they can be a great training aid, when you want to teach someone about saturation_p/t.



PS: When you want to put 4 pounds in the 5 pound cyclinder, and at 3.2 pounds its pressure is equal to the tank your filling from. You are using a recovery machine to remove the vapor to get the rest of the liquid refrigerant in, right?

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pipefitter636

Isn't that what you are supposed to do