To eliminate non-condensables from a refrigeration system, what is the recommended action?

To eliminate non-condensables from a refrigeration system, the recommended action is to recover the refrigerant, evacuate the system, and then recharge it with new refrigerant. This method is effective because non-condensables, such as air and moisture, can significantly impact the efficiency and performance of a refrigeration system. By recovering the existing refrigerant, the technician can ensure that any non-condensables are removed from the system.

Evacuating the system follows the recovery process, which creates a vacuum that helps to eliminate moisture and any remaining non-condensable gases. Once the evacuation is complete, recharging the system with new refrigerant ensures that the system operates with clean refrigerant free of contaminants. This comprehensive approach ensures optimal performance and longevity of the refrigeration system.

Other options may not effectively address the issue of non-condensables. For instance, pumpdowns may help to remove some vapor from the system but do not guarantee the removal of all non-condensables. Bleeding off vapor might stabilize pressure temporarily but does not eliminate non-condensable gases or moisture from the system. Therefore, recovering the refrigerant and recharging it demonstrates a thorough method for ensuring the system operates efficiently and reliably.