| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus are provided for fully evacuating an air conditioning system (10) or refrigerator of the refrigerant in it, for storing the withdrawn refrigerant, and for providing an indication of when the system has been fully evacuated. The apparatus (40) includes a vacuum pump (116), a receiver (62) and hoses (42, 44) for connection to the high and low pressure sides of the system (10), and a gauge or sensor (56, 58) for sensing and indicating the pressure in the system (10). Preferably, the apparatus (40) includes an automatic controller (100), such as a microprocessor. The vacuum pump (116) is caused to withdraw refrigerant from the system (10) until a mild vacuum is obtained in the system (10). After that, the withdrawal operation is terminated, and the system (10) is permitted to remain, without further evacuation, for a predetermined period of time. Then, a determination is made whether the pressure in the system (10) is below, at or above atmospheric. A receiver (62) is provided to receive the refrigerant from the system (10), to prevent escape of refrigerant to atmosphere. |
