Mastercool 66011 50 lb. Refrigerant Recovery Tank

1. Introduzione

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of the Mastercool 66011 50 lb. Refrigerant Recovery Tank. This tank is designed for the safe storage and transport of recovered refrigerants, including R134a, and is suitable for use in automotive and HVAC systems. Constructed from powder-coated steel, it meets DOT-4BA400 and CAN/CSA-B339-02 standards, ensuring durability and compliance.

The tank features an 80% fill float switch to prevent overfilling and a Y-valve for versatile recovery of both liquid and vapor refrigerants. It is equipped with a 1/2" ACME connection for R134a compatibility and a collar design for easier handling. Please note that this tank is shipped as a dry, empty cylinder; no refrigerant is included.

2. Informazioni sulla sicurezza

WARNING: Handling refrigerants and pressurized tanks requires proper training and adherence to safety protocols. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or property damage.

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and gloves, when handling refrigerants and connecting/disconnecting hoses.
• Ensure the recovery tank is placed on a stable, level surface during operation.
• Do not overfill the tank. The integrated 80% fill float switch is a safety feature, but it should not replace careful monitoring of the recovery process.
• Never expose the tank to excessive heat or open flames.
• Transport the tank securely to prevent movement or damage.
• Ensure all connections are tight and leak-free before starting any recovery procedure.
• Dispose of recovered refrigerants and contaminated oil according to local, state, and federal regulations.
• Avvertenza sulla Proposta 65: Questo prodotto può contenere sostanze chimiche note allo Stato della California come causa di cancro e difetti alla nascita o altri danni riproduttivi.

3. Caratteristiche del prodotto

• Capacità: 50 lb. (refrigerant capacity).
• Compatibilità del refrigerante: Designed for R134a, also compatible with CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, and blends (e.g., R12, R22, R410A).
• Costruzione: High-strength HP325/HP345 powder-coated steel for corrosion resistance and durability.
• Standard di sicurezza: Meets DOT-4BA400 and CAN/CSA-B339-02 standards for safe storage and transport.
• Overfill Prevention: Integrated 80% fill float switch automatically shuts off recovery to prevent overfilling.
• Versatile Recovery: Y-valve design allows for separate control of liquid and vapor refrigerant recovery.
• Connessione: 1/2" ACME fittings for secure and leak-free connections.
• Gestione: Collar-style handle and roll core base for easier transport and stability.

Figure 1: Mastercool 66011 50 lb. Refrigerant Recovery Tank. This image shows the overall design of the tank, featuring its gray and yellow color scheme, dual valve assembly, and protective collar.

4. Impostazione

1. Disimballaggio e ispezione: Carefully remove the recovery tank from its packaging. Inspect the tank for any visible damage, including dents, scratches, or valve issues. Ensure the protective caps are securely in place on the valve ports.
2. Initial Leak Check: Before first use, it is recommended to perform a vacuum and leak check on the tank. Connect a vacuum pump to one of the tank's service ports (with the valve open) and evacuate the tank to a deep vacuum (e.g., 500 microns). Close the tank valve and monitor the vacuum for at least 30 minutes. A stable vacuum indicates no leaks.
3. Posizionamento: Place the recovery tank on a firm, level surface in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
4. Connecting to Recovery Equipment: Connect appropriate refrigerant hoses from your recovery machine to the tank's Y-valve ports. Ensure all connections are tight using a wrench to prevent refrigerant leaks. The 1/2" ACME fittings are standard for R134a systems.

Figure 2: Detail of the Y-valve and 1/2" ACME fittings. This image highlights the dual valve system with red and blue caps, designed for managing both liquid and vapor refrigerant flow, and the robust ACME connections.

5. Istruzioni per l'uso

The Mastercool 66011 tank is designed for use with a certified refrigerant recovery machine. Always refer to your recovery machine's manual for specific operating procedures.

5.1 General Recovery Procedure

1. Ensure the recovery tank is properly connected to the recovery machine and the system being serviced.
2. Open the appropriate valves on the recovery tank (liquid or vapor, or both, depending on the recovery method).
3. Start the recovery machine according to its instructions.
4. Monitor the recovery process, including tank pressure and the 80% fill float switch.
5. Once recovery is complete, close the tank valves before shutting down the recovery machine.
6. Disconnect hoses carefully, ensuring minimal refrigerant release.

