AIRTEK ACentre-20 Recovery and Recharge AC Machine User Manual

AIRTEK ACentre-20 Recovery and Recharge AC Machine

Specifications

• For use with HFO-1234yf refrigerant
• Flush function: 8-minute flush for small and medium-sized A/C, with a requirement of min. 4.5KG refrigerant
• Pre-ventilation: 30-second pre-ventilation with 7 air changes in the cabin before the machine is powered on
• General safety guidelines for operation by qualified technicians
• Component identification for easy maintenance and servicing

Congratulation on the purchase of the ACentre-20 Electronic Refrigerant Processor
This is one of the best investments you have made for your workshop. Due to the company’s continued research and development and the joint effort of design, electronic and mechanical engineers including our sales representatives, and air-conditioning manufacturers, and discussing the needs and issues of various workshop operators, in various countries around the world, we have manufactured one of the world most user-friendly, efficient and smart on-line refrigerant processor. The ACentre-20 refrigerant processor incorporates the Android platform, thus connecting it online you will enjoy infinite pleasant surprises. This system will help your technicians in achieving their best capability in diagnosing and rectifying air-conditioning issues through our elaborate online training and help materials, thus increasing productivity and profitability for your business. Our company would like to work with you as partners in your business to help you achieve maximum return on your investment, so please do not hesitate to contact us or our distributors, if we can be of any further assistance with this equipment or any air-conditioning-related issues. We are here to help you achieve your goal.

Specifications

• Packaged machine dimension: 7207801285mm
• Unpacked machine dimensions: 6447311147mm
• Mains power supply: AC110V±10％~60Hz
• Compressor power: 3/8HP
• Max. refrigerant recovery speed: 0.25 kg/min. Patent pending SRR (Supreme Recovery Rate) system ensures 99% recovery rate
• Vacuum: pump capacity: 120L/min
• E vacuation time selection: 2 -60 min
• Two flow-out ventilation fans, each 279CFM, to make air change rate14m³per minute in the cabin. Under any circumstances that fan is stopped, the machine will be powered off
• When the power switch is turned on, the machine holds on with 30 sec pre-ventilation, to make 7 air changes in the cabin before the machine is powered
• Flush function: 8-minute flush for small and medium-sized A/C, with requirement of min. 4.5KG refrigerant in equipment tank; 16 minute flush for big-sized A/C, with requirement of min. 6KG refrigerant in equipment tank
• Used oil vessel: 400ml capacity, high transparency
• Refrigerant charging speed: Max. 2Kg/Min, liquid charging
• High capacity spin-on filter-drier: 600ml capacity, for recovering totally 100KG refrigerant
• Accuracy of refrigerant cylinder load cell: ±10g
• Accuracy of PAG / POE oil /Used oil bottle load cell: ±5g
• Refrigerant cylinder: 1 0KG, with heater band
• Machine maximum working pressure : 20bar with electronic high-pressure protection warning and safety release valve
• Automatic Non-condensable purge (NCG) based on R1234yf pressure-temperature nature
• Display: 7’’touch screen
• Gauges: High side -1bar~30bar, Low side -1bar~16bar
• Digitally displayed cylinder pressure and temperature, Electronically controlled air purge
• Vehicle A/C database included
• Electronically monitoring and displaying system service intervals
• Thermal printer
• In-built HFO-1234yf refrigerant identification, accuracy 0.1%，identification time 120 seconds

General safety

• This equipment must only be operated by qualified technicians.
• Read the instruction manual carefully before operating this equipment. If there is anything you do not fully understand, please contact your distributor or manufacturer. We like to help.
• The refrigerant storage cylinder contains liquid refrigerant under high pressure. Overfilling of the storage cylinder may cause an explosion. Do not disable the overfill safety protection of this machine. Always keep the cylinder on the load cell platform whenever the machine is operating.
• Only use a cylinder that is supplied with this equipment or recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always use this machine in a well-ventilated area, avoid inhaling refrigerant and/or oil vapors, and always read material safety instructions of refrigerant and oil packaging, for related warning and care.
• Under any circumstances that the fan is stopped, the machine will be powered off.
• Always switch off the machine and disconnect the power cable before removing any covers or servicing this machine, to avoid electric shock which can be fatal.
• Never use compressed air to test for leaks on the vehicle or this equipment!
• Wear safety goggles and gloves, to protect eyes and skin from contact with refrigerant. Liquid refrigerant when it comes in contact with the human skin or eyes will cause frostbite and/or blindness. If accidental contact is made with eyes or skin, wash the affected area with plenty of fresh water immediately and contact a doctor if required.
• Avoid using the machine in very hot or flammable areas.
• Store the machine in a well-ventilated cool area when not in use.
• Avoid using extension power cable thinner than 1.5mm2 (10amp current carrying capacity).
• Keep gasoline or other flammable substances away from the equipment.
• Once a leak is detected in the unit, switch off the equipment by pressing the Emergency stop button and contact your distributor or service dealer.

