Fieldpiece MR45 Refrigerant Recovery Machine Instruction Manual

June 15, 2024
Fieldpiece

Fieldpiece MR45 Refrigerant Recovery Machine

Safety Information

Read, understand, and follow this entire manual, with special attention given to Warning and Caution statements before operating this machine. For use only by qualified and certified technicians in the safe use, handling, and transporting of refrigerants. This machine is designed to recover most CFC, HFC, HCFC, and some HFO refrigerants that have an A1 or A2L flammability rating only. Please refer to flammable refrigerant safety guides, regional codes and legislation for more information.

WARNING

FAILURE TO HEED THESE HAZARDS AND ACTIONS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH:

  • Do not operate in a wet location as electrical shock risk.
  • Machine is only rated for use on 110VAC mains power
  • Always use a grounded outlet
  • Always wear Proper Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes gloves and safety glasses and earplugs
  • Know proper safety and handling requirements of the refrigerant in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
  • Avoid breathing refrigerant and oil vapors
  • Handle hoses and equipment carefully as refrigerant is under high pressure and can cause frost bite
  • Do not operate in or near explosive atmospheres
  • Do not use with hydrocarbons (HC)
  • Perform leak detection in accordance with recommended practice to verify working environment is free from leaking refrigerant as it can be toxic and or flammable
  • Only work in well-ventilated areas (at least 4 air exchanges per hour)
  • Ensure power and extension cords are in good working condition to prevent shock and spark hazards
  • Prevent motor overheating by using 14AWG minimum and 50AWG maximum cord size

ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECOVERING A2L REFRIGERANTS (e.g. R-32, R-1234yf, R-1234ze):

  • Adhere to local occupational safety codes and possess detailed knowledge and skills when handling mildly flammable refrigerants
  • Have emergency, evacuation, and fire protection plans
  • Designate and monitor a Temporary Flammable Zone with a 3-meter perimeter
  • Identify and disable all possible ignition sources within this zone
  • Monitor air with a flammable refrigerant leak detector within this zone
  • Ensure at least 5 air exchanges per hour within this zone
  • Make power connection of the recovery machine and other equipment outside of the Temporary Flammable Zone
  • Bond the recovery machine outlet port to the recovery tank’s unpainted fitting with a grounding strap to dissipate static electricity build up during during recovery process
  • Ensure area around machine is free of debris that could enter the machine and cause accidental sparking
  • Always remain in attendance and observant when the machine is running
  • Do not mix flammable refrigerants with air
  • Use an evacuated DOT recovery tank
  • If system has a suspected leak, stop recovery at 0 psig/bar to prevent air from entering the recovery tank
  • After recovery, purge system with 100% nitrogen before opening system for repair

CAUTION

FAILURE TO HEED THESE HAZARDS AND ACTIONS CAN CAUSE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE:

  • Ensure that recovery machine, hoses, tank and other equipment are in good working condition
  • If the power cable is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard
  • Avoid overfilling recovery tanks by following refrigerant manufacturer’s filling instructions and using a weight scale
  • Avoid cross contamination (mixing) of refrigerants
  • Ensure mesh screen filter is installed & clean
  • Use a filter drier on the input port and change it often to protect machine from contaminated refrigerants
  • Ensure power switch is OFF before plugging into power
  • Disconnect power and allow fan to stop before opening or servicing the recovery machine
  • Perform a self test periodically

Description

The MR45 is the first variable speed DC motor recovery machine with a digital display. Pump refrigerant more easily and quietly than ever before. Connect hoses without navigating around dark tight spaces or picking the pump off the ground. View status messages and pressures directly on the big bright display. Carry the machine to and from the job site easily and well protected from environmental hazards. Turn the single rubberized control valve to route refrigerant through MR45, and use the self-purge function to pump the last traces into the recovery cylinder instead of being left in the machine or released into the environment. Class A2L compatibility for a wide range of jobs. To resist contaminating recovered refrigerant, MR45 automatically stops at 0 psig/bar by default.

