A cascade filling system is a high pressure gas cylinder storage system which is used for the refilling of smaller compressed gas cylinders.

Cascade Systems A cascade system uses one refrigerant to condense the other primary refrigerant that is operating at the desired evaporator temperature. This approach is usually used for temperature levels less than −80°F, when light hydrocarbon gases or other low boiling gases and vapors are being cooled.

A two-stage cascade system uses two pairs of compressor plants, working individually with different refrigerants, connected among themselves so that evaporator one system is used to serve as the capacitor to a lower temperature of the system (i.e. the evaporator with the first unit cools the condenser of the second …

The most common refrigerants used for air conditioning over the years include:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including R12. This is known to contribute to the greenhouse gas effect.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including R22.
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R410A and R134.

Traditionally, fluorocarbons, especially chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), were used as refrigerants, but they are being phased out because of their ozone depleting effects. Other common refrigerants used in various applications are ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and non-halogenated hydrocarbons such as propane.

Freon

Although there are various types of refrigerants, R-32 is a new refrigerant currently receiving the most interest. Because R-32 efficiently conveys heat, it can reduce electricity consumption up to approximately 10% compared to that of air conditioners using refrigerant R-22.

But they are the greenest refrigerants in the market. Manufacturers, who use these refrigerants, claim that they have taken good care in using these refrigerants and the appliances are absolutely safe….

Inhaling Freon produces a high that is similar to what is felt from drinking alcohol, and doing so can freeze the lungs or cause brain damage. It can also prove fatal, Morris warned, citing several recent examples, including a teenager in Oklahoma who died in November.

For people who have a history of heart problems, being exposed to small amounts of Freon from leaking appliances should not pose any significant health risk. Fortunately, Freon does not have serious long term health consequences. It is not a carcinogen, teratogen, or mutagen, and it does not damage the liver.

Mild symptoms of Freon exposure include excitability, dizziness, changes in heart rate and headaches. The lining of the throat or nose may become irritated, and the throat may swell. Pain in any exposed mucous membranes, such as the mouth, throat or eyes, is common after exposure.

Freon is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas. When it is deeply inhaled, it can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs. Limited exposure — for example, a spill on your skin or breathing near an open container — is only mildly harmful. However, you should try to avoid all contact with these types of chemicals.

R134a is not an ozone-destroying agent, but it is a greenhouse gas, and is illegal to vent as well.

An air conditioner’s refrigerant’s system is a closed (or sealed) system, meaning there is no way for the Freon to escape; since Freon does not get used up, as long as there are no leaks, your AC’s Freon will keep doing it’s thing indefinitely.

While a fully operational AC unit should not lose any Freon, a typical unit that requires servicing and maintenance can, even without a visible sign of a leak.

As for how much Freon is in each unit that could be lost due to damage, the general rule of thumb is 2 1/2 pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling. The tonnage of an AC unit determines its size and the amount of space it can cool, with larger tonnage units providing greater cooling abilities.

Loss of refrigerant will also threaten to damage the compressor, leading to it overheating. If the compressor burns out, the entire air conditioner will often need to be replaced. Don’t take any chances of these problems occurring in your AC.

The most common cause of AC freon leaks is likely erosion of the metal over time due to formic acid or formaldehyde corrosion. This can be repaired by replacing the separate components such as the coils or installing an entire new air conditioning unit depending on the severity of damage.

7 Signs Your AC Unit is Low on Refrigerant

1. It takes a long time for your home to cool off.
2. Vents are not blowing cool air.
3. The temperature you set is never reached.
4. Your electric bill is higher than normal.
5. Ice on refrigerant lines.
6. Water leaking around heater.
7. Hissing or bubbling noise.

Low refrigerant means low pressure and low pressure means low temperatures that will eventually freeze something called an evaporator coil. When the evaporator coil freezes, cold liquid refrigerant flows through the refrigerant line, causing the surrounding moisture in the air to freeze.

If everything is working properly, your AC should never need refrigerant. In fact, a central air conditioner should never need refrigerant added unless there’s a refrigerant leak.