CAUTION- SHALL BE OPERATED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

Component identification

Equipment front view (Control panel)

Function table

Main functions

| ****

Recovery

| Recovers and purifies refrigerant from automotive A/C system and it is then stored into the machine internal storage cylinder for re-use.

After the system pressure is decreased to 0bar, the equipment starts to run the patent pending SRR (Supreme Recovery Rate) system: gas refrigerant at discharge side of the equipment compressor is injected into the automobile A/C system to circulate to help the cold liquid refrigerant in the vehicle evaporate, so as to achieve an extremely high

recovery rate.

---|---|---

Evacuation

| Removes air and moisture from the vehicle A/C system. At the end of

the function, prompts to add new oil with separate oil injection tool.

Charging

| Electronically charges the selected amount of oil and refrigerant into the vehicle A/C system. “Normal charging” and “high voltage charging” can be selected, for fuel and hybrid/electric vehicles

respectively

Tank fill

| Transfers liquid refrigerant from an external cylinder to the machine

internal storage cylinder

Flushing

| “Small and medium-sized A/C” and “Big-sized A/C” can be selected, for different A/C system, to realized complete compressor oil extraction

from A/C loop for oil replacement

Fully automatic function selection

| The machine will perform all the selected functions in a fully automatic sequence. The machine will stop automatically once all the selected

functions or function have been completed

System setting

| Language| Selecting language to suit

Calibration

| Calibrate refrigerant cylinder load cell, oil vessels load cells, pressure transducer. An additional dynamic password is needed to enter this setting, only professional technician can access. Mis-operation may

cause equipment damage

Component

| Activate and des-activate each electric component of the equipment. An additional dynamic password is needed to enter this setting, only professional technician can access. Mis-operation may cause equipment

damage

Altitude

| For equipment with integrated identifier or leak detector, altitude needs

to be entered to get accurate function

Unit| Selecting metric or imperial units of measurement
Empty weight setting| Set empty refrigerant cylinder or refrigeration oil zero (tare) weight
Training| ****

Technical and marketing training

| The APP offers abundant training materials, for marketing and

technical purposes, in form of video. You need to get access to internet to get access to these materials

Preparations before operation

Unlock tank load cell
Unlock the load cell platform, by removing the safety locking bolt as shown below and save the bolt for future use. PLEASE NOTE, whenever transporting the machine, re-fit the safety locking bolt to avoid damage to the load cell.

Tank fill
Use the adaptor fitting, to connect either HP or LP service hose (blue or red) to the external refrigerant cylinder liquid port which you will be transferring the refrigerant from. If the refrigerant cylinder has only,
One valve and one port, invert the cylinder as shown below. If the cylinder has,
Two valves one port, leave the cylinder upright and open the liquid valve only if the cylinder has,
Two valves and two ports, connect the adaptor to the liquid port, leave the cylinder upright, and open the liquid valve on the cylinder. Set the amount of refrigerant to be transferred into the machine storage cylinder, once the selected amount of refrigerant has been transferred, the machine will instruct the technician to close the liquid valve on the storage cylinder. The machine will then recover the refrigerant left in the service hose which is connected to the transfer cylinder and it will then stop automatically. For more details please refer to “Tank fill” in the operating procedure chapter.

It is recommended to keep the equipment tank have 4-6KG refrigerant if the machine is used for only recovery and recharging; If flush is usually used, keep 6-7KG refrigerant in the equipment tank.

