2025 Most Professional Cold Plunge Chiller Refrigerant Refill Guide

ColdChiller Manufacturer: Professional Answers About Cold Plunge Chiller Refrigerants – Essential Knowledge for Cold Plunge Enthusiasts

What is The Role of the Refrigerant in a Cold Plunge Chiller?

The role of refrigerant in the refrigeration system is to transfer heat. It mainly circulates between the evaporator and the condenser to achieve effective transfer of water heat.

‌Heat Transfer‌

The refrigerant absorbs the heat of water (water in the titanium cannon) in the evaporator, thereby reducing the temperature of the water (water in the titanium cannon); then, in the condenser, the refrigerant releases the absorbed heat into the air, achieving effective transfer of heat in the ice bucket, thereby achieving a cooling effect.

R-410A vs. R-32: Compare Common Cold Plunge Chiller Refrigerants

Thermodynamic Properties

R32 has a small charge volume, which is only 0.71 times that of R410A. The working pressure of the R32 system is higher than that of R410A, but the maximum increase does not exceed 2.6%, which is equivalent to the pressure requirement of the R410A system.

Environmental Characteristics

The GWP value (global warming potential) of R32 refrigerant is moderate; R410A is only 2.5%. R32 refrigerant is significantly better than R410A refrigerant in terms of CO2 emission reduction.

Safety

R32 is flammable, but R32 has the highest combustion lower limit LFL (lower ignition limit) and is the least flammable; its performance is more stable than R410a.

Cycle Performance

In terms of theoretical cycle performance, the cooling capacity of the R32 system is 12.6% higher than that of R410A, the power consumption increases by 8.1%, and the comprehensive energy saving is 4.3%. The energy efficiency ratio of the R32 refrigeration system is slightly higher than that of R410A.

Cold Plunge Chiller R-410A Refill Operation Steps

Step 1: Remove the ice tub’s internal chiller and open the top cover.

Step 2: Check the internal air pressure of the chiller. Note: Do not dump the machine during the entire process

Step 3: Fill the prepared refrigerant.

Step 4: Close the chiller cover and put it back into the ice bath tub.

Tool Preparation

R-410A Refrigerant:

R-410A is a refrigerant that goes inside your air conditioner or heat pump to cool the air before it gets released into your home. The refrigerant works by absorbing the heat and switching from a gas into a liquid. From there, the refrigerant goes outside, and the system’s fan cools it back into a gaseous state.

Pressure Gauge and Inflation Tube

The pressure gauge and charging pipe in the chiller are mainly used to monitor the system pressure, vacuumize and charge the refrigerant. Pressure gauge used to check the refrigerant pressure inside the chiller.The main function of the inflation pipe is to connect the breathing air compressor with the gas cylinder to ensure that the gas cylinder can be properly filled during the inflation process.

Vacuum Pump:

Used to remove vacuum and nitrogen from chiller.The main function of the vacuum pump is to remove air from the refrigeration system and pipelines, including impurities such as nitrogen, oxygen, and water vapor, to ensure the normal operation of the chiller.

Bubble Water

Used to check for leaks after filling refrigerant.

Preparation

check the safety of equipment, such as personal protective equipment, check the safety of the refrigerator and refrigerant, connect the pressure gauge and the charging pipe

Notes:

1. Stay at least 2.5 meters away from open flames and turn off the power to the device.
2. Do not smoke.
3. Do not bring lighters.
4. Filling and maintenance personnel must be professionals.

Precautions

1.Refrigerant may form an explosive mixture when mixed with air. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the working environment is well ventilated, away from open flames and high temperature sources (a distance of more than 2 meters and no wind must be guaranteed),and working in a relatively open area.Operators need to strictly abide by safety regulations and use special tools and equipment for operation to reduce the risk of leakage and misoperation.

2.Specific conditions are required for refrigerant explosion, including the presence of combustibles, oxygen or air, refrigerant concentration, and ignition sources reaching or exceeding 450℃, Therefore, these conditions need to be controlled to prevent accidental explosions.

