Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REGENERATING A REFRIGERANT OF A/C SYSTEMS AND FOR CHECKING THE LUBRICANT CONTENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/164533
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
An apparatus (100) for recovering and regenerating a refrigerant in a refrigerating and/or A/C system (200) comprises a recovery and depuration circuit (110) with a first passage duct (10) for leading the refrigerant towards/away from the apparatus (100) and a second a passage duct (20) for leading the refrigerant towards/away from the apparatus (100) connected to an A/C system (200). The recovery and depuration circuit (110) comprises a distributor (15) located at the confluence of the first (10) and second (20) passage ducts and a confluence duct (16) located downstream of the distributor (15). Downstream of the confluence duct (16) a depuration and regeneration path (120) of the refrigerant is provided that is fed by the confluence duct (16) to provide to the distributor a depurated refrigerant, and also comprises an inspection container (50) having a transparent surface connected to a portion of the recovery and depuration circuit (110) to receive and show a sample of said refrigerant as input to the recovery and depuration apparatus (100), in order to test the amount of lubricating fluid present in said sample of refrigerant. This way, the refrigerant to inspect in the transparent container, having different density allows observing visually the amount of lubricating fluid present in order to adjust a correct lubricant amount returned to the reservoir (80) after treating the refrigerant, and for extracting all the lubricant present in the A/C system in case of an excessive lubricant/refrigerant ratio.

Inventors:
SANHAJI RAHHALI (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2012/052766
Publication Date:
December 06, 2012
Filing Date:
June 01, 2012
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ECOTECHNICS S P A (IT)
SANHAJI RAHHALI (IT)
International Classes:
F25B43/02; F25B45/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2005078364A12005-08-25
Foreign References:
US4364236A1982-12-21
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CELESTINO, Marco (Viale Giovanni Pisano 31, Pisa, IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus (100) for recovering and depurating a refrigerant having a predetermined density, said apparatus (100) comprising a recovery and depuration circuit (110) comprising:

- a first passage duct (10) of refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus (100) having an end (10') arranged to be connected to a high pressure connector of an A/C system (200) ;

a second passage duct (20) of refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus (100) having an end (20' ) arranged to be connected to a low pressure connector of the A/C system (200);

- a distributor (15) located at the confluence of said first (10) and according to a passage duct (20) ;

- a confluence duct (16) located downstream of said distributor (15);

- a path of depuration (120) of said refrigerant fed by said confluence duct (16), arranged to provide to said distributor (15) a depurated refrigerant so that said depurated refrigerant is added to said A/C system (200) through said first (10) and/or second (20) passage ducts;

- a container of introduction (80) of lubricating fluid in said depurated refrigerant, said lubricating fluid having a density different from said density of said refrigerant;

characterized in that

an inspection device is further provided for inspection of said refrigerant, said inspection device comprising an inspection container (50) having a transparent surface connected to said recovery and depuration circuit (110), said inspection container

(50) being configured to accumulate said lubricating fluid in a lower portion of said inspection container

(50) owing to said difference of density between said refrigerant and said lubricating fluid, in order to display a sample of said refrigerant that enters said recovery and regeneration apparatus (100) , showing the level reached by said lubricating fluid in said inspection container (50) and determining in proportion an amount of lubricating fluid present in said sample of refrigerant.

The apparatus (100) , according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is connected to a portion of said recovery and depuration circuit (110) upstream of said distributor (15) .

The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is arranged as a bypass duct (53) between said first passage duct (10) and said second passage duct (20) .

The apparatus (100), according to claim 3, wherein in said bypass duct (53) a first valve (52) from the side of said first passage duct (10) and a second valve (54) from the side of the second a passage duct (20) are provided.

The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is arranged on a portion of said first passage duct (10).

The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is arranged on a portion of said second passage duct (20) .

7. The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein upstream and downstream of said inspection container (50) a first (52) and a second valve (54) are provided.

8. The apparatus (100), according to claim 2, wherein said inspection container (50) is connected to a portion of said recovery and depuration circuit (110) downstream of said distributor (15) .