Features

  • Lightweight (22 lbs)
  • Smooth and Fast Operation (1 HP DC Motor)
  • Digital Display with Status Messages
  • Reliable Rubberized Construction
  • Easy to Access Port Design
  • Hex Nut Secures Input Port During Hose Removal
  • Power Cord Storage
  • Ceramic Cylinders
  • Class A2L Refrigerant Compatible
  • Zero Stop (3 Selectable Auto-stop Levels)
  • Self Purge
  • Wide Operating Voltage (95 to 130 VAC)
  • UL Verified to Section 608 of EPA Clean Air Act
  • UL Verified to AHRI Standard 740

What’s Included

MR45 Refrigerant Recovery Machine 10 Extra Mesh Screens for Input Port 3 Extra O-ring for Input Port Operator’s Manual 1 Year Warranty

Specifications

  • Display: 2 x 10000 count LCD with status messages
  • Backlight: Blue color
  • Measurement rate: 3.3 times per second, nominal
  • Input Port Pressure Sensor Range: -30” Hg to 600 psig (-76 cmHg to 4100 kPa)
  • Output Port Pressure Sensor Range: -30” Hg to 600 psig (-76 cmHg to 4100 kPa)
  • High Pressure Cutoff: 558 psig (3850 kPa), nominal Resolution and Units: 1 psig (1” Hg), 0.05 bar (2 cmHg), 0.01 Mpa (2 cmHg), 5 Kpa (2 cmHg)
  • Pressure Sensor Accuracy: ± 0.5 “ Hg, ± 1.3 cmHg (Vacuum) ± (0.6% of reading +2 psig), ± (0.6% of reading +14 kPa) Final Recovery Vacuum: 14.9” Hg, 38 cmHg
  • Compressor: Twin cylinder reciprocating (oil-less)
  • DC Motor: 1 HP (variable smart speed)
  • Power Source: 120 VAC @ 60 Hz 1 phase
  • Nominal Current Draw: 12.0 AAC
  • Valve: Single dual-route ball valve
  • Input Port Filtration: 9 mm mesh screen, stainless Dimensions: 14.8 inch x 9.8 inch x 13.5 inch 376 mm x 250 mm x 344 mm
  • Weight: 22 lbs, (10kg)
  • Operating Environment: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
  • Storage Environment: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
  • Approved Refrigerants: R12, R134A, R22, R401A (MP39), R401B, R401C, R402A, R402B, R404A, R406A, R407A, R407B, R407C, R407D, R408A, R409A, R410A, R411A, R411B, R412A, R500, R502, R507, R509.

Certifications

WEEE (Do not dispose through typical waste streams.) IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 608 OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT: THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. TO MEET EPA’S MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOVERY EQUIPMENT INTENDED FOR USE WITH CATEGORY III, IV, AND V REFRIGERANTS OUTLINED IN AHRI 740, TABLE 4.

UL Verified Performance Data

Refrigerant R22 R134A R407C R410A
Liquid Recovery (kg/min) ****

4.7

| ****

2.9

| ****

5.1

| ****

5.6

Vapor Recovery (kg/min)| ****

0.28

| ****

0.28

| ****

0.33

| ****

0.33

Final Recovery Vacuum (kPa)| ****

50.8

| ****

50.8

| ****

50.8

| ****

50.8

Residual Trapped Refrigerant (kg)| ****

0.005

| ****

0.008

| ****

0.004

| ****

0.005

High Temp (104°F) Vapor Recovery (kg/min)| ****

0.40

| ****

| ****

| ****

Tech Tips

General

  1. Store in the self purge or recover position. Do not store in the CLOSED position as trapped air and refrigerant can expand and damage components.
  2. For extended storage, purge with nitrogen, set to RECOVER, and screw non-sealing caps onto the ports.
  3. Recovery machines are not vacuum pumps and should not be used for deep evacuations.
  4. Do not run the machine without the mesh screen filter (page 30). Doing so will void the warranty and damage the machine.
  5. Understand the refrigerant safety data sheet (SDS).

