Prevent Liquid Refrigerant Flow: When a canister is stored upright, the liquid refrigerant settles at the bottom of the container, preventing it from flowing out if the valve is accidentally opened.
Avoid Compressor Damage: If the refrigerant canister is stored on its side, the liquid refrigerant can end up flowing into the refrigeration system's compressor, which can cause damage or malfunction of the compressor. The compressor is designed to handle only gaseous refrigerants.
Accurate Dispensing: When the canister is upright, the valve at the top allows for precise dispensing of gaseous refrigerant. This enables technicians to easily control the amount of refrigerant released.
Safety Precautions: Storing the canister upright is a common safety practice in the industry. It reduces the risk of refrigerant spills, which can cause environmental damage and potentially harmful effects to individuals.
By following these storage guidelines, refrigeration technicians and individuals working with refrigerant can help ensure proper handling and minimize risks associated with refrigerant storage.