9. The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is put in a portion of said confluence duct (16) .

10. The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is put in a duct parallel (55) to a portion of said confluence duct (16) -

H . The apparatus (100), according to claim 10 wherein in said parallel duct (55) a first valve (52) and a second valve (54) are provided respectively upstream and downstream of said inspection container (50) .

12. The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein a microprocessor means is provided (140) for controlling the opening and the closing of said first valve (52) and of said second valve (54), according to a predetermined program.

13. The apparatus (100), according to claim 1, wherein a means is provided for automatic inspection (150) associated with said inspection container (50).

14. The apparatus (100) , according to claim 13/ wherein said means for automatic inspection (150) has a liquid analyser comprising a sender (160) of a waves (165) and a receiver (170) located opposite to said inspection container (50) , such that said waves (165) pass through said inspection container (50) containing said refrigerant to inspect, in order to measure an absorption value through which determining an amount of lubricating fluid present in said refrigerant, in particular the determined absorption value is compared with reference data carried out for example on a pure ref igerant .

15. The apparatus (100) , according to claim 14, wherein said sender (160) of said waves (165) is an emitter of infrared waves.

16. The apparatus (100) , according to claim 1, wherein said inspection container (50) is a tubular duct portion, in horizontal axis position.

17. The apparatus (100) , according to claim 1, wherein a support (130) is provided that is visible from the outside of said apparatus (100) , where said inspection container (50) is housed to allow an easy visual analysis by a user.

18. Apparatus (100) , according to claim 1, wherein a scale is provided on the surface of said container, or on the apparatus (100) adjacent to said inspection container (50) , to measure the level reached by the lubricant level.

19. A method for recovering and depurating a refrigerant having a predetermined density in an apparatus (100) for recovering and depurating a refrigerant, said apparatus (100) comprising a recovery and depuration circuit (110) comprising:

- a first passage duct (10) of an refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus (100) having an end (10') arranged to be connected to a high pressure connector of an A/C system (200) ;

- a second passage duct (20) of refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus (100) having an end (20' ) arranged to be connected to a low pressure connector of the A/C system (200);

- a distributor (15) located at the confluence of said first (10) and according to a passage duct (20);

- a confluence duct (16) located downstream of said distributor (15) ;

- a depuration path (120) of said refrigerant fed by said confluence duct (16) arranged to provide to said distributor (15) a depurated refrigerant so that said depurated refrigerant is added to said A/C system (200) through said first (10) and/or second passage duct (20) ;

- an introduction container (80) for introducing a lubricating fluid in said depurated refrigerant, said lubricating fluid having a density different from said density of said refrigerant;

characterized in that

said method comprises the steps of:

- conveying said refrigerant that flows towards/away from said A/C system through an inspection device for inspection of said refrigerant, said inspection device comprising an inspection container (50) having a transparent surface connected to said recovery and depuration circuit (110) ,

monitoring said sample of said refrigerant that enters said recovery and regeneration apparatus (100) through said transparent inspection container (50), and testing a level of lubricating fluid present in said sample of refrigerant that accumulates in a lower portion of said transparent inspection container (50) owing to said difference of density between said refrigerant and said lubricating fluid.

Description:
TITLE

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REGENERATING A REFRIGERANT OF A/C

SYSTEMS AND FOR CHECKING THE LUBRICANT CONTENT

DESCRIPTION Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the an apparatus for recovering, depurating and inspecting a refrigerant for example of an A/C system a car, in order to control the amount of a lubricating fluid added to the refrigerant.

Background of the invention

As well known, in A/C systems, in particular those on board of vehicles such as cars, a refrigerant is present to which a certain amount is added of oil lubricant, which is used for lubricating the compressor of the circuit.

The mixture is periodically recovered and recycled for eliminating the impurities accumulated during the operation cycle and for restoring the optimal amount of refrigerant and of oil lubricant. To this purpose, the refrigerant is drawn by the A/C system and is subjected to a regeneration cycle in which it is separated from the oil and depurated of the impurities present in it. After the regeneration cycle, to the regenerated refrigerant a predetermined amount of oil lubricant is added.