Setup

  1. Know the refrigerant of the system and make sure your recovery cylinder matches that type.
  2. Hoses: Short as possible (3/8” hose with 1/4” fitting). Core depressors removed. Ball valve shutoffs instead of low loss fittings. Replace if worn.
  3. Manifold gauges are not necessary for recovery but can make it more convenient and increase speed by having 2 system hook ups.
  4. Use a Schrader valve core removal tool to temporarily remove valve cores from service valves.
  5. Use the push-pull method if recovering over 30 lbs (14kg).
  6. Evacuate your empty recovery cylinders to 29.6” Hg (75 cmHg) before use.
  7. Know how much refrigerant you expect to recover before starting.
  8. Ensure there’s enough room in the recovery cylinder to not exceed 80% filled during the job, or monitor and have a second cylinder ready.
  9. Always purge hoses before recovery. If cylinder is too hot, use an ice bath to reduce the temperature and pressure of the cylinder.
  10. If cylinder pressure is higher than expected, you can purge non-condensables into another cylinder

Operational

  1. Recover as much liquid as possible before recovering vapor.
  2. Recovery is faster when the recovery cylinder is cooler.
  3. You can use a heat gun to warm refrigerant lines to boil trapped refrigerant.
  4. Recover from both suction and liquid lines at the same time for faster vapor recovery.

Controls

Display and Buttons

  • START/STOP
    • Start or Stop the motor.
  • ZERO SENSOR (press 3 seconds)
    • Zero pressure sensors. Ports must be open to atmosphere.
  • CANCEL ALARM
    • Cancel alarm currently sounding (temporarily mute).
  • MUTE (press 3 seconds)
    • Toggle mute for all sounds (setting is saved).
  • UNITS
    • Select pressure/vacuum units.
  • AUTO-STOP LEVEL (press 3 sec. to enter setup)
    • Once entered, press to change the pressure/vacuum level that triggers the first automatic stop: 0 psig (default), -10 psig, -20psig. Wait 5 seconds to exit setup, automatically saving desired setting

Status Icons and Messages

  • The icon rotates when the motor is running.

  • The icon is shown when MR45 is set to MUTE.

  • OK TO START

    • Motor stopped. Temperatures, voltages, and pressures are currently safe to start the motor again.
  • COMPLETE / Low Pressure Cutoff

    • Motor stopped. Input pressure/vacuum reached one of three auto-stop levels for 10 seconds: 0 psig, 10”Hg vac, or 20”Hg vac (0 bar, 25 cmHg vac, or 50 cmHg vac)
  • Input Closed

    • Cannot zero pressures. Open input port.
  • Output Closed

    • Cannot zero pressures. Open output port.
  • High Voltage Warning

    • Motor stopped. Voltage was above 130 VAC.
  • Low Voltage Warning

    • Motor stopped. Voltage was below 95 VAC.
  • High Pressure Cutoff

    • Motor stopped. Output (cylinder) approached dangerous pressure.
  • Motor Fault 1

    • Motor stopped. Motor temp. measured above operating range.
  • Motor Fault 2 (“throttle” shows on display)

    • Motor stopped. Motor current (amps) rose above operating range. Throttle RECOVERY to reduce cylinder pressure (page 19).
  • Motor Fault 3

    • Motor stopped for unknown reason.

Port Routing Control

CLOSED

  • Input and Output closed.
  • Set to either closed position to close off both ports during setup.

SELF PURGE

  • Input closed, Output open.
  • After recovery is complete, set to this position to close the IN port before you START the purge.

RECOVER

  • Input and Output fully open.
  • Set to this fully open position for most of the recovery process.

RECOVER (throttled)

  • Input and Output partially open.
  • Rotate away from RECOVER in either direction to reduce liquid slugging if knocking occurs. This slows the flow of refrigerant so the machine operates more smoothly.
  • Only throttle as much as needed for smooth operation.

MR45 Refrigerant Flow

Refrigerant liquid and vapor are pulled through the machine by the pressure difference created by the compressor. For maximum performance, increase the IN pressure and reduce the OUT pressure. See Tech Tips

Dynamic Pressure Measurement

MR45 pressure readings are designed only for monitoring pressures. Do not use MR45 for diagnostic pressure measurements. If a system’s pressure is stable, MR45 pressure readings will be close to your other pressure gauges. If a system’s pressure is changing, pressure measurements at different locations within that system will be different. For every 3 feet of 1/4” hose, the pressure may have a difference of approximately ± 20 psig (± 150 kPa).

