9 Need Know Tips About Air Con Regassing

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Having a working air conditioning system in your vehicle is fairly essential in Australia. There is few things as frustrating than getting in your car on a hot summer’s day only to be greeted by warm stuffy air, despite the air conditioning being on full.

Regular maintenance of your vehicle air conditioning (AC) system will improve performance and ensure you stay cool on those sweltering hot summer days.

Your vehicle AC unit is a sealed system and depending on your vehicle it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. However, refrigerant gas can leak from the system resulting in the air-con not blowing as cold.

Here’s What You Need To Know About Car Air Con Regassing:

  1. Will regassing make it cool? 

Maybe for a short period. Your vehicle AC system is sealed. If your air conditioner system loses refrigerant gas, this is an indication that there is a fault with the system. A thorough inspection of components are required to ensure they are free from corrosion and leaks before fresh gas and lubricant are injected back into the AC system.

  1. Is vehicle air con gas environmentally friendly?

There are several gasses used today around the world. R-134a, the refrigerant gas used in most vehicles in Australia, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. That’s why it’s essential to have a licensed technician perform a thorough inspection on your AC system rather than just regassing and harming the environment and your back pocket.

Due to the risks, there is legislation in place to ensure all AC technicians have a Refrigerant Handling License from ARCTick. This ensures they are fully trained in the requirements and risks associated with handling the refrigerant.

  1. Can AC refrigerant gasses be mixed?

There are a few types of refrigerants used vehicles. It depends on the age of the vehicle and service history. Mixing refrigerants can cause some serious damage to AC system components and even cause a dangerous chemical reaction. The safest option is to fully evacuate the system and replace with new refrigerant suitable for the AC system.

Stay clear of M30 refrigerant, a hydrocarbon-based gas. It is cheaper than R134a refrigerant, but these hydrocarbon-based refrigerants are potentially lethal. M30 is highly flammable making it very dangerous to yourself, passengers or a technician working on it.

  1. What should a technician look at when regassing?

An AC system that is leaking or requires regassing is a good indicator your unit is well overdue for a service. In some cases it’s normal not to detect a leak prior to re-gassing which is why a regular services is essential.

During an AC service in your car, the following should be inspected:

  • Drive belts and pulleys.
  • Operation of valves and thermostats.
  • Hoses and components.
  • Leak test system lines and components with an electric leak detector.
  • System evacuated and refrigerant recovered.
  • New refrigerant oil added.
  • Condenser temperature checked.
  • Suction line temperature reading.
  • Check air vent temperature.
  • Check receiver drier and filter
  1. How does leaking gas affect my AC system?

A leaking system will have a direct impact on the environment and contaminants can leak into the AC system. Things like dirt, dust, leaves and mould can build up inside your AC system. These can clog up the filters, evaporator and other vital components in your AC. Even water can cause some serious damage such as corrosion and deterioration of internal parts.

  1. How often should I service my AC?

Depending on environment and vehicle your AC system should be serviced every 1-2 years. Some cars can go 5+ years without needing to be re-gassed, but even the most efficient AC systems will lose around 10% of their gas annually.

  1. Does the AC system affect my vehicles performance?

Keeping your vehicle air conditioner in good working condition will reduce the load on the engine and improve fuel economy. It also means you will exert less wear and tear on AC components.

  1. Can the AC system affect driver performance?

Musty odours, build-up of bacteria and even mould can flourish in your AC systems. This can lead to headaches, allergies and even increase rate of fatigue and clarity.

9. Do dirty filters affect performance?

An air conditioner filter can come in the form of aluminium mesh, foam, woven polypropylene, non-woven polyester or non-woven polyester with activated carbon. Filters are available in a variety of types and efficiencies.

  • Energy and fuel saving by 5% – 15%
  • Better cooling and performance
  • Cleaner air improving protection from allergens, contaminants and breathing problems
  • Protects and extends the life of your evaporator coils and other parts

It is recommended to clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter on a regular basis. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use or subjected to dusty conditions.

Lyons is one of the largest suppliers and installers of OEM and custom air-conditioning, filtration and pressurisers in WA. Our team of specialised air-conditioning and filtration experts are inducted, approved, and preferred on most major sites. Call us now on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au and speak to one of our experts today.

Air Conditioning Facts You Should Know

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There are so many options in automotive air-conditioning that it can be overwhelming. The financial investment required can be considerable, so making the right choice is an important personal and business decision.

