The parent company of Koura has established new service procedures for its next-generation refrigerants, Klea Edge 444A and Klea 456A.
The goal is to give professional service technicians best practices to prioritize the safe handling of the refrigerants, which in turn will ensure their optimal performance and environmental benefit.
“Proactively setting these service procedure guidelines is crucial for the successful adoption of R-444A and R-456A in the automotive aftermarket,” said Chuck Abbott, global marketing manager, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials. “By providing clear guidelines, we are supporting technicians and the entire industry in safely transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants.”
The global standards outline how to retrofit vehicles from R-134a (A1) to R-456A (A1) and R-1234yf (A2L) to R-444A (A2L). Additionally, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials has set forth detailed instruction on servicing vehicles equipped with Klea 456A (A1) and Klea Edge 444A (A2L).
Koura's Retrofit Refrigerant Instructions
R-134a (A1) to R-456A (A1) and R-1234yf (A2L) to R-444A (A2L)
- Using certified Refrigerant Recovery Recycling device for the refrigerant to be replaced, remove the refrigerant from the vehicle per proper device operation. Note the amount of oil removed.
- Adapt low and high side service port to those designed for the new refrigerant.
- Place label for new refrigerant on the SAE J639 label per local regulations.
- Complete any needed system repairs. If retrofitting from A1 to A2L, make additional safety preparations as noted in SAE J2842.
- Add specified oil based upon amount removed during recovery, or as prescribed by the refrigerant manufacturer.
- Using dedicated equipment (may be repurposed from R-134a or R-1234yf) for the new refrigerant, connect to vehicle and vacuum system for 10 minutes.
- Vacuum leak test for 5 minutes. Continue to (8) if vacuum drops less than 3 in/Hg, otherwise, repeat step 7.
- Using the same equipment charge vehicle with new refrigerant by 1) pressure or 2) by weight
- By pressure (TXV only): >64-80F (18-27C) charge to 160 psig (11 barg) with A/C system on in fresh air mode and fan on high. At greater than 80-100F (27-37C) charge to 200 psig (13.8 barg).
- By weight: Set charging scale to either the R134a or R1234YF weight indicated on the J639 label or directed by OEM service information. Charge from virgin R444A or R456A cylinder in liquid state. Start vehicle and turn A/C on Max. Observe pressures and ensure center vent temperature meets specification. Close the high side coupler and allow the pressures to stabilize. Close low side coupler and disconnect from the vehicle.
Composite Refrigerant Service Instructions
Klea R-456A (A1) and Klea Edge R-444A (A2L)
- Assuming refrigerant is to be removed to effect repair, connect R444A or R456A Service Station to the vehicle.
- Set for recovery. The recovery process should remove oil and particulates from the refrigerant, condense the refrigerant and store in a standard recovery tank. Suggest that recover via liquid valve and charge through vapor with tank inverted. The recovery vessel will share a scale platform with a virgin tank, thereby allowing the user to see the weight of recovered refrigerant and to correctly recharge the vehicle with a combination of recovered and virgin refrigerant.
- Complete A/C system repair and leak check.
- Using refrigerant specific Service Station, connect to high and low side service ports; set vacuum time to 10 minutes, or until it holds vacuum for 5 minutes dropping less than 3 in Hg/770 mm Hg.
- Set scale on Service Station to desired charge weight per J639 label or OEM repair information. Open liquid valve on recovery tank to allow the recovered gas to charge first, then if needed, open the virgin tank liquid valve to complete the charge. The use of computer-controlled solenoids is recommended to assure accurate (+/- 15g) charge.
- Start vehicle and observe high and low side pressure and confirm desired center vent temperature is achieved. Close high side coupler allowing the pressures to stabilize. Close low side and remove couplers.
Koura adds this special note: The best practice is to keep refrigerants separate. However, R444A is compatible with R1234yf, and the lubricants used in R1234yf systems and R456A are compatible with R134a, and the lubricants used in R134a systems. Vehicle warranties and local regulations should be consulted.
