R/R/R roundup R134a recover/recycle/recharge equipment By Bob Weber
T
he world of automotive service continues to change at an accelerated rate. That includes mobile air conditioning service challenges for service technicians. Currently, techs and shop owners must deal with electrically driven compressors found in hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles. That means recover/recycle/recharge (R/R/R) equipment must be up-to-date beyond compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and the Society of Automotive Engineers standard J2788. Briefy, the purpose of the standard, which was revised in January 2013, as stated by SAE, “... is to establish the specifc minimum equipment performance requirements for recovery and recycling of HFC-134a that has been directly removed from, and is intended for reuse in, mobile air-conditioning (A/C) systems. It also is intended to establish requirements for equipment used to recharge HFC-134a to an accuracy level that meets Section 9 of this document and SAE J2099. The requirements apply to the following types of service equipment and their specifc applications. a. Recovery/Recycling Equipment, b. Recovery/Recycling-Refrigerant Charging, c. Refrigerant Recharging Equipment Only.” If you service hybrid or plug-in electric vehicles, make sure the equipment you use is certifed for these high-voltage systems. If you are looking for the latest R/R/R service equipment, we want to help. Following is a roundup of equipment to better help you make an informed decision. Here is the latest on SAE J2788-compliant equipment.
Robinair Cool-Tech 34988 The Cool-Tech 34988 from Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC’s Robinair
division combines simple operation with superior accuracy. It recovers, recycles, evacuates, leak tests, and recharges R134a quickly and accurately. A fully automatic function allows the technician to recover, vacuum and leak test, charge, and then walk away. Other features and functions include automatic refrigerant refll, automatic air purge and oil drain, refrigerant charging and refrigerant management According to the company, the model
Robinair’s Cool-Tech 34988 is highly effcient.
34788 is a UL-listed, single-pass system that meets SAE specifcations for recycled refrigerant. Follow the SAE-J2211 recommended service procedure for the containment of R134a. The unit includes a 1.5 cfm vacuum pump for fast, thorough evacuation. The compressor pulls the A/C system to 0 psig, then
26 | March/April 2014