The extreme temperatures in Australia make air-conditioning essential, especially in construction and mining as it has a major impact on:

  • Safety, dehydration and heat exhaustion
  • Productivity and performance
  • Fatigue and alertness
  • Breathable air quality, respiration and allergens
  • Emotional stability and decision making

All these factors have an economic impact on the company, staff and their clients. Not to mention the general wellbeing and safety of people.

Whatever your choice of bunk or rooftop air-conditioning units you need to make sure:

  • Air-conditioned spaces should be regularly ventilated.
  • Keep bunk or room temperature between 21º and 25º C.
  • Try to maintain an average humidity of between 50% and 60%.
  • Professional installation and maintenance is essential

Research shows that the human body feels comfortable at 21-25 degree Celsius, 50% relative humidity and with sufficient flow of clean air.

In comfort conditions the working efficiency of the human beings becomes maximum, hence they are able to work with greater vigour, clarity and productivity.

A good air conditioner helps circulate filtered air inside the truck, vehicle or construction equipment. This air is relatively free from dust and dirt particles, smoke, microorganisms, bacteria etc. Due to this, a healthier environment is created insi

de, and the well-being of the person is protected.

 

There is less noise with the windows of the air-conditioned areas closed. Less noise gives soothing sleep and maintains peace. Something that can be invaluable.

Which air-conditioning brand or system should you choose?

There are so many types of bunk and vehicle air-conditioning systems like split systems, cabin units, rooftops all with varying capacities. Not to mention brands like Sigma, Red Dot, Icepack and Piccolo that have different power management systems. Different voltages like 12v, 24v, 48v and even 240v. Some run on diesel, standard automotive batteries, and the latest on independent lithium batteries.

The choice can be overwhelming!

Having an expert who you can trust guide you to making the right decision can be extremely valuable to your business and people. Lyons is the largest independent auto electrical wholesaler and installer specialising in air-conditioning, filtration and pressurisers. Call us now on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au and speak to one of our experts to make sure your decision, is the right one.

Hitachi EH 3500

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Metal Adaptation for Series 9000. Replaces tube bodies on SRG 20 Filter housings found on Rock Trucks, Drills, Shovels etc. Uses two Series 9000 (Model 9004) per double filter housing, sold separately.

Read more

Sy-Klone-345

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MERV vs. HEPA What does it mean and what suits you?

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As cabin filtration becomes more of a necessity that a luxury it is important to understand how filtration works and what is necessary for you. One of the most common queries asked is how does filtration work and what level of filtration is needed for your job site.

Sy-Klone, the world leaders in cabin and engine filtration used throughout Australian mining and construction provide some clarity.

How Air Filters Work

Filter media is made up of many criss-crossed fibres layered in random directions. When particles from the working environment enter the air intake port, the particles are impacted and intercepted onto the filter fibres. These particles are subjected to specific filtration mechanics and are dependent on the size of the particle and airflow velocity.
Here is a list of the filtration mechanics and their respective definitions:

1. Inertial impaction – Occurs when a particle encounters a filter fibre due to the inertia of the particle.
Example: A large dust particle is unable to change direction of flow due to its inertia, so it impacts the fibre and becomes attached to it.

2. Interception – Occurs when a particle follows a gas streamline that happens to come in contact with the surface of a fibre.
Example: An intermediate dust particle that readily follows the airflow stream comes in contact with a filter fibre.

3. Diffusion – Occurs when particles do not follow gas streamlines as readily and are governed by random particle motion (Brownian motion of small particles) Example: A small particle, such as certain exhaust particles, encounter filter fibres at random.

4. Electrostatic attraction – Occurs when an electrostatic charge on the filter fibres are present. Example: Static charge on a fabric creating static cling.

*In terms of filtration, the most important filtration mechanics pertaining to everyday use are: 1) Inertial impaction and 2) Interception.

The larger particles that encounter the engine filter tend to impact onto the exterior surface of the filter media. The smaller particles that follow airflow streamlines tend to impact and intercept within the depth of the engine filter media. For smaller particles, the filter fibres act as branches that catch harmful engine contaminants passing through the filter. Thus, when a Cab Air Quality System utilises a pre-cleaner, such as the RESPA-CF2, HVAC life is extended and down time is reduced as fewer contaminants are reaching the filter.