Functions

Self Test

Perform this test to ensure the high pressure cutoff and pump are operational.

  1. Set knob to RECOVERY.
  2. Open IN port to air.
  3. Connect a ball valve to OUT port. (Included caps are not sealed.)
  4. Close the ball valve.
  5. Press START to create a pressure at the OUT port.
  6. Press START a second time to continue if MR45 stops automatically after 10 seconds at 0 psig (0 kPa), the default auto-stop level.
  7. MR45 is working well if High Pressure Cutoff occurs around 550 psig (3800 kPa) within 45 seconds. Cutoff time can increase if a hose is placed in front of your ball valve.

Self Purge

Use the SELF PURGE feature at the end of every recovery to pump the last bit of refrigerant out of MR45. Benefits include increased machine life, reduced environmental impact, and most importantly to prevent refrigerant mixing.

  1. After recovery is complete, set knob to SELF PURGE. This closes the IN port and routes the MR45 condenser to the intake of the MR45 compressor.
  2. Press START to empty MR45 into the recovery cylinder.
  3. Once the machine reaches an auto-stop level (page 16) for 10 seconds, the motor stops automatically.

Purging a Recovery Cylinder

When the cylinder pressure is higher than expected you may have non- condensables at the top of the cylinder. Use a second deeply evacuated cylinder to pull out the non-condensables.

  1. Leave pressurized cylinder undisturbed overnight.
  2. Use a vacuum pump to evacuate another cylinder.
  3. Use your manifold gauges to connect the closed vapor ports of the two cylinders.
  4. Measure the vapor temperature of the pressurized refrigerant cylinder.
  5. Use a P/T chart or digital manifold to find specified pressure.
  6. Open the evacuated vapor port.
  7. Open (purge) the pressurized vapor port until pressure is reduced to 5 psi above specified pressure.
  8. Close valves.
  9. If desired, repeat after 15 minutes to allow the tank to settle again.

Direct Liquid/Vapor Recovery

This is the typical recovery method. Vapor and liquid lines are routed through your manifold, into MR45, and out to the recovery cylinder.
CAUTION: Understand all class A2L refrigerant warnings and notices if applicable

  1. Close valves of recovery cylinder, MR45, and manifold.
  2. Set up as shown in the diagram.
  3. Open valves of hoses and removal tools.
  4. Set MR45 to RECOVER.
  5. Open high side of manifold for liquid recovery.
  6. To purge air from hoses, briefly unseat hose fitting at cylinder until vapor is seen. Unseat hose fitting at low side of manifold to purge low side hose.
  7. Fully open vapor valve of recovery cylinder.
  8. Press START to begin recovery.
  9. Adjust the knob as needed to throttle refrigerant flow if liquid slugging (knocking) occurs.
  10. After recovering all liquid, open low side of manifold for vapor.
  11. MR45 stops automatically at one of three auto-stop levels: 0 psig (default), 10”Hg, 20”Hg (0 bar, 25 cmHg, 50 cmHg). If needed, press START to continue recovering until the next level is reached. Press STOP to manually halt recovery at any time.
  12. Set knob to SELF PURGE and press START to empty MR45. MR45 stops automatically when purging is complete.
  13. Close manifold and cylinder valves after self purge is complete.
  14. Remove hoses from MR45, set knob to RECOVER, and cap ports.

Push/Pull Recovery

This method is only for larger systems with at least 30 lbs (14 kg) of liquid refrigerant. It’s used to recover liquid before recovering vapor.
CAUTION: Understand all class A2L refrigerant warnings and notices if applicable

  1. Close valves of recovery cylinder and MR45.
  2. Set up as shown in the diagram.
  3. Open valves of liquid hose and removal tool at liquid system port.
  4. To purge air from system liquid hose, briefly unseat hose fitting at cylinder’s liquid port until vapor is seen.
  5. Fully open liquid valve of recovery cylinder and allow to pressurize.
  6. Set MR45 to RECOVER.
  7. Press START to begin recovery.
  8. Fully open vapor valve of recovery cylinder.
  9. To purge air from hoses briefly unseat hose fitting at vapor system port until vapor is seen.
  10. Open valves of vapor hose and removal tool at vapor system port.
  11. When liquid recovery is complete, press STOP to stop motor.
  12. Close all valves and proceed to Direct Vapor Recovery