Refrigerant load cell accuracy check
The machine includes a 1kg (2.2lb) check weight. To check the refrigerant load cell accuracy, please follow the procedure below:

1. Turn on the machine, enter the main menu, and record the refrigerant weight value, as A;
2. Remove the back cover of the machine, put the check weight (1kg) exactly on the icon of gravity center of the condenser.
3. The refrigerant weight value with the check weight, as B
4. Move the check weight slightly in the gravity center area. If the difference between A and B can be reached within 1000± 5grams, the refrigerant load cell is accurate; Otherwise, the refrigerant load cell needs to be calibrated. Please refer to “System setting” – “Calibration” to calibrate the refrigerant load cell.
5. Automatic non-condensable purge
   After the machine enters the main menu, it will wait 5 minutes for the stabilization of pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the equipment tank, and non-condensable purging will be performed if excessively high pressure in the tank is detected. Automatic non-condensable purging is made based on R1234yf pressure and temperature nature.

Operating procedure

After the machine is turned on, it first displays the filter-drier life for equipment maintenance purposes. Each filter drier can be used to recover a maximum of 100KG refrigerant. Please replace the filter-drier before the filter-drier life expiration, otherwise, the machine will be blocked upon completion of recovery of 100KG refrigerant, for mandatory filter-drier replacement.

Recovery function

• Refrigerant identification is first processed if the machine is equipped with an internal refrigerant identifier, if not fitted with a refrigerant identifier, it will remind the technician to process such identification with a separate identifier. Only when the purity of refrigerant is above 98% the recovery should be allowed to proceed.
• Empty the used oil vessel before the recovery process is initiated.
• The recovery process removes refrigerant from the vehicle A/C system until a vacuum is reached. During this process, the refrigerant is purified from any moisture, oil, and foreign particles. The processed refrigerant is then stored in the internal storage cylinder of the machine, ready for re-use. If any oil is recovered during this process, the oil will be discharged into the used oil vessel. The amount of oil if any, will be displayed and recorded.
• After the system pressure is recovered to 0, the equipment starts to run the patent-pending SRR (Supreme Recovery Rate) system: hot gas refrigerant at the discharge side of the equipment compressor is injected into the automobile A/C system to circulate to help the cold liquid refrigerant in the vehicle evaporate, so as to achieve a very high recovery rate.
  Note: The amount of refrigerant recovered of each operation is monitored and recorded, for filter-drier life expiration monitoring. The machine filter- drier is capable of purifying up to 100KG of recovered refrigerant with average contamination (refrigerant cylinder filling is not included in the filter life calculation), and upon reaching the filter-drier life expiration the machine will not be able to be powered up before the machine is serviced (filter-drier change, calibration, vacuum pump oil change and o-ring/washer change etc.) and reset.
  Note: If the machine stops recovering during the function and displays high pressure, it may have excessive air build-up in the storage cylinder, storage cylinder valves may have been left partially or fully closed, the condenser cooling fan not work or the machine may be used in an extremely hot environment.

Evacuation function
Select “Vacuum” , evacuation is performed to further remove air and moisture from the vehicle A/C system, making it ready for oil injection. Evacuation time can be set from 2 to 60 minutes. If the machine has a vacuum leak test function, a vacuum test can be selected to effect 1-60 minute vacuum leak test.

Charging function
Select the “charge” icon and click OK to start the process.

According the vehicle being serviced, select “Normal charging” (Fuel vehicles) or “High voltage charging” (Hybrid or electric vehicles). In normal charging mode, hose flush (flush with liquid refrigerant to remove the oil residue inside the service hoses) is optional; while in high voltage charging mode, hose flush before oil injection and refrigerant charging is a must.

Oil (PAG, or POE if equipped) and UV (optional) volumes can be set by technicians. Note, that PAG is electrically conductive, and may largely influence the cruise range of HV or EV given it is injected to high-voltage vehicles mistakenly.
The refrigerant charge amount can be set by the technician, or by selecting the car make and model in the database. Refrigerant can 10/17 be charged through the high side, low side or high and low side.

Note, if defaulted high-side charging (the most recommended charging mode) is selected, make sure the vehicle is powered off; the vehicle A/C system should be switched on when charging through the low side of the vehicle A/C system
Note , if charging is selected from the high and low side simultaneously, care must be taken. After the charging function is completed and before starting the engine and switching on the A/C system, turn the compressor hub several times by hand to expel any liquid refrigerant that may have accumulated in the compressor compression chambers during the charging process. Not performing this process can damage or destroy the compressor.