A complete Cab Air Quality system is comprised of three parts:

  1. Fresh Air Pre-cleaner/Filter/Pressuriser
  2. High-Efficiency Recirculation Filtration
  3. Pressure Monitor

How Complete Cab Air Quality System Works:

  • Fresh air and debris are pulled into the powered pre-cleaner/filter/pressuriser (RESPA-CF2 shown).
  • Debris is separated from the airflow and ejected.
  • Cleaned and filtered air is delivered to the machine’s HVAC unit without added restriction by the powered RESPA unit. This creates a positive pressure, which prevents dust sucking into the cab.
  • Clean, filtered and conditioned air flows through cab.
  • Monitor alerts operator to loss of positive pressure in cab and when to change RESPA filter.
  • High-efficiency recirculation filtration (powered RESPA-CFX or non-powered RESPA-FFX2) continuously removes dust from cab, minimizing settled dust accumulation. Clean, filtered air flows back to HVAC plenum.

Note: Sy-Klone’s MERV 16 filter media has special patented properties that shed most particles.

MERV Filters

What is the definition of MERV and what does MERV mean when buying an air filter? MERV is an acronym for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”. The MERV rating on an air filter describes its efficiency as a means of reducing the level of 0.3 to 10 micron-sized particles in air which passes through the filter. Higher “MERV” means higher filter efficiency. The purpose of the MERV standard is to permit an “apples to apples” comparison of the filtering efficiency of various air filters.

Air filter efficiency refers to the relative ability of a filter to remove particles of a given size or size range from air passing through the filter. If a filter were 100% efficient, none of the particles in a given size range would escape the filter and air which has passed through such a filter would contain zero particles.

The MERV Efficiency Rating Scale ranges from 1 to 16, with 1 being the lowest efficiency and 16 describing the highest efficiency. The particle size range addressed by the MERV scale is 0.3 to 10 microns. A logical inference is that if an air filter is removing particles down to 0.3-10 microns, it is certainly also at least that efficient at removing larger sized particles. Sy-Klone’s patented high-efficiency MERV 16 filters have unique properties, as the filter media sheds most dirt rather than the particles being embedded in the filter.

HEPA Filters

HEPA air filters are not MERV rated as they exceed the ASHRAE test protocol 52.2 used in determining the MERV ratings. In fact, HEPA air filters are the ONLY mechanical air filters that are tested and certified to meet a specific efficiency at a specific particle size. All HEPA air filters must meet a minimum efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3 microns. ASHRAE or MERV air filters are tested using the Dust Spot tests that incorporate some fine dust, powdered carbon and some cotton linters. The Dust Spot test particle size range is from 0.3 microns to 50 microns in size with an average size of approximately 20 microns in size.

HEPA air filters are tested using DOP, Mineral Oil and other materials that generate a mono-dispersed particle that are all .3 microns or smaller in size. In essence, if 10,000, 0.3-micron sized particles are blown into a HEPA air filter, only 3 particles are allowed to pass through. Thus, you get the 99.97% at 0.3-micron rating. If you were to use the HEPA test on a 95% ASHRAE air filter they would be about 50% efficient on 0.3-micron sized particles once they loaded up with dust. So, HEPA air filters are at least 50% more effective at removing respirable sized airborne particles than any of the ASHRAE air filters previously available on the market.

Selecting the best RESPA® Filter for your environment:

Where can you use the RESPA Air Quality Systems?

  • Operator Cabs
  • Control Rooms
  • Trailers
  • Electrical Cabinets
  • Caravans
  • And more!

MERV 16 Filter:

Recommended for uses where airborne contaminants place operator at risk, including contaminants such as Beryllium, DPM (Diesel Particulate Matter), and RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica). We highly recommend this filter as it represents the best mix of high efficiency filtration and economy.

For more information contact Lyons the experts in air-conditioning and filtration on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au. Lyons can help you make the right decision first time, every time!

HEPA Filter:

Recommended when the very highest level of filtration is needed, OR where HEPA filters are necessary due to regulatory requirements. Refer to ISO23875 Cabin Filtration standard for more details

* The original article can be found on Sy-Klone website. Lyons are a direct solutions provider distributor of Sy-Klone International

2021 Industrial and Heavy Equipment Air Filtration Best Practices and Trends

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Air quality has been a trending topic throughout 2020. This focus will continue into 2021 due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and increased interest in health and safety impacts of respirable particulates, viruses, and other microscopic nanoparticles.

