How is the capacity of a recovery cylinder determined?

The capacity of a recovery cylinder is determined using a factor of the water capacity (W.C.). In this context, water capacity refers to the total volume the cylinder can hold when filled with water, which serves as a reference for calculating the maximum amount of refrigerant the cylinder can safely contain.

Using 80% of the water capacity is a standard practice because it provides a safe margin to prevent overfilling the cylinder. Refrigerants can expand and contract with temperature changes, and if a cylinder is filled beyond this recommended level, it can lead to increased pressure, venting, and potentially hazardous situations.

This 80% rule is standard in HVAC practices that ensure safe storage and handling of refrigerants. The other percentages, such as 60%, 70%, or 90%, do not align with the industry guidelines typically applied for recovery cylinders, as they either do not provide enough capacity for practical use or advocate unsafe practices by allowing too much refrigerant, risking overpressure situations. This adherence to 80% of the W.C. reflects industry safety standards and best practices essential for technicians in the field.