Method and apparatus for refrigerant reclamation

Abstract

A method and apparatus for reclaiming refrigerant are described to include a bypass line for hot gas is coupled to a distillation liquid temperature control, which controls the temperature of the system to remain at a very low temperature setting in order to prevent moisture carry-over, and maintain an exact liquid level. The distillation chamber itself contains a heat exchange system and comprises an outlet subsystem for distilled refrigerant, as well as an inlet for contaminated refrigerant. Vapor forms above the liquid in the chamber which is discharged into a compressor, which feeds back hot gases through a helical coil arrangement immersed in the distillation chamber. The compressor alternatively bypasses the helical coil under the control of the temperature controller. In either event, either from the bypass or from the coil a small air cooled dispenser dissipates heat from the compressor work. The system is thus devoid of the usual air or water cooled condensers to condense the refrigerant and/or external electrical heaters.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.