Troubleshooting

Status Messages
  • Input Closed
    • Cannot zero the displayed pressure because pressure sensor not open to atmosphere. Open input port.
  • Output Closed
    • Cannot zero the displayed pressure because pressure sensor not open to atmosphere. Open output port.
  • High Voltage Warning
    • Voltage was above 130 VAC. Motor stopped. Ensure power network voltage is between 95 and 130 VAC @ 60 Hz.
  • Low Voltage Warning
    • Voltage was below 95 VAC. Motor stopped. Check power network to ensure voltage is between 95 and 130 VAC @ 60 Hz.
  • High Pressure Cutoff
    • Output (cylinder) reached dangerous pressure. Motor stopped. Ensure all valves after the output port are open. The cylinder may need to be cooled or replaced to reduce pressure.
  • Low Pressure Cutoff
    • Input reached one of three auto-stop levels. Motor stopped. It’s normal to see this after RECOVERY or SELF PURGE is complete. If unexpected, ensure valves before the input port are open and the knob is not set to CLOSED.
  • Motor Fault 1
    • Motor temperature measured above operating range. Motor stopped. Extremely high ambient temperature, extended liquid recovery time, or high cylinder pressure can be the cause. Allow time for the motor to cool down before resuming, and throttle the RECOVERY.
  • Motor Fault 2
    Motor current (amps) rose above operating range. Motor stopped. Extremely high ambient temperature, harsh liquid slugging, extended recovery time, or high cylinder pressure can be the cause. Throttle RECOVERY and start the motor. If fault occurs again, throttle even more and start the motor
    Motor Fault 3
    Motor stopped for unknown reason. If this occurs repeatedly, there may be something wrong with MR45.

Other Symptoms

  • MR45 never reaches 10”Hg or 20”Hg vacuum.

    • Press START to continue recovery if auto-stop level was reached.
    • Check for a leakage before the input port.
    • For 10”Hg vacuum, the recovery cylinder should be below 475psig.
    • For 20”Hg vacuum, the recovery cylinder should be below 230psig.
  • Input port shows frost or signs of leakage.
    Ensure the grooved input fitting is hand tight before tightening the hex nut (page 30).

  • Recovery is slower than normal.
    There could be an input blockage. Check mesh screen filter for blockage. Ensure knob is set to RECOVER.

  • Display does not turn on when plugged in.
    Ensure power cord and outlet are okay.

  • Excessive noise during liquid recovery.
    MR45 is experiencing a high load. Rotate the knob of MR45 to throttle the refrigerant flow.

Maintenance

General

Wipe with damp cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use solvents. To extend the life of internal seals, occasionally pump a teaspoon of mineral oil through MR45.

Mesh Screen Filter

When the mesh screen filter becomes dirty and clogged, it means it’s working to keep your MR45 working well for a long time. You need to clean or replace this screen often. Visit our website for information on obtaining extra mesh screens.

  1. Loosen (counterclockwise) the securing hex nut on the IN port.
  2. Unscrew (counterclockwise) the grooved input fitting.
  3. Clean or replace the mesh screen.
  4. Hand tighten (clockwise) the grooved input fitting.
  5. Tighten (clockwise) the securing hex nut with 1/8 turn with a wrench.

Limited Warranty

This machine is warranted against defects in material or workmanship for one year from date of purchase from an authorized Fieldpiece dealer. Fieldpiece will replace or repair the defective unit, at its option, subject to verification of the defect.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use of the machine. Any implied warranties arising from the sale of a Fieldpiece product, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the above. Fieldpiece shall not be liable for loss of use of the machine or other incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim of such damage, expenses, or economic loss. State laws vary. The above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

Obtaining Service

Visit www.fieldpiece.com/rma for the latest information on how to obtain service. Warranty for products purchased outside of the U.S. should be handled through local distributors. Visit our website to find your local distributor.

References

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