Method and apparatus for testing a non-hydrocarbon refrigerant

An apparatus for testing a non-hydrocarbon refrigerant in a closed system to detect contaminants comprising:

• a testing tube having an axially enclosed body defining a passage therein and housing
• a medium for indicating the presence of hydrocarbon compounds, said tube body terminating at axially opposite closed tips, said closed tips being frangible to provide an open inlet and an open outlet to the passage;
• a testing tube holder for supporting said testing tube during testing, said testing tube holder having an inlet section for receiving a flow of non-hydrocarbon refrigerant to be tested and directing a metered amount of said refrigerant flow through the testing tube passage, and an outlet end for venting said refrigerant flow from the testing tube passage in order to indicate the presence of ammonia in the non-hydrocarbon refrigerant;
• and
• a pressure gauge for indicating the pressure of said non-hydrocarbon refrigerant flow both before and after passing through said testing tube, wherein said pressure gauge serves to indicate the presence of HCFC-22 refrigerant in the non-hydrocarbon refrigerant when the pressure gauge indicates a higher pressure of said refrigerant flow after passing through said testing tube than before passing through said testing tube.