Why should you avoid mixing refrigerants in a single cylinder?

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Mixing refrigerants in one cylinder contaminates the refrigerant and creates an unknown blend. Each refrigerant has specific boiling points, pressures, and lubricant compatibility, so when they’re combined the resulting mixture won’t behave as either one alone. That unpredictable mix can cause improper system performance, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to components like the compressor. It also makes reclaiming or reclassifying the contents impossible because the cylinder no longer contains a single, identifiable substance. For safety, performance, and regulatory reasons, refrigerants must be kept separate and not mixed.