A Low-Cost Device to Quickly Measure Circulation Refrigerant Composition in the Field/Factory

The quality and quantity of refrigerant charge in any vapor compression based heating and cooling system is vital to its energy efficiency, thermal capacity, and reliability. This aspect also imposes significant risk in critical charge systems where any deviation in nominal refrigerant charge composition is unforgiving. Improper charging of the vapor compression system at the factory or in the field results in significant performance issues such as compressor inefficiency, thermal capacity loss, subcomponent durability issues and lack of thermal conditioning/comfort. An inline gas composition detection system based on the principles of chemical titration and chromatic transformation is the primary invention.