Paolo Mattavelli is our R&D manager and he’ll answer some questions about most common problems concerning ACR and vehicle ...
Ask the Chemist: moisture inside an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration System
Today we open a very special column: “Ask the Chemist”. Paolo Mattavelli is our R&D manager and he’ll answer some questions about most common problems concerning AC/R and vehicle A/C systems.
Reading Time: 5 min
Today’s theme is the moisture that can rise inside an air conditioning and refrigeration system.
- Can you describe the problem of moisture in AC/R and vehicle A/C systems?
The moisture in air conditioning and refrigeration system is a very common and sometimes underestimated or incorrect detected problem that can damage irreparably the system. In fact, the moisture, is highly reactive and this causes formation of acids, when it reacts with halogens carbon oxides, and oxides when it reacts with the metal components of the system.
Furthermore, if moisture accumulates near the valves, they can freeze resulting in a block of the valves themselves or to the entire system. - Why does moisture form?
It is well known that inside an air conditioning and refrigeration system, the lubricant and refrigerant gas have a natural level of moisture, which is added to the one already present in the system during the installation process. This is mostly eliminated by the dehydrating filter which, however, tends to saturate and to lose efficiency through time.
Moisture also tends to form due to the normal ageing of the lubricants, the external recharging actions and the external air suction when leaks occur in the system. - Is moisture a natural phenomenon or is it unusual?
This is an absolutely normal phenomenon which must be kept under control with the correct maintenance of the system with, for example, the purchase of refrigerant and lubricant gases from professional companies by providing the right chemical components to the system. - What are the consequences of moisture in an AC/R system?
Moisture generates an high risk of corrosion and freezing in different areas of the AC/R system. - What are the consequences of moisture in a vehicle A/C system?
Just like in an AC/R system, moisture generates the risk of corrosion and freezing in different areas of the system, also in the air conditioning of the vehicles. - How do I know if there’s any moisture in the system?
Some systems are equipped with lenses and chemical sensors that monitor the situation. When there is moisture in the AC/R system, there is also a slight increase in electrical conductivity But moisture is a normal phenomenon that increase during time so, the advice is to always proceed with a proper and frequent maintenance to avoid compromising the system. - How do you solve the moisture problem?
When the “dynamic” moisture passes through the dehydrating filter – correctly maintained – it is mostly eliminated. The main problem is related to the “static” moisture in the oil deposited on the pipe wall and in the heat exchanger which can reach high level of concentration. This problem is solved with an additive that circulates in the system and reaches the moisture in any location. Of course, the additive solves also the problem of “dynamic” moisture not eliminated by the dehydrating filter. - Which product do you recommend using?
Super-Dry Ultra, anti-moisture additive for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. There are several reasons why I recommend using Super Dry Ultra in the normal maintenance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. First of all, because it eliminates the moisture in the AC/R system wherever it is and makes preventive action possible at an early stage. Furthermore, it has several other advantages: – increases the performance of the compressor lubricant, without causing chemical changes – extends the compressor’s life and reduces the friction present by decreasing vibrations and noise – reduces system maintenance costs and CO2 emissions. Finally, it is compatible with all types of lubricants and all refrigerant gases including CO2 (with the exception of R717 – ammonia). It is therefore a product suitable for all type of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. - Is it possible to prevent the moisture formation? If so, how?
It isn’t possible to avoid it completely. The only way is to insert an anti-moisture additive into the AC/R system at a very early stage. The proper maintenance with SUPER-DRY Ultra eliminates the moisture already present into a running AC/R system and makes preventive action possible by stabilizing the lubricant and reducing all those conditions that favor the formation of new moisture. - Do you have any advice for our readers?
Yes. Organize a periodical and correct maintenance to protect your AC/R system from all the factors that reduce its performance and increase operating costs. Take preventative action is an even more pressing priority. A well-maintained system is a source of savings. Always use refrigerant gases, lubricants and additives from well-known and certified companies.
