HIGH-PRESSURE TO LOW-PRESSURE LINE SET JOINING TOOL FOR AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved method for flushing a solvent through a line set of a condenser, compressor, and routing of heat ventilation and air-conditioning, and a high-pressure to low-pressure coupling device. The novel device is operable for joining the high-pressure and low-pressure lines and eliminates the need for having multiple technicians present for conducting a line set flush.

Claims

1. A device for closing the loop of a condenser line-set, the device comprising: a. a tube comprising a flexible material that allows the tube to manipulated into elliptical bends, the tube having i. a high-pressure end operable to connect to a high-pressure line of said condenser line set; and ii. a low-pressure end operable to connect to a low-pressure line of said condenser line set, wherein said first end has a plurality of concentric annular receivers of different diameters for coupling to said low-pressure line.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said tube includes a polymeric mesh material that allows for flexing and bending of said tube without breaches or kinks in said tube.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a transition section between said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end, said transition section having a tapering inner diameter between said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end that is operable to create a pressure differential between said low-pressure line and high-pressure line of said condenser.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said high-pressure end has a fixed diameter ranging from ¼ inch to 1⅛ inch for securing around said high-pressure line set.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said high-pressure end has a length ranging from 4.5 inches up to 12 inches.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said low-pressure end has a length ranging from 6.5 inches up to 15 inches.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein a total length of said tube is in a range of from about 18 inches to about 36 inches.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of annular receivers includes annular receivers having diameters of about ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, ¾, and about ⅞ inch.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of annular receivers each have an axial length of at least about one inch.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said hose clamps are operable to secure said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end to the low-pressure line and outlet.

11. A method for flushing excess refrigerant from a line set of a condenser comprising the steps of: a. creating access points in a low-pressure line and a high-pressure line of said line set; b. connecting a high-pressure end of a purging device to said access point in said high-pressure line; c. connecting a low-pressure end of said purging device to said access point in said low-pressure line, wherein said first end has a plurality of concentric annular receivers of different diameters for coupling to said low-pressure line; d. securing said high-pressure end and low-pressure end to said line set using a coupling mechanism; and e. connecting a flush canister comprising a fluid to a service valve on the condenser and passing said fluid through said line set to remove coolant fluid from said line set.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said condenser line set is cut having a length that allows the fluid to be passed through the line set at a pressure that does not exceed the operating pressure of the condenser.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said purging device includes a polymeric mesh material that allows for flexing and bending of said tube without breaches or kinks in said tube.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein said purging device comprises a transition section between said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end, said transition section having a tapering inner diameter between said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end that is operable to create a pressure differential between said low-pressure line and high-pressure line of said condenser.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said high-pressure end has a fixed diameter ranging from ¼ inch to 1⅛ inch for securing around said high-pressure line set.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein said high-pressure end has a length ranging from 4.5 inches up to 12 inches.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein said low-pressure end has a length ranging from 6.5 inches up to 15 inches.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein a total length of said purging device is in a range of from about 18 inches to about 36 inches.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein said plurality of annular receivers includes annular receivers having diameters of about ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, ¾, and about ⅞ inch.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein said plurality of annular receivers each have an axial length of at least about one inch.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein said coupling mechanism is a hose clamp.

22. A device for closing the loop of a condenser line-set, the device comprising: a. a tube comprising a flexible material that allows the tube to manipulated into elliptical bends, the tube having i. a high-pressure end operable to connect to a high-pressure line of said condenser line set; and ii. a low-pressure end operable to connect to a low-pressure line of said condenser line set, wherein said first end has a plurality of concentric annular receivers of different diameters for coupling to said low-pressure line. b. a transition section between said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end, said transition section having a tapering inner diameter between said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end that is operable to create a pressure differential between said low-pressure line and high-pressure line of said condenser.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein said tube includes a polymeric mesh material that allows for flexing and bending of said tube without breaches or kinks in said tube.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein said high-pressure end has a fixed diameter ranging from ¼ inch to 1⅛ inch for securing around said high-pressure line set.

