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All about how to load Duracool 12a cans

Duracool: what is it exactly?

Duracool is a refrigerant gas based on hydrocarbons (propane and isobutane). It allows the replacement of certain refrigerant gases used in ssystems for the production of cold (refrigeration and air conditioning). More precisely :

  • Duracool 12a replaces R-12 gas and R134a;/ Span>
  • The Duracool 22a replaces the R-22 gas.
  • Duracool 12a-yf replaces HFO 1234yf gas

But why replace these gases? Because they belong to the families of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Three types of gas well known for their contribution to the greenhouse effect and the destruction of the ozone layer. It is for this reason that they are now banned on the market (or in progress).prohibition). Duracool is used to replace these harmful gases for the planet.

How to know the amount of Duracool needed?

the amount of refrigerant gas of r12, r134a or HFO 1234yf contained in an air conditioning system is always expressed in grams or kilos (ex: 500 gr of r134a, 1.2 kgs of r12 ...). It is the same for the duracool and all its variants (12a, 22a, 12a yf ...).

Namely that to replace these 3 gases (r12, r134a, 1234 yf), it will always put less duracool 12a because the molecules of this gas being larger, it will take less for an equivalent volume.

There is a ratio allowing to calculate the quantity of duracool 12a necessary compared to the other gases, useful to know the quantity of gas to be controlled:

For the R134a:
- Recommended weight / 2.70 = weight duracool 12a (ex: 650 grs of r134 equals 650grs / 2.7 = 240 grs of duracool 12a)

For the R12
- Recommended weight / 3 = weight of duracool 12a (ex 1.2 kgs of R12 equals 1.2 kgs / 3 = 400 grs of duracool 12a)

For the HFO 1234yf
- Recommended weight / 2 = weight of duracool 12a (ex 500 grs of HFO 1234yf equals 500 grs / 2 = 250 grs of duracool 12a-yf)

Duracool cans 12a contain 170grs of gas. So taking the first example, for 240grs of duracool it would be necessary to buy 2 cans but to load only part of the second can, starting from the assumption that the circuit is completely empty.

What tools to use to load the cans?

- To be able to load a bobbin, you will need to use a charging hose, equipped on one side of a self-drilling tap and on the other the connection R134, R12 or 1234yf, depending on the gas that equips your air conditioning system . For example, our DC402 hose is equipped with R12 and R134a fittings as standard, and an optional HFO 1234yf low-pressure fitting can be added as an option.

We always recommend using the pipes we offer for sale (DC402 and DC3000), as they are certified 100% compatible with our cans. It is possible to find much cheaper hoses on the market from China mainly, but many customer feedback informed us that these hoses had the unfortunate tendency to damage the threads of cans, making the bobbin unusable, or preventing the loading from it or causing leaks.

- A very accurate scale can also be useful for measuringthe amount of gas needed in the air conditioning system

- a thermometer . It may be useful to check the cold produced at the outlet of the air vent. On a properly charged air conditioning, with all its parts in perfect working order, the temperature of the produced cold should be around 7-8 ° C.

Procedure for recharging duracool 12a./ Strong>

  • before any loading, it is advisable to work on system that has been drawn to empty, otherwise you will lose energy efficiency if there is air in the circuit for example.
  • The loading of the cans is always done with compressor on, so in the case of a vehicle, engine running and air conditioning engaged in the cold mode to be sure that the compressor starts (even if it is safe due to lack of gas ).
  • Take the refill hose in your hands, and make sure that the needle inside the self-piercing tap is fully wound by turning the valve counterclockwise (manufacturershave the unfortunate tendency to leave them in the low position), to avoid hitting the bobbin when you go screw it with the tap.
  • Identify the low pressure on the air conditioning circuit. Generally this is quite easy, it is the tube having the largest diameter compared to the high pressure. The valves also have a different diameter. In the case of R134a, the low pressure valves are smaller than the high pressure valves. It happens that some car manufacturers like Renault put only one valve R134a on their circuit, usually high pressure. If this is your case, you will need to buy a high-pressure connection.
  • Connect the hose to the low pressure valve, either by screwing it to the R12 or by snapping it (R134a or HOF 1234 yf)
  • Screw the bobbin to the tap. Once it is screwed, hit the bobbin by turning the valve fully clockwise. En the state, the whole is waterproof. To release the gas, turn the bobbin upside down, head down and then pull up the needle. the duracool 12a will begin to enter the air conditioning and the manifold needle will begin to rise.
  • if you are using a scale, be sure to measure the amount of gas you inject while being careful not to exceed 45 PSI. The ideal charging zone is the blue zone of our manometer, between 30 and 45PSI, between 2 and 3 bars.
  • It is advisable to load duracool 12a in stages, opening the valve a few seconds and then closing it. Let the engine run for about 30 seconds between each loading of duracool 12a so that the gas is distributed well and that the pressures s 'balanced.
  • you should not exceed 45 PSI, otherwise you could be overloaded, so a less good refroidissement and damage your compressor.
  • If you need to use several cans, be sure to close the tap each time before screwing a new bobbin so that the gas in the circuit does not escape. If you still have duracool 12a in the bobbin once the pressure is reached, we advise you to close the tap, unclip the vehicle coupling and leave the bobbin screwed to the tap. It will stay waterproof for a while. You can use the rest in the can in another vehicle later, for example.

What about Duracool additives?

The Duracool range also includes other products in the form of cans or not. Here is the presentation of these:

  • Duracool Duradry: This product helps to eliminate the humiquidity inside the circuit. Moisture is harmful and can cause damage to the air conditioning system
  • Duracool Sealquick: This anti leak will only act on micro leaks at the joints of the air conditioning system
  • Duracool Systemseal: This anti leak is more effective than the Sealquick. It will act on all micro leaks at the joints but also and especially on all the components of the air conditioning system: evaporator, condenser ...
  • Duracool AC Oil: Bobbin containing Duracool oil, 100% compatible with R12 and R134a oils. to use if you notice a large oil leak in your engine at the air conditioning./ Span>
Namely, all these cans contain a small amount of Duracool 12a gas to restart a compressor that would be safe. If you inIf you have a lot of these cans, you may not need to load a can of gas last. Well be based on pressure to avoid being in overpressure!

Duradry, Sealquick and Systemseal cans load first. It is very important then to let the engine run for half an hour, either idling or walking with the vehicle, so that the product spreads and acts properly.