Tank fill

Refrigerant identification is first processed if the machine is equipped with an internal refrigerant identifier, if not fitted with a refrigerant identifier, it will remind the technician to process such identification with a separate identifier.

Only when the purity of refrigerant is above 98% the recovery is allowed or should be allowed to proceed?
Select Tank fill to fill or add refrigerant into the machine storage cylinder. It is recommended to maintain 6-8 kg refrigerant in the machine’s internal cylinder at all times, to guarantee better flushing operations, or maintain 4-6KG if the machine is only used for recovery and recharging. During the refrigerant cylinder filling process once the selected amount of refrigerant is about to be reached, the machine will prompt the technician to close the hand valve on the external cylinder, the machine will then recover the rest of the refrigerant that is left in the transfer service hose and internal pipelines.

Please note: The amount of refrigerant that is transferred from the external cylinder to the internal cylinder is not calculated on the filter expiration life duration.

Flushing function

“Small and medium-sized A/C” ( system with 500g refrigerant or less) or “Big- sized A/C” (system with more than 500g refrigerant) should be selected according to the A/C size of the vehicle A/C to be serviced. For small and medium-sized A/C, the equipment tank should have at least 4.5kg refrigerant, and flush time will be 8 minutes; while for big-sized A/C, the equipment tank should have at least 6kg refrigerant and flush time will be 16 minutes. Please note, empty the used oil vessel before starting this operation.

Refrigerant identification is first processed if the machine is equipped with an internal refrigerant identifier, if not fitted with a refrigerant identifier, it will remind the technician to process such identification with a separate identifier. Only when the purity of refrigerant is above 98% the recovery is allowed or should be allowed to proceed?

The flushing function is performed to completely extract compressor oil from the A/C system, thus all contaminants such as acidified substances, moisture, and other foreign particles in the vehicle A/C system will also be extracted.
Flushing refrigerant will be recovered and purified automatically, at the end of the flushing process and stored into the storage cylinder, ready for re- use.
For a multi-flow condenser, the debris in the condenser in clogged tubes may not be flushed out completely. It is highly recommended to replace the condenser too if a mechanically damaged compressor is to be replaced.

Note : Instead of counting the whole amount of refrigerant recovered after flush (a large amount of liquid refrigerant is charged into the A/C system from the equipment’s internal cylinder), the machine only calculates the refrigerant amount difference between pre-flush and after-flush for filter-drier life (this amount is not displayed on screen).
Note: Please connect the Android pad to the internet through WIFI, to get access to training materials given any further information is needed for flush.

Automatic function mode
Empty used oil vessels before starting this operation.
Refrigerant identification is first processed if the machine is equipped with an internal refrigerant identifier, if not fitted with a refrigerant identifier, it will remind the technician to process such identification with a separate identifier. Only when the purity of refrigerant is above 98% the recovery is allowed or should be allowed to proceed?

• Please note, empty the used oil vessel before starting this operation.
• You can select “Auto. mode” to do a full cycle of recovery, vacuum, oil injection, and charge.
• According to the vehicle being serviced, select “Normal charging” (Fuel vehicles) or “High voltage charging” (Hybrid or electric vehicles). In normal charging mode, hose flush (flush with liquid refrigerant to remove the oil residue inside the service hoses) is optional; while in high voltage charging mode, hose flush before oil injection and refrigerant charging is a must.
• In Auto. mode, the machine makes recovery, vacuum, oil injection, and refrigerant charge in sequence automatically, with data preset by users.

System setting

In the main menu, select “system setting”, and input password 111111 to enter the system setting menu. In the system setting, Language, Calibration, Air purge, Unit set, Empty container weight set, Component testing, altitude, and owner information will be displayed or reconfigured.

• Language: Select language in operation interfaces.
• Calibration: Even though the machine is equipped with calibration weight for quick and easy calibration, it is recommended to have a professional technician only to perform calibration of load cells, pressure transducer, and temperature sensor. To access calibration, the special dynamic password is needed. Please contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer, to receive the special password.
• Warning: Not calibrating the machine correctly can have serious consequences on the machine and/or vehicle A/C system.
• Unit settings: To set metric or imperial unit of measurement.