However, the addition of oil lubricant is carried out according to a empiric procedure that determines the addition of an amount of oil which is often different from the actually required amount. Normally, the added amount of lubricating fluid is always a surplus between 10 ml to 30 ml with respect to actually needed amount. Then, it occurs that, after successive treatments on a same A/C system for regenerating the lubricating fluid, a total amount of the lubricant is observed that is much higher than the amount indicated by the manufacturer. This causes an accumulation and deposit of the lubricating fluid surplus in the heat exchangers (condenser and evaporator) causing the performances of the A/C system to lower, in addition to a shorter useful life.

In US4364236 an apparatus is described for removing a refrigerant containing an oil lubricant from a refrigerating circuit, for example of an A/C system. The oil lubricant is separated from the refrigerant and measured automatically. When recharging the refrigerating circuit an amount of oil lubricant is added equal to that previously measured. Therefore, where the ratio between the amount of oil lubricant and of refrigerant by the refrigerating circuit is not correct the error is repeated reintroducing a wrong amount of oil lubricant with respect to the refrigerant.

To overcome the difficulties of US4364236, a known methodology for determining the excess of oil provides prearranging an external kit consisting of a cylinder of glass, two ducts having respective snap-on connectors, one for the high pressure side and the other for the low pressure side of the A/C system. By connecting the snap-on connectors to the A/C system and opening the high pressure duct a sample to analyze then enters the cylinder. Once the analysis step is ended the low pressure duct is opened for causing the suction of the analyzed sample by the A/C plant compressor. Such process is complex and not much practical for the following reasons: when opening and closing manually the connection ducts several errors can be made that can damage the system. For example, if the two snap-on connectors are open by an e ro a bypass is formed that leads to the expansion valve, thus sending an excessive amount of liquid to the compressor that could damage it-

Furthermore, the inspection cylinder is not much practical since is held by an operator during the inspection or hooked to the motor. This would cause a problem of safety for the operator, since, when working with the bonnet open and motor turned on, mechanical moving parts or hot parts can be touched.

A further drawback occurs when a tracer is added when looking for possible losses in the plant. Even in this case, the use of a wrong amount of tracer, which is added after a step of regenerating the refrigerant, would cause an accumulation of tracer that worsens further the above described drawbacks.

Summary of the invention

It is then a feature of the present invention to provide an inspection device of a refrigerant which can be fixed to a recovery and depuration apparatus for determining an excess or a lack of lubricating fluid or other fluid added to the refrigerant-

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide an inspection device of a refrigerant of a recovery and depuration apparatus for determining the excess of lubricating fluid and/or of tracer in an automatic and practical way.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide an inspection device of a refrigerant of a recovery and depuration apparatus for determining in a precise way the amount of lubricating fluid and/or of tracer present in the refrigerant.

These and other objects are achieved by a recovery and depuration apparatus of a refrigerant having a predetermined density / said apparatus comprising a recovery and depuration circuit equipped with:

- a first passage duct for leading the refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus, having an end configured to be connected to a high pressure connector of an A/C system;

- a second passage duct for leading the refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus, having an end configured to be connected to a low pressure connector of the A/C system;

- a distributor located at the confluence of said first and second passage ducts;

- a confluence duct located downstream of said distributor;

a depuration path for depurating said refrigerant, fed by said confluence duct, arranged to provide to the distributor a depurated refrigerant so that said depurated refrigerant is added to said A/C system through said first and/or second passage ducts;

- a lubricating fluid container for introducing lubricating fluid in said depurated refrigerant, said lubricating fluid having a density different from the density of said refrigerant;

wherein, furthermore, an inspection device is provided for inspection of said refrigerant, said inspection device comprising an transparent inspection container connected to said recovery and depuration circuit, said inspection container being configured to accumulate said lubricating fluid in a lower portion of said inspection container owing to said difference of density between said refrigerant and said lubricating fluid, such that a sample of said refrigerant is exhibited that enters said recovery and depuration apparatus, showing the level reached by said lubricating fluid in said inspection container and determining in proportion an amount of lubricating fluid present in said sample of refrigerant owing to said difference of density between said refrigerant and said lubricating fluid.

