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Years ago there was equipment to identify the different refrigerants. You could Google container labeling to see if it comes up as a legitimate product. The early 12-18 oz cans were designed to be punctured. You could bring a tap and see if it fits can.
There is nothing cheap that can be used to detect the different types, that I'm aware of.
You can use a halide detector to see if its chlorinated but that can be somewhat dangerous if it turns out to be a hydrocarbon based chemical.
If me I would try testing it with an open flame in a well ventilated area, if it does not produce a flame its pretty safe its not hydrocarbon based, then check with a halide detector if the flame turns green then its chlorinated if not then it may be something like r134a.
Be very careful as chlorinated refrigerants heated to 1200* will turn to phosgene gas (very deadly).
It would be very difficult to tell using service gauges and comparing the pressure / temperature relationship as these chemicals are designed to operate at or near the same characteristics
Neal
Last edited by chevymans 77; 12-04-2018 at 06:45 PM.
I used R 22 in a car system once. Seeing frost smoke and air coming out of the vents at waaaay below freezing was interesting.
That's hilarious.
Best air conditioner I EVER SAW was an aftermarket AC unit stuck in a full sized van we road tripped to Mexico in one time with the Hash House Harriers. My buddy Tom Bartley owned it.
Somehow, someway, the condensate dripped into the cold airstream (onto the evaporator?) and the unit literally spit tiny pieces of ice at the passengers, sleet.
That and a couple cases of Tecate beer bought right at the brewery made for a memorable trip.
I've got a chance to purchase a 30# bottle of R-12 Freon.
How can I "test" this to ensure it's actually Freon, not R134, propane, or whatever put in an old R-12 bottle.
For all practical purposes, "You" nor I cannot test it. As said ... forget the gage test method. Nor "gauge."
As said there's still equipment to test - identify refrigerant types.
Such equipment continues in production as we now have a newer refrigerant in the mix. Snap-On / Neutronics, Mastercool etc currently makes it. That equipment ain't cheap.
Call around local shops and ask if they have up-to-date Refrigerant Identify-Test Equipment. Expect to pay for the service.
Just order some 12oz sealed cans on ebay. The 30lb is more than you need for all the classics in the neighborhood plus the risk of fake r12 sold at high price. Seems like a 12 oz is worth less than $40
Many years ago,20+, refrigerant cylinders started getting shipped with one way valves. If the valve handle is black, it's two eay. If green one way. So if it's green you can be pretty sure that it is 12. Nothing can flow into the cylinder once emptied.
12-04-2018, 02:54 PM
"Testing" a bottle of R-12 FREON