5.2 Liquid and Vapor Recovery (Y-Valve)

The Y-valve allows for efficient recovery of both liquid and vapor refrigerants:

• Liquid Recovery: Connect the liquid line from your recovery machine to the liquid port of the tank (typically marked with a red cap or 'L'). Open the liquid valve on the tank. This method is generally faster for large volumes of refrigerant.
• Vapor Recovery: Connect the vapor line from your recovery machine to the vapor port of the tank (typically marked with a blue cap or 'V'). Open the vapor valve on the tank. This method is used for recovering remaining vapor after liquid recovery or for systems with only vapor.
• For optimal recovery, it is often recommended to recover liquid first, then switch to vapor recovery to evacuate the system thoroughly.

5.3 Using the 80% Fill Float Switch

The 80% fill float switch is a critical safety feature. When the refrigerant level in the tank reaches 80% of its capacity, the float switch will activate, signaling the recovery machine to shut off. This prevents dangerous overfilling of the tank due to thermal expansion of the refrigerant.

• Ensure your recovery machine is compatible with and connected to the float switch circuit of the tank.
• Always monitor the weight of the tank using a refrigerant scale during recovery to cross-reference with the float switch activation.

Figure 3: Mastercool 66011 tank connected to a recovery machine. This image illustrates the tank's compatibility with various refrigerants (R12, R22, R134a, R410A) and its integration into a typical refrigerant recovery setup with a recovery machine.

6. Manutenzione

• Ispezione regolare: Periodically inspect the tank for any signs of corrosion, damage, or leaks. Check the valve assembly for proper function and ensure valve caps are present and secure when the tank is not in use.
• Pulizia: Keep the exterior of the tank clean. Use a mild detergent and water if necessary, and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the powder coating.
• Prova idrostatica: Refrigerant recovery tanks are pressure vessels and require periodic hydrostatic testing as mandated by DOT and other regulatory bodies. The retest date is stamped on the tank's collar. Ensure the tank is retested by a certified facility before this date expires. Failure to do so renders the tank unsafe and illegal for use.
• Magazzinaggio: Store empty or partially filled tanks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and corrosive materials. Ensure tanks are stored upright and secured to prevent tipping.

Figure 4: Features for durability and handling. This image highlights the powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance, the stable roll core base, and the collar-style handle designed for easier transport and protection of the valves.

7. Risoluzione Dei Problemi

• Tank Not Filling / Slow Recovery:
  • Controllare tutte le connessioni dei tubi per individuare eventuali perdite.
  • Ensure tank valves (liquid and/or vapor) are fully open.
  • Verify the recovery machine is operating correctly and its valves are open.
  • Check for blockages in hoses or filters.
  • Ensure the system being recovered has sufficient pressure for the recovery machine to operate effectively.
• Float Switch Activation (Premature or Not Activating):
  • If the float switch activates prematurely, the tank might be partially filled or contain non-condensable gases.
  • If the float switch does not activate, ensure it is properly connected to the recovery machine. Do not rely solely on the float switch; always use a refrigerant scale to monitor tank weight.
• Perdite:
  • Use an electronic leak detector or soap solution to pinpoint leaks at connections or on the tank body.
  • Tighten connections or replace faulty hoses/fittings. If the tank body is leaking, discontinue use immediately and replace the tank.

8. Specifiche

Figure 5: Mastercool 66011 tank with dimensions labeled. This image provides a visual representation of the tank's approximate width (12.25 inches) and height (18.78 inches), useful for storage and transport planning.

Figure 6: Certification details on Mastercool 66011 tanks. This image shows close-ups of the tank's collar, indicating compliance with DOT-4BA400 and Transport Canada standards, essential for legal and safe refrigerant handling.

9. Garanzia e supporto

Mastercool products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Mastercool website. Mastercool has over 40 years of experience serving the automotive and HVAC/R industries, providing reliable tools and equipment.

For technical assistance, parts, or service inquiries, please contact Mastercool customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the Mastercool official websito.