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Mixed Refrigerant Charge Due to Identification Error — Missing Labels and No Analyzer Used

Likely causes

Transferred or used equipment has no refrigerant label

Check: unknown refrigerant type inside

What to do: Before any work, always verify refrigerant type with refrigerant analyzer (e.g., Testo 316-3, Inficon Refrigerant Identifier)

R22/R407C/R410A/R32 cylinders look similar

Check: color code not checked or faded beyond recognition

What to do: Never top up an unidentified refrigerant system — analyze first, then add only the same refrigerant

No charge record from previous technician

Check: possible that different refrigerant was topped up

What to do: Attach system label immediately: refrigerant type, GWP, charge amount (kg), date, technician signature

No refrigerant analyzer (identifier) used

Check: refrigerant type estimated from pressure-temperature table only

What to do: If already mixed: fully recover → send to certified refrigerant disposal facility → pull vacuum → charge new refrigerant

Mixed refrigerants cause performance degradation and chemical reactions corroding oil and piping

Check: Inspect with instruments or visually

What to do: Post refrigerant cylinder color code chart on site (R22: green/white, R410A: pink, R32: blue, R407C: brown/cream)

Field tip

Even with matching pressure readings, refrigerant type may differ in unidentified systems. Always use a refrigerant analyzer — keep one unit on site at all times.

All 565 cases work offline in R-Pro, with error codes for 62 brands and P-T data for 108 refrigerants.

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