- When refrigerant separates into its components due to leaking or improper charging
- BWhen refrigerant breaks down chemically
- CWhen refrigerant mixes with oil
- DWhen refrigerant absorbs moisture
Correct answer
When refrigerant separates into its components due to leaking or improper charging
Why
Fractionation occurs when components of a blend leak at different rates or when charging from vapor instead of liquid, changing the blend's composition.
The concept behind this question
Substitute refrigerants have to be evaluated as a system with their lubricant, not swapped in isolation. Mineral oil works with CFCs and HCFCs but does not circulate properly with most HFCs, which is why HFC systems generally use polyolester (POE) oil — and POE is strongly hygroscopic, so it absorbs atmospheric moisture fast when left open. Substitutes must also be approved for the specific end use under EPA's SNAP program, and newer A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, which changes the handling and equipment rules that apply.
More questions on this topic
- Polyolester (POE) oil is used with which type of refrigerants?
- What is the Global Warming Potential (GWP) used to measure?
- What type of refrigerant is R-410A?
- At what pressure does R-410A typically operate on the high side compared to R-22?
- What is a 'blend' refrigerant?
- How should zeotropic refrigerant blends be charged?
Exam-style practice question. Not an official EPA exam question.