Therefore, the refrigerant to inspect in the transparent container having a density different from the lubricating fluid, allows observing visually the amount of lubricating fluid present in the whole liquid.

In particular, the inspection container is in a position to allow, for example to an operator, to see its content. In other words, the inspection container, in use, is advantageously arranged in a position of the apparatus that can be seen by an operator.

Advantageously, the inspection container is a tubular duct portion that, in use, is in a position with horizontal axis. This way, for example by means of a scale present on the surface of the container, or present on the apparatus near to the inspection container, it is possible to display and then to measure the level reached by the lubricant level.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a support visible from the outside, for example a protruding support, which houses the inspection container and makes it possible an easy visual analysis by the user. Advantageously, upstream and downstream of said inspection container, a first and a second valve are provided. This way, it is possible to enter a sample of fluid in the inspection container, opening and closing said valves, and then discharging it downstream once inspected the sample.

It is therefore possible, by the inspection container integrated to the recovery and depuration path of the recovery and depuration apparatus, to receive and show in turn, in a practical and safe way, even different samples of refrigerant, in order to determine, for example through a weighted average, the amount of oil lubricant present. On the basis of this evaluation it is possible then to add a correct amount of refrigerant at the end of the recovery and regeneration process, in order to ensure a correct and effective operation of the A/C system. In other words, it is avoided that, after several recovery and regeneration cycles, with time an accumulation of lubricating fluid occurs that would cause a problem to the A/C system, or a reduction of its efficiency.

The fact that the inspection container is integrated to the recovery and depuration circuit has, furthermore, the advantage that the step of collecting the sample does not allow a not controllable transfer of refrigerant from the high pressure side to the low pressure side of the A/C system, with risk of damaging the compressor the refrigeration circuit.

In a first exemplary embodiment, said transparent inspection container is connected to a portion of said recovery and depuration circuit upstream of said distributor . Advantageously, the inspection container is arranged as a bypass duct between the first passage duct and the second passage duct.

In particular, in the bypass duct a first valve is provided from the side of the first passage duct and a second valve from the side of the second passage duct. This way, through the first and the second valve it is possible to enter and discharge a predetermined amount of refrigerant in the inspection container.

In particular, a microprocessor means is provided for controlling the opening and the closing of the first valve and of the second valve. This way, errors of the operator are avoided due to a possible contemporaneous opening action of the two valves that would cause an excessive flow that could damage the compressor.

Alternatively, the inspection container is arranged on a portion of the first passage duct. Alternatively, the inspection container is arranged on a portion of the second passage duct. In both cases, the first and the second valve are provided upstream and downstream of the inspection container.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the transparent inspection container is connected to a portion of the recovery and depuration circuit downstream of the distributor .

In particular, in this case, the inspection container can be put in a duct parallel to a portion of the confluence duct. In particular, in the parallel duct a first valve and a second valve are provided respectively upstream and downstream of the inspection container.

Advantageously, a means for automatic inspection is provided associated with the inspection container.

In particular, the means for automatic inspection can comprise a liquid analyzer comprising a wave emitter, for example an infrared wave emitter, and a receiver located opposite to the emitter with respect to the inspection container. More in detail, the waves cross the inspection container that contains the refrigerant to inspect, and it is possible then to measure an absorption value through which determining a ratio of lubricating fluid present in the refrigerant.

Advantageously, a determined absorption value is compared with reference data obtained, for example, from a pure refrigerant.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for recovering and depurating a refrigerant having a predetermined density in a recovery and depuration apparatus, said apparatus comprising a recovery and depuration circuit equipped with:

- a first passage duct for leading the refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus, having an end configured to be connected to a high pressure connector of an A/C system;

a second passage duct for leading the refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus, having an end configured to be connected to a low pressure connector of the A/C system;

a distributor located at the confluence of said first and second passage ducts;

a confluence duct located downstream of said distributor;

- a depuration path for depurating said refrigerant fed by said confluence duct, arranged to provide to said distributor a depurated refrigerant so that said depurated refrigerant is added to said A/C system through said first and/or second passage ducts;

- a lubricating fluid container for introducing lubricating fluid in said depurated refrigerant, said lubricating fluid having a density different from said density of said refrigerant;

said method comprising the steps of:

