The Duracool : what exactly is it?

Duracool is a refrigerant gas based on hydrocarbons (propane and isobutane). It is used to replace certain refrigerant gases used in refrigeration systems (refrigeration and air conditioning). Specifically:

• Duracool 12a replaces R-12 gas and R134a;
• Duracool 22a replaces R-22 gas.
  
• The 12a-yf Duracool replaces HFO 1234yf gas

But why replace these gases? Because they are part of the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) families. Three types of gases well known for their contribution to the greenhouse effect and the destruction of the ozone layer. It is for this reason that they are now banned on the market (or in the process of being banned). The Duracool is thus used to replace these gases that are harmful to the planet.

How do I know how much Duracool needed?

The quantity of refrigerant gas of R12, R134A or HFO 1234yf contained in an air conditioning system is always expressed in grams or kilos (e.g. 500 gr of R134a, 1.2 kgs of R12 ...) . The same is true for the duracool and all its variants (12a, 22a, 12a yf, etc.).

To replace these 3 gases ( r12 , r134a , 1234 yf ) , it will always be necessary to put less than duracool 12a because the molecules of this gas being larger, less will be needed for an equivalent volume.

There is a ratio to calculate the amount of duracool 12a needed compared to other gases, useful for knowing the amount of gas to order:

For R134a:
- Recommended weight / 2.70 = weight duracool 12A (e.g. 650 grs of R134 is equivalent to 650 grs / 2.7 = 240 grs of duracool 12a)

For R12
- Recommended weight / 3 = weight of duracool 12a ( ex 1.2 kgs of R12 is equivalent to 1.2 kgs / 3 = 400 grs of duracool 12a )

For HFO 1234yf
- Recommended weight / 2 = weight of duracool 12a ( ex 500 grs of HFO 1234yf is equivalent to 500 grs / 2 = 250 grs of duracool 12a-yf )


The duracool 12a cans contain 170grs of gas. So taking the first example, for 240grs of duracool you would have to buy 2 cans but load only part of the second can, assuming that the circuit is completely empty.

Safety instructions

Duracool 12a is a flammable liquefied gas, so it is strongly recommended to comply with the following safety measures:

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles
• Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames
• The temperature of the container must not exceed 55°C
• Store and use the bobbin in a well-ventilated area
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes
  

We advise you to read all the instructions on use and safety indicated on the can carefully


What tools should be used to load the cans?

- To be able to charge a can, you will need to use a recharging hose, equipped on one side with a self-piercing tap and on the other the R134, R12 or 1234yf fitting, depending on the gas that equips your air conditioning system. Our DC402 hose, for example, is equipped with R12 and R134a fittings as standard, and as an option it can also be fitted with a low-pressure HFO 1234yf fitting.

We always recommend using the hoses we offer for sale (DC402 and DC3000), as they are certified 100% compatible with our cans. It is possible to find much cheaper hoses on the market mainly from China, but many customer feedbacks have informed us that these hoses have the annoying tendency to damage the threads of the bobbins, making the bobbin either unusable, preventing loading or causing leaks.

- A very accurate scale can also be useful to measure the amount of gas needed in the air conditioning system

- a thermometer. It can be useful to check the cold produced at the air vent outlet. On a properly charged air conditioner, with all its components in perfect working order, the temperature of the cold produced should be around 7-8°C.

Procedure for recharging the duracool 12a .

• Before loading, it is advisable to work on a system that has been drawn into a vacuum, otherwise you will lose energy efficiency if there is air left in the circuit for example.

• The loading of cans is always done with the compressor on, so in the case of a vehicle, the engine running and the air conditioning turned on to cold mode to be sure that the compressor starts (even if it is safe because of the lack of gas).

• Take the refill hose in your hands, and make sure that the needle inside the self-piercing tap is fully reassembled by turning the tap counterclockwise (manufacturers have the annoying tendency to leave them in the down position), to avoid hitting the can when you go to screw it in with the tap.

• Identify the low pressure on the air conditioning system. Generally this is quite easy, it is the tube with the largest diameter compared to the high pressure. The valves also have a different diameter. In the case of R134a, the low-pressure valves are smaller than the high-pressure valves. Some car manufacturers such as Renault sometimes put only one R134a valve on their circuit, usually high pressure. If this is your case, you will also need to buy a high-pressure fitting.

• Connect the hose to the low pressure valve, either by screwing it in for the R12, or by clipping it ( R134a or HOF 1234 yf )

• Screw the can to the tap. Once the can is screwed on, hit the bobbin by turning the tap all the way clockwise . As it stands, the whole thing is waterproof. To release the gas, put the can upside down, upside down and then pull up the needle. The duracool 12A will start to creep into the air conditioning and the manifold needle will start to rise.

• If you are using a scale, measure the amount of gas you inject carefully, but be careful not to exceed 45 PSI. The ideal charging zone is the blue zone of our pressure gauge, between 30 and 45PSI, i.e. between 2 and 3 bars.
  

• It is advisable to charge the duracool 12a in steps, by opening the tap for a few seconds and then closing it. Let the engine run for about thirty seconds between each load of duracool 12a so that the gas is well distributed and the pressures are balanced.

• it is important not to exceed 45 PSI, otherwise you risk being overloaded, therefore less good cooling and damaging your compressor.

• If you need to use multiple cans, make sure to turn off the valve each time before screwing in a new can so that the gas from the circuit does not escape. If you have any 12a duracool left in the can once the pressure has been reached, we advise you to close the tap, unclip the vehicle connection and leave the bobbin screwed to the tap. This will remain watertight for a while. You can use the rest in the can in another vehicle later for example.
  

The Duracool range also includes other products in the form of cans and non-cans. Here is the presentation of these:

• Duracool Duradry: This product helps to remove moisture inside the circuit. Moisture is harmful and can cause damage to the air conditioning system
  
• Duracool Sealquick: This anti-leak will only act on micro leaks at the air conditioning system seals
• Duracool Systemseal: This anti-leak is more effective than the Sealquick. It will act on all micro leaks at the seals but also and above all on all the components of the air conditioning system: evaporator, condenser, etc.
  
• Duracool AC Oil: Can containing Duracool oil, 100% compatible with R12 and R134a oils. To be used if you notice a large oil leak in your engine at the level of the air conditioning.