Acid and Contaminants Testing w/ John Pastorello

John Pastorello from Refrigeration Technologies joins us to talk about testing oil and refrigerant for contamination. He also explains what each test is good for. John developed the Checkmate testing kit when he recognized a need to test reclaimed and recycled R-12 for acid and moisture.

The Checkmate method removed a small amount of refrigerant from the system for testing. The Checkmate apparatus hooks up to a refrigeration system to test the oil. You insert a tube with a rubber stopper, and you can draw refrigerant from the system when the tool pierces the rubber stopper; the method is similar to drawing blood. The kit then assesses the acid content in the refrigerant and creates a colored stain that indicates the acid content. You can use an included color chart to interpret the stain color.

Checkmate also assesses oil based on its dielectric strength; contaminants can give oil conductive properties, which the test picks up on. Unfortunately, oil breakdown can happen even when technicians use best practices, and it's commonplace on aging systems. Some tests only pick up on acid, not moisture. However, Checkmate picks up on the moisture content as well, which can be an indicator of future acid problems.

Many technicians don't perform oil testing frequently enough; if they test the refrigerant or oil at all, it's only infrequently, such as during PMs. More frequent testing could occur with easier testing methods, such as by using the Checkmate kit, and it could save HVAC system owners lots of money in the long run.

John and Bryan also discuss:

Diagnosing compressor burnout
Conductive oil
Gradual oil breakdown
Schrader core testing devices
PVE oil
Air and moisture skewing other test methods
Vapor testing
Venting exemptions for acid/moisture testing (de minimis)
Checkmate tube shelf life
Suction driers

Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies HERE.

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Surge Protection Basics w/ DITEK

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Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

John Pastorello

Check out our most recent video

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Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Mike, a 20-year veteran from DITEK, a leading American manufacturer of surge protection devices based in Largo, Florida. The conversation begins with a brief discussion about recent hurricane impacts in the Tampa Bay area, where DITEK maintains its 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Mike shares how the company, despite facing challenging weather conditions, continued its operations and maintained its commitment to American manufacturing.

The bulk of the discussion centers around surge protection technology and its critical importance in protecting HVAC systems and other electronic equipment. Mike provides an excellent analogy, comparing surge protectors to pressure relief valves for electrical systems. He explains how Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) work as semiconductors that create low impedance paths to ground when voltage exceeds certain thresholds. The conversation delves into the evolution of MOV technology, particularly the development of thermally protected MOVs that provide enhanced safety features.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about surge protection, particularly the belief that surge protectors are primarily for lightning protection. Mike explains that while lightning strikes are a concern, especially in areas like Florida, approximately 65% of surges actually originate from within facilities themselves, often from equipment cycling on and off or other power quality issues. He emphasizes the importance of proper installation, particularly regarding ground connections and lead lengths, noting that every six inches of wire length can add about 100 volts to the clamping voltage of the device.

Key Topics Covered:

DITEK’s history and commitment to American manufacturing
Basic principles of surge protection and how MOVs work
Evolution of MOV technology and thermal protection features
Difference between transient voltage and temporary overvoltage (TOV)
Importance of proper grounding and lead length in surge protection
Cascading surge protection strategy for comprehensive protection
UL testing standards and voltage protection ratings (VPR)
Common misconceptions about surge protection
Impact of aging electrical infrastructure on power quality
Importance of customer support and ethical business practices
Installation best practices for surge protection devices
Relationship between ground resistance and surge protector performance
Types of surge protective devices (SPD) and their classifications

Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.