Steps to Assure a Fast Evacuation
An accessory tee fitting is included in the Pro and Standard Kits to
permit an additional hose to be connected. This is sometimes helpful
to get from the vacuum pump to the service ports. Reducing the two
ports to a single port will not significantly affect the evacuation times
as each hose is rated at 16 CFM conductance speed at 1,000 microns.
1. Always purge the system with dry nitrogen while assembling the tubing.
2. Sweep the system with dry nitrogen by purging from the suction to the liquid side of the system to carry
out any moisture or particulates.
3. After a nitrogen sweep, pressurize the system with nitrogen and allow it to stand at the manufacture’s
recommend test pressure for at least the minimum recommend time to assure a leak free system.
4. Vent the nitrogen and remove the Schrader cores form the system.
5. Whenever practical, it is always advisable to evacuate from both sides of the system using two of the
1-meter lengths of hose connected directly to the system and the vacuum pump. Pulling from both
sides assures a fast evacuation as you are not pulling through the metering device which can have
rather small porting. Pulling from both sides also aids in faster and better dehydration as a deeper
vacuum is often achievable.
6. Start the vacuum pump with the gas ballast open and shut the ballast at 10,000 to 12,000 microns. The
system may drop very quickly, so pay close attention to the vacuum readings. A vacuum pump cannot
typically achieve full vacuum with the ballast open.
7. Close the gas ballast and evacuate to the target pressure. The target pressure is typically 200 to 300
microns below the maximum allowable decay pressure. For adequate system dehydration, leave the
vacuum pump running below the target for 1 to 60 minutes.
8. Isolate the system from the vacuum pump by SLOWLY closing the core tools to remove any gas trapped
in the ball valve and watch the rate of system rise. This is called a decay or leak test. The below graphs
are available free from the AccuTools BluVac Application.
9. A slight rise followed by slowing of the leak rate
assures that the system is dry and tight. If the vacuum
rise rate does not slow it indicates a potential leak in
the system. If the systems rises and levels off near
2,000 to 3,000 microns the system is likely tight but
still wet and needs further evacuation time.
10. With core tools closed, release the refrigerant charge
into the system and reinstall the valve cores after
attaching the valve core to the stem, attaching it
loosely to the back of the core tool and venting the air
from the core compartment to prevent any air from
being introduced into the system.
Rapid rise indicates a leak
that needs to be repaired
and pressure tested before
continuing evacuation.
Rise with curving tail
indicates tight but wet
system that needs further
evacuation.
7
TruBlu Quick Start and
User Instructions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
How Does TruBlu Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The Science and the Math (+%#-++/+%??) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Getting Started with TruBlu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Cautions/Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Product Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Steps to Assure a Fast Evacuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Checking Your TruBlu Hose Rig for Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Test the Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Attach the TruBlu Vacuum Rig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Degas and & Dehydrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Performance Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Performance Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Introduction
Thank you for buying TruBlu!
TruBlu hoses are dedicated evacuation hoses that dramatically
improve evacuation times; reducing in many cases what typically takes hours to minutes
when compared to 1/4" charging hose. TruBlu uses the same robust technology found
in industrial and scientific vacuum applications with components modified to meet the
demands of the HVAC/R field use and application. Your TruBlu kit is compatible with most
KF-16 fittings. Parts and accessories are available through your distributor.
Safety
Caution:
TruBlu hoses and hose assemblies are only intended and designed for sealed
system evacuation. TruBlu hoses are not intended (or rated) to be used for pressure or
refrigerant transport. The O-rings used for the vacuum seal will dislodge under positive
pressure and may expose the operator to refrigerant liquid or vapor, if present in the hose.
Refrigerant can cause burns or eye damage/loss. Always where gloves and goggles when
working on or around refrigerants.
2