25. The device of claim 22, wherein said high-pressure end has a length ranging from 4.5 inches up to 12 inches.

26. The device of claim 22, wherein said low-pressure end has a length ranging from 6.5 inches up to 15 inches.

27. The device of claim 22, wherein a total length of said tube is in a range of from about 18 inches to about 36 inches.

28. The device of claim 22, wherein said plurality of annular receivers includes annular receivers having diameters of about ¼ inch, about ⅜ inch, about ½ inch, about ⅝ inch, ¾, and about ⅞ inch.

29. The device of claim 22, wherein said plurality of annular receivers each have an axial length of at least about one inch.

30. The device of claim 22, wherein said hose clamps are operable to secure said high-pressure end and said low-pressure end to the low-pressure line and outlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the coupling tube device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2A provides a side view of the coupling tube device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2B provides a side view of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2C provides a side view of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3A provides a top view of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3B provides a bottom view of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4A provides a rearview of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4B provides a front view of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4C provides a cross-sectional view of the coupling tube device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 provides an exemplary view of the coupling tube device used in a condenser and compressor system.

[0039] FIG. 6 provides an exemplary view of the coupling tube device used in a line set

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.

[0041] The present invention concerns a connecting device to close the loop of a condenser line set when flushing and maintenance of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. FIGS. 1-6 provides views of an exemplary line set connecting device 100 and methods of use according to the present invention. The exemplary line set connecting device 100 is a device to join the low-pressure line and the high-pressure line of a condenser used in HVAC systems. The line set connector 100 may have a substantially U-shaped geometry comprising a first end 101 (high-pressure end), a second end 102 (low-pressure end), and a base connector 103 (transition section).

[0042] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the second end 102 of the device 100 may include various diameters D6, D5, D4, D3, D2, and D1. The diameter is reducing in size from the largest diameter D6 to the smallest diameter D1. The diameters D6-D1 may be constructed to accommodate liquid line set standards for use in refrigeration and HVAC systems. The joining member 103 may connect the first end 101 to a second end 102. The second end 102 may have a fixed inner diameter of ⅜ inch. The diameter D1-D6 may range, e.g., from ¼ inch to ¼ of an inch. For example, D1 may have a diameter of ¼, D2 may have a ⅜, D3 may have a ½, D4 may have a ⅝, D5 may have a ¾, and D6 may have a ⅞. The length of the joining member may be in a range of about 3 inches to about 8 inches.

[0043] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B shows side views of the device of FIG. 1. The first end 101 has a central axis having an angle 105 of about 90° with respect to the central axis of the joining member 103. The second end 102 has a central axis having an angle 106 of about 90° with respect to the central axis of the joining member 103. The curved portions between the joining member 103 and the first end 101 may be flexible to allow adjustment of the tool for use between line sets that have varying spacing between the high-pressure line and the low-pressure line. In some embodiments, the entire connector 100 may be comprised of a flexible, but sturdy material, such as a composited braided nitrile rubber material, as discussed herein. FIG. 2C shows an embodiment of the device 100, where the first end 101 and second end 102 and the joining member 103 are incorporated into a single continuous tube without formed angles or turns therein. In such examples, the flexibility of the tube material is sufficient to allow the device 100 to be bent back on itself to create turns of up to about 180° to facilitate the joining of the first end 101 and the second end 102 with an HVAC line set.

