Which contaminants are typically found in recovered refrigerants?

Study for the EPA Type 2 Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, with each question offering hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which contaminants are typically found in recovered refrigerants?

Recovered refrigerants commonly contain moisture, acids, and oil. Moisture enters through leaks and imperfect seals and reacts with refrigerants and lubricating oil, forming acids that can corrode metal parts and degrade lubricants. Water also contributes to freezing issues and overall deterioration of system performance. Oil comes from the compressor and circulates with the refrigerant, carrying dissolved contaminants and reducing heat transfer efficiency. This combination—moisture, acids, and oil—is what you’re most likely to find in recovered refrigerants, which is why this choice fits best. Other substances like ammonia, glycol with dirt, or salt and rust aren’t typically present as the standard contaminants in recovered refrigerants.

Recovered refrigerants commonly contain moisture, acids, and oil. Moisture enters through leaks and imperfect seals and reacts with refrigerants and lubricating oil, forming acids that can corrode metal parts and degrade lubricants. Water also contributes to freezing issues and overall deterioration of system performance. Oil comes from the compressor and circulates with the refrigerant, carrying dissolved contaminants and reducing heat transfer efficiency. This combination—moisture, acids, and oil—is what you’re most likely to find in recovered refrigerants, which is why this choice fits best. Other substances like ammonia, glycol with dirt, or salt and rust aren’t typically present as the standard contaminants in recovered refrigerants.

More practice questions