3.Although short-term exposure to low concentrations of refrigerants usually does not cause serious symptoms, long-term exposure or contact with high concentration exposure may cause anesthesia, loss of consciousness, or even suffocation.Therefore.long-term or high concentration exposure needs to be avoided.

4.During maintenance, the sealing and stability ofthe refrigeration system need to bechecked regularly to ensure the safe use of refrigerants.

Empty The System

Open the cold plunge cover，disconnect the internal power cord，remove the surrounding baffle screws，Remove two pipes，Remove the gaskets around the perimeter，Remove the chiller，Unscrew the top cover，Open the top cover.

Check the internal air pressure of the chiller.Note: Do not dump the machine duringthe entire process.Open the refrigerant filling point inside the chiller.Unscrew,Connect the pressure gauge pipe,Check the pressure after connecting the gauge pipe,Unscrew the red button,Connect the vacuum pump to the pressure gauge,Turn on the vacuum pump,Wait for the index to become -1.

Add R-410A Refrigerant

Fill the Prepared Refrigerant

Connect the fluorine injection electronic scale to the chiller and place it on the fluorine injection electronic scale,Tighten the red valve port ofthe pressure gauge,Disconnect the vacuum pump cable,Turn on the refrigerant switch,Setting requires filling 570g refrigerant,Connect the refrigerant filling port to the pressure gauge,open the blue valve,Hold the white spray for one second,Close the valve in one second,Tighten the blue valve,Open the red valve and start filling refrigerant,Filing：Fill with 570g refrigerant,Close the red valve, quickly remove the pressure gauge tube to prevent excessive leakage.Pay attention to antifreeze and stay away from refrigerants to avoid eye and nose injuries.

Check System Operation(Operation and Precautions)

Check to see if the foam changes.No bubbles can be blown out.Put the removed cover back to its original position,Tighten,Put the protective cover back on -refrigerant is filled,Turn off the refrigerant and put away the tools.

Complete Filling and Cleanup(Operation and Precautions)

Close the chiller cover and put it back into the ice bathtub
Close the cover and tighten the screws around it.Move back to original position,Install the screws that are fixed around,Connect back to the pipe, making sure the gasket inside does not fall off,Install back around the baffle,Note: There are arrows on both ends of the wire,align the arrows to connect the wire,Connection completed,Complete all steps after closing the ice bathtub cover.

Inspection and Maintenance(Operation and Precautions)

1. Note refrigerant and oil levels.
2. Inspect fan control system.
3. Check evaporator water temperature differential.
4. Measure condenser fan motor volts/amps, where applicable.
5. Check water flow through evaporator .
6. Measure condenser and evaporator pressures.
7. Keeping tubes clean.
8. Chemically wash condenser coils.
9. Change all oil filters.
10. Straighten fins and fans of air-cooled condensers.
11. Check the liquid line filter.
12. Check the health of water strainers.
13. Check the quality of circulating water for water-cooled condensers.

Maintaining Your Cold Plunge Chiller : Best Practices for Refrigerant Care

Regular maintenance and inspection‌: Regularly check the use of refrigerants, including checking for leaks, whether refrigerants need to be added or replaced. Regular maintenance can prevent potential problems and ensure the normal operation of the system for a long time‌.

‌Avoid mixing different types of refrigerants‌: For example, R134a and R12 are incompatible, and mixing them may cause damage to the compressor. Make sure to use the same type of refrigerant and avoid mixing different types of refrigerants‌.

‌Precautions during storage and transportation‌: Refrigerants should be stored in a cool place, avoid high temperatures and vibrations to prevent dangerous situations such as explosions. Also pay attention to avoid impact and high temperature environments during transportation‌.

‌Keep away from fire‌: Some refrigerants may decompose and produce toxic gases at high temperatures. When operating, ensure good ventilation and stay away from open flames or potential fire sources‌.

‌Use professional maintenance services‌: The addition, inspection and maintenance of refrigerants should be carried out by professionals to ensure the safety and accuracy of the operation. Improper handling may have a negative impact on the environment‌.