[0044] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B showing the top and bottom views of the device of FIG. 1, the first end 101, has the various diameters D1-D6 may be concentrically staggered between each previous diameter the diameter D1 may have the same diameter of the joining member 103. The second end 102 may have a central axis that is about parallel to and substantially on the same plane as the first end 101, and about perpendicular to the central axis of the joining member 103.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C the first end 101 and the various diameters D1-D6 may have a length Lc of at least one inch (e.g., in a range of 1 in. to about 3 inches) to allow for a suitable compression around the line the Lc may be secured with a hose clamp around the circumference of the diameter. The overall length of the L1 of the first end 101 may be substantially longer than the length L2 of the second end 102. The second end 102 may have a length L2 operable to nest around the low-pressure line 116. In some embodiments, the joining member 103 may have an elliptic geometry and/or sufficient flexibility to accommodate the necessary manipulation second end 102 to properly nest around the particular diameter of a low-pressure line. The joining member 103 may also have a design that aids in generating a pressure differential between the first end and second end 101, 102. In some embodiments, the elliptical shape of the joining member when the device 100 is attached to the line sets creates sufficient friction with the fluid flowing therethrough to allow a reduction in pressure from the high-pressure line to the low-pressure line. In other examples a nozzle or Venturi device may be embedded in the joining member to adjust the pressure of the fluid as it passes from the high-pressure first end 101 to the low-pressure second end 102.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method of the use of the coupling tube device 100 configured between the high-pressure line 117 and low-pressure line 116. The line set may be connected to a compressor 113 of the condenser 110, and may be monitored by a service block and valves 114 that displays information regarding the pressure of the fluid in the line set. The line set may have service access points near the condenser that allow the coolant present in the line set to be drained from the system. Pressurized flushing fluid may also be introduced at the service access points. The coolant may be drained from the system prior to a pressurized flush of the system.

[0047] Access points for connection of the coupling tube 100 may be cut into the line set in order to facilitate a pressurized flush of the system. The each of the lines may be cut at approximately the same point along the lines. The coupling tube 100 device may be attached on the first end 101 to the high-pressure line 117. The appropriate diameter annular receiver (any of D1-D6) of the second end 102 that matches the diameter of the low-pressure line 116 may be placed around the low-pressure line 116. Each of the first and second ends 101, 102 may be secured in place by a hose clamp 107, but preferably may be secured in place by crimping the lines at the location 107. Nitrogen gas may be used as a pressurized fluid to push any excess coolant out of the line set that did not gravity drain out of the line set.

[0048] Subsequently, a flushing fluid (e.g., a solvent) may then be introduced into the line set. A canister 115 may provide the supply of flushing fluid and may have a nozzle 118 that is connected to the service block and valves 114, which may discharge the flushing fluid into the HVAC, A/C or other refrigeration system for dissolving and neutralizing unwanted material in the system when servicing. The fluid may travel throughout the closed-loop and through the purging device 100. The purging device 100 may be attached to the line set 116, 117, at a location not exceeding 50 ft away from the service block and valves 114, in order to avoid applying pressures that exceed the nominal working pressure of the system. Greater distances may require that the nominal working pressure of the system be exceeded in order to properly drive the flushing fluid through the system.

[0049] FIG. 6 provides an exemplary view of the device of FIG. 1 used for flushing a line set with lines exceeding 50 ft. The high-pressure 117 and low-pressure 116 lines may be cut at intervals of 50 ft, and the flushing processes may be conducted. A collecting bucket 120 may retrieve the flush at the outlet of the high-pressure line 117, and the coupling tube device 100 may be attached on the first end 101 to the high-pressure line 117, and the second end 102 may be placed around the low-pressure line 116. The first and second ends 101, 102 may be secured in place by a hose clamp 107 or crimping of the lines at the locations 107. The nozzle 118 of the flushing canister 115 may be nested into the low-pressure line 116, and the flush may travel through the loop, and the excess debris is disposed of from the high-pressure line 117 into the collection bucket 120.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

[0050] The present invention provides an improved method for flushing a solvent through a line set of a condenser, compressor, and routing of heat ventilation and air-conditioning, and a high-pressure to low-pressure coupling device. The novel device being operable for joining the high-pressure and low-pressure lines and eliminate the need for having multiple technicians present for conducting a line set flush. It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations, or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.