- conveying said refrigerant that flows towards/away from said A/C system through an inspection device for inspection of said refrigerant, said inspection device comprising an transparent inspection container connected to said recovery and depuration circuit;

- monitoring said sample of said refrigerant that enters said recovery and depuration apparatus through said transparent inspection container / and

- testing a level of lubricating fluid present in said sample of refrigerant that accumulates at a lower portion of said transparent inspection container owing to said difference of density between said refrigerant and said lubricating fluid.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristic and the advantages of the present invention will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts, throughout the figures of which;

- Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatical view of a recovery apparatus for regenerating a refrigerant, having an inspection container of the refrigerant mounted to a recovery and depuration circuit by a by-pass duct between a first high pressure duct and a second a low pressure duct, the by-pass duct is equipped with a first and a second valve that allow its filling and emptying;

- Fig. 1A shows a diagrammatical view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein the inspection container of the refrigerant is mounted to a portion of the first high pressure duct that leads the refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus;

- Fig. IB shows a diagrammatical view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the inspection container of the refrigerant is mounted to a portion of the second a low pressure duct of the refrigerant towards/away from said apparatus;

- Fig. 2 shows a diagrammatical view of the recovery and depuration apparatus of Fig. 1, where the inspection container is mounted to a portion of a confluence duct downstream of a distributor where the first and second duct join;

- Fig. 2A shows a diagrammatical view of the recovery and depuration apparatus of Fig. 1, where the inspection container is mounted downstream of the distributor by a duct parallel to the confluence duct; the parallel duct is equipped with the first and second valve;

- Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatical view of the inspection container having means for automatic inspection that detect an absorption value of an incident wave and compare it with reference values to determine a ratio of lubricant present in the refrigerant;

- Fig. 4 shows a diagrammatical view of a control board equipped with an inspection container of the refrigerant .

Description o a preferred exemplary embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1, an apparatus 100 is shown for recovering and regenerating a refrigerant in a ref igerating or A/C system 200. Apparatus 100 comprises a recovery and depuration circuit 110 comprising a first passage duct 10, for leading the refrigerant towards/away from apparatus 100, having an end configured to be connected to a high pressure connector 10' of an A/C system 200, and a second a passage duct 20, also for leading the refrigerant towards/away from apparatus 100 with an end configured to be connected to a low pressure connector 20' of the A/C system 200.

In addition, the recovery and depuration circuit 110 comprises a distributor 15 located at the confluence of the first 10 and second 20 passage duct and a confluence duct 16 located downstream of distributor 15. Downstream of confluence duct 16 a path 120 is present for depuration and regeneration of said refrigerant fed by confluence duct 16, arranged to supply to the distributor a depurated refrigerant, so that the depurated refrigerant is returned to the A/C system 200 through the first 10 and/or second 20 passage ducts.

In particular, regeneration circuit 120 comprises a compressor 40 arranged to compress the refrigerant, an evaporator and separator of impurities 30 for the refrigerant coming from the A/C system 200, in order to obtain a depurated refrigerant, and a vacuum pump 35 associated with the evaporator 30. Furthermore, regeneration circuit 120 also comprises a condenser 60 arranged downstream of the evaporator and separator of impurities 30, arranged to condense the regenerated refrigerant, and a collection reservoir 70 of the regenerated refrigerant and of new refrigerant.

Downstream of collection reservoir 70 a container 80 is provided for the addition of lubricating fluid, associated with a valve 82, to the depurated refrigerant before this is returned to the A/C system 200.

In the same way, regeneration circuit 120 can comprise also a container of tracer 90 associated with a respective valve 92.

The apparatus 100, according to the invention, also comprises an inspection container 50 having a transparent surface connected to a portion of the recovery and depuration circuit 110, to receive and show a sample of said refrigerant when it is going to enter the recovery and depuration apparatus 100, in order to test the amount of lubricating fluid present in said sample of refrigerant. This way, the refrigerant to inspect in the transparent container, having density different from the lubricating fluid, allows to observe visually the amount of lubricating fluid present, in order to adjust a correct amount of lubricating fluid returned to the system from reservoir 80, after treating the refrigerant, and to ensure the extraction of all the lubricant present in the A/C system in case of an excessive ratio. This solution avoids the problems due to a wrong supply of lubricant that would cause problems to the A/C system.