Empty container weight set:
The total load cell reading equals the sum of the empty container weight and net refrigerant/oil content value. Thus, increasing/decreasing empty container weight can correspondingly decrease/increase refrigerant/oil value displayed in the main operation interface.

Component test:
The technician can activate and deactivate different electrical components of the machine. This is for quick and easy diagnosis and troubleshooting.

Please note:
Only a qualified technician (with a special dynamic password) is allowed to access this function, not performing this test correctly could cause damage to the machine or injury to the operator.

Owner information:
The technician can change the password and input their company name and contact information in this function. Please remember well your new password or the use of the machine will be restricted. The contact information you input will be automatically printed when you select “print” after any function or service job is completed.

Machine Maintenance

Changing solenoid or spool seals

Filter-drier replacement
Once a total of 100 kg of refrigerant has been recovered, the machine automatically shuts down and reminds the technician to replace the filter- drier. It is recommended to service the machine at your convenience after a total of 80 kg of refrigerant has been recovered.
After you input a password to access the ACentre-20 app, you can select “change filer-drier” when the following interface is displayed, see below,

The machine will display to input dynamic password （Please contact your equipment distributor or manufacturer to receive the code), as following interface:

Then you are asked to input the filter-drier code (each filter-drier from the factory has an individual code) in the following interface:

DO NOT press the “Reset service interval time” button at the following interface.

Please remove the front cover and change the filter-drier, drain, and re-fill the vacuum pump with oil, see images below, and press the “Reset service interval time” button.

1. Remove the screws and remove the front cover.
2. Change filter-drier.

The filter-drier and vacuum pump oil replacement is now completed. When you re-enter the Air-095 app you can see the amount of refrigerant left to be recovered (100KG).

Compressor oil change (Recommended if the flushing function is usually performed)
Remove the recovery compressor from the machine by removing the suction and discharge pipes as shown below. Remove the 4 mounting bolts which fix the compressor to the chassis as shown below. Drain the oil from the suction port (from where the larger pipe was connected) by inverting the pump as shown below (drain oil) Add 480ml refrigeration oil as shown below. Re-fit compressor and pipes. Pressurize the system and make leak test connections. This can be achieved by charging refrigerant into the service lines, then selecting recovery and running recovery for 5 seconds and stop. This action will pressurize the internals of the machine, including the two pipes that were disconnected from the recovery compressor. By using a good reliable leak tester or soapy solution around the recovery pump fittings, you will be able to check for any possible leaks. Oil type: POE68; volume: 450ml.

Calibration of load cells, pressure transducer, and temperature sensor.
We suggest that only well-trained technicians gain access to the calibration and machine troubleshooting program. Please contact your distributor or manufacturer if you require assistance.

• A calibration weight of 1 kg is supplied with the machine.
• Please follow the machine instructions to do the calibration.

Caring for your equipment

• Keep your equipment clean and well-maintained at all times.
• Keep service hoses stored on the storage adaptors when not in use, to avoid dirt and dust contaminating the internals of the couplers which will then end up in the vehicle A/C system, which can cause serious system malfunction.
• Always clean vehicle A/C system service ports before connecting machine quick couplers on to the service ports.
• Keep the system stored in a clean area and away from direct sunlight and artificial heat source, when not in use.
• Perform regular services on the system as recommended by the manufacturer. Ignoring and skipping services will deteriorate the integrity of the machine.
• If the machine is used on badly contaminated A/C systems frequently, it is recommended that more frequent vacuum pump oil changes are made and main filter replacements are performed. Contaminated vacuum pump oil will cause the vacuum pump to corrode badly internally, which eventually the vacuum pump will fail. A contaminated main filter will diminish the refrigerant purity.
• Do not bump or move the machine when the technician is in the process of charging a vehicle, this can affect the charging accuracy.
• If the machine is bumped or knocked down accidently, check the calibration and that there are no leaks internally.
• DO NOT use compressed air to test for leaks.
• If the technician is not sure of the correct way of operating the machine, please do not hesitate to contact your distributor or manufacturer. We always like to help you.

Packing list

FAQ

Q: Can I use any cylinder with this equipment?

A: Only use the cylinder supplied with this equipment or recommended by the manufacturer to ensure safe operation.

Q: What should I do if I detect a leak?

A: If a leak is detected, switch off the equipment using the Emergency stop button and contact your distributor or service dealer for assistance.

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