The rising financial impact and safety risks of dust

Although small, dust particulates can cause big problems on mine sites. Dust can damage equipment and pose a health risk to workers when it enters heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Dust can block HVAC evaporator cores, resulting in expensive repairs and machines being taken offline for extended downtime, impacting a mine’s productivity.

Worse still, dust particulates can have a harmful impact on mineworkers’ health. When operators in machine cabins or control rooms breathe in contaminants too small to see, including coal and silica dust, diesel particulate matter (DPM), or asbestos fibre, this can lead to long-term and life-threatening illnesses such as silicosis or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung.

“In industries where particulate matter is prevalent, investment in clean air systems is good for the health of machine operators and for the business,” Sy-Klone vice president of marketing and business development Austin Browne tells Australian Mining.

“Minimizing dust through advanced air filtration and pre-cleaning allows machines to run longer and employees to operate more safely.”

New international mining air quality standard introduced

ISO 23875: Operator enclosures – Air quality control systems and air quality performance testing was approved internationally in November 2020. The new standard adopts critical updates in engineering and performance requirements for operator enclosures on mine sites. ISO 23875 is a lifecycle standard, addressing cabin air control systems from initial design and throughout the machinery’s operating life.

Ten mining countries, including Australia, collaborated in the development of ISO 23875. Various Australian mining, governmental and industrial hygiene related organizations commented on the standard during its development. Sy-Klone International executive vice president Jeff Moredock was the international project lead for ISO 23875.

“This standard will make a huge difference in operator health and safety and how industry stakeholders address this issue around the world,” Moredock says.

ISO 23875 requirements include enhanced filtration efficiency requirements, defined maximum carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, real-time operator cabin monitoring and other key areas of cabin design, maintenance, and testing.

Increased demand for more efficient HEPA filters

COVID-19 has raised awareness of the importance of air quality, deepened understanding of airborne nanoparticles and broadened interest in high-efficiency filtration.

“We are increasingly receiving requests for HEPA-grade cabins, which is a customer reference to a properly-sealed operator cabin with HEPA filtration used in both the fresh and recirculated air systems, consistent with filtration mandates in occupational health and safety regulations, including ISO 23875,” LSM Technologies managing director Peter Woodford says.

“Our team has developed the expertise to engineer, design and service custom installations featuring the Sy-Klone RESPA system with HEPA filtration whilst maintaining air flow levels to ensure cabin pressurization, CO2 ventilation, thermal comfort and maximum protection of the occupants of mobile and fixed enclosed cabins.”

Selecting a HEPA filter can be challenging as many HEPA filters claim 99.7% efficiency at 0.3 micrometres. However, as Browne explains, this is not a classification under any current industry standards.

“HEPA filters are classified as 99.95% efficient at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) by meeting the requirements of ISO 29463 (ISO 35 H classification) and/or EN1822 (H13 classification),” Browne says.

“All Sy-Klone RadialShield HEPA filters achieve the classification of H13 or ISO 35 H at an MPPS of 0.063 micrometres, meaning, not only are they ISO 23875 compliant, but they are also 99.95% effective at arresting COVID-19 virus-sized particles. So far, this is unmatched in the industry.”

Improved heavy equipment cab monitoring systems and smart cab technology

Improved monitoring of air quality within cabins will be a key trend in 2021, including real-time measurement of cabin pressurization and CO2 levels, which is an aspect of air cabin quality that is not commonly addressed.

High CO2 levels may impact the operator’s ability to think clearly.

“Part of cabin filtration is not just clean air, but it’s also having enough oxygen within the cabin. Too much CO2 can cause drowsiness, endanger the driver and others near the machine, and affect productivity,” Lyons Airconditioning senior commercial manager Ryan Wheeler shares. “We strongly recommend that on every install, cabins have a monitoring system installed.”

In early 2021, Sy-Klone will release the RESPA Advisor, an all-in-one unit that will monitor cabin pressurization and CO2 levels, alerting machine operators when either measure goes outside of permissible limits.

Best practices for choosing a cab air quality system

With the focus on new air quality standards and increased interest in HEPA filtration, buyers will demand more from cabin air quality systems.

To ensure selection of a cabin air quality system that works as advertised to protect operators’ air quality, purchasers should choose a system that uses filters classified for human respiration. Some air quality systems are built on traditional pressurizer technology that uses modified engine filter housings, which lack filters suitable for respiration. The Sy-Klone RESPA system with RadialShield filters are explicitly engineered to improve air quality for human respiration.