In other words, through inspection container 50 integrated to the recovery and regeneration path of the recovery and depuration apparatus, it is possible to receive and show in a practical and safe way even different samples of refrigerant in turn, in order to determine, for example through a weighted average, the amount of oil lubricant present in it. On the basis of this evaluation it is possible then to add a correct amount of refrigerant at the end of the recovery and regeneration process, in order to ensure a correct and effective operation of the A/C system.

The fact that the inspection container 50 is integrated to the recovery and regeneration path 110 has, furthermore, the advantage that the step of collecting the sample does not allow a not controllable transfer of refrigerant from the high pressure side 10 to the low pressure side 20, with the risk of damaging the compressor 210 of the regeneration circuit 120.

Advantageously, upstream and downstream of the inspection container 50, a first valve 52 and a second valve 54 are provided. This way, it is possible to enter a sample of fluid in the inspection container 50, then to open and close valves 52, 54, and then to discharge it once inspected the sample.

More in particular, as shown in Fig. 1, the inspection container 50 is arranged as a bypass duct 53 between the first passage duct 10 and the second a passage duct 20. In particular, the first valve 52 from the side of the first passage duct 10 and the second valve 54 from the side of the second a passage duct 20 are arranged in the bypass duct 53. This way, through the first 52 and the second 54 valve it is possible to enter a predetermined amount of refrigerant in the inspection container 50 and discharge it.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 1A, the inspection container 50 is arranged on a portion of the first passage duct 10. Still alternatively, the inspection container 50, as shown in Fig. IB, is arranged on a portion of the second a passage duct 20. In both cases, upstream and downstream of the inspection container 50 the first valve 52 and the second valve 54 are provided.

In a second exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, the inspection container 50 having a transparent surface is connected to a portion of confluence duct 16 downstream of distributor 15. In this case, it is possible to use the valves of the of recovery and regeneration circuit, for example valves 11, 12, and 29, for filling or emptying in turn inspection container 50.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2A, the inspection container 50 is put in a duct parallel 55 to a portion of the confluence duct 16. In particular, in the parallel duct 55 the first valve 52 and the second valve 54 are provided respectively upstream and downstream of the inspection container 50.

In particular, a microprocessor means is provided 140 (Fig. ) for controlling the opening and the closing operations of the first valve 52 and of the second valve 54.

As shown in Fig. 3, associated with the inspection container 50 an automatic inspection means 150 can be provided, in particular the inspection means 150 comprises a sender 160 of waves 165, for example an infrared wave emitter, and a receiver 170 located opposite to the inspection container 50, such that the waves 165 pass through the inspection container 50 containing the refrigerant to inspect; the receiver 170 detects an absorption value of the waves emitted 165 through which it is possible to determine a ratio of lubricating fluid present in said refrigerant. In particular, absorption value determined is compared with reference data carried out for example on a pure refrigerant.

In particular, the inspection container 50, as shown in Fig. 4, is a tubular duct portion, which in use is arranged with horizontal axis. This way, for example by means of a scale present on the surface of the container 50, or a scale present on the apparatus near to the inspection container, it is possible to measure the level reached by the lubricant level.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a support 130 visible from the outside, for example a protruding support, where the inspection container 50 is housed, making it possible an easy visual analysis by the user.

The support 130 and the container can be arranged on a control- board 180 of the recovery and depuration apparatus 100 that can comprise also the automatic inspection means 150 capable of giving as output the percent value of lubricating fluid. Such value can be directly shown on a display 185 or printed through a printer 187.

Once obtained the percent value of lubricating fluid it is possible to operate automatically, acting on valve 82, the addition of a correct amount of lubricant that has to be added to the depurated refrigerant. In the same way, inspection container 50 is used for controlling the presence of a tracer used for showing possible leaks of the A/C system 200.

The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt in various applications the specific exemplary embodiments without further research and without parting from the invention, and, accordingly, it is meant that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and the materials to realize the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.