RESPA’s fresh-air unit ensures continuous delivery of clean, fresh air inside the operator cabin and integrates a powered pre-cleaner, pressurizer, and high-efficiency filter into a single unit. RESPA’s precleaning technology ejects over 90% of the largest debris before air reaches the filter, leaving only the smallest particles to be addressed by the filters. Sy-Klone’s patented, self-cleaning filter and filter housing continuously shed dust captured from the filter, which is then ejected out of the system, resulting in longer filter life.

RESPA’s recirculation unit provides the same high-efficiency filtration level for recirculated air.

Many competing systems do not feature these self-cleaning capabilities, allowing dust to build up on the filter and increasing restriction on the system, resulting in decreased performance and shorter filter life.

Purchasing a cabin air quality system is an investment in health and safety for employees and provides tangible benefits through reduced fleet maintenance costs. Prepare for these 2021 air quality trends to deliver beneficial financial and safety results.

This article originally appeared in the December 2020 / January 2021 edition of Australian Mining.

https://www.sy-klone.com/blog/2021/01/19/2021-industrial-and-heavy-equipment-cabin-air-quality-trends/

10 + 1 Tips to Prepare for Success in 2021

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With the challenges of the pandemic most businesses at some stage have had to adjust to keep trading. No one really knows what 2021 will look like, but most experts agree that COVID-19 will continue to affect our lives. Adaptable and well-managed businesses will need to be flexible and adapt to be successful and grow

Here are 10 +1 ways to help you and your business prepare for a successful new year:

  1. Conduct a SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

A SWOT analysis is a very useful tool when developing a business plan or strategy. It only works if you research and are honest about your findings. Most importantly a plan is wasted unless applying it with deadlines set in an action plan to your business or role.

  1. Get input from your management team and staff

Include those that know how your business is being run from all levels.  This will also give you buy-in from your team when it is time to prepare and implement your action plan.

  1. Share your strategy and action plan to your team.

A team only works when everyone knows the game plan. Involve your team and value their feedback and ideas. When creating the final plan for 2021, make sure the leadership team is fully on board and involved with deadlines and implementation strategies.

  1. Include various COVID-19 scenarios in your 2021 plan.

Make COVID-19 an integral part of any business preparations. This includes pandemic considerations like OHS, travel, HR and other key areas that will affect your staff, clients and business.

  1. Set realistic goals and track performance.If it can’t be measured, it can’t be monitored. Set realistic goals that are not too far out of reach so that can be achieved and provide a morale boost. Chart your actual performance vs. the plan’s goals at regular intervals (weekly or monthly) and celebrate every success!
  2. Don’t be afraid to try something new

Through necessity comes progress! Adapting to changes has forced people and companies out of their comfort zone. This resulted in more creative and inventive business strategies.

Keep exploring new ideas, trying new things, and innovating creative ways that you can do business.

  1. Stay in touch and top of mind

Online marketing tools give you the ability to stay in touch and top of mind.

When the pandemic hit, everything changed. Communicating online became more important than ever before.

  1. Do more business online

2020 brought many challenges that forced us all to think differently about how we live, interact, and do business. Getting your business online will drive people to your website to start generating revenue. The use of other channels like email and social media to connect with your existing customers will help drive repeat business and gain new customers.

  1. Collect and act on customer data

Customer data plays a key role in your success. As you’ve likely heard the phrase, “the money is in the list,” Being isolated from your customer especially while in lockdown showed the importance of this. Collecting emails, understanding interests, demographics, and past behaviours through surveys or analytics allows you to dig deeper into who your customer is and what they want.

  1. Prepare for uncertainty

Now is the time to assess, reorganise, re-prioritise and re-imagine critical business infrastructure, crisis plans, and resources to ensure you’re set up for success, whatever comes next.

10+1. Plan to stay in the game

2020 has seen a shocking number of businesses closing shop, significantly reducing staff, or experiencing overwhelming losses. Thinking creatively to stay relevant and offer services and products that people need for this new way of life will keep you ahead and power through for a successful 2021.

These top business tips are only a guide to help Australian small business overcome the challenges of necessary change.  Our expertise is in auto electrical, air-conditioning and filtration but we adapt, grow and build based on the tips above.  Lyons is dedicated to keep mining, construction and transport industries profitable and productive by giving you the best advice in Air-conditioning and filtration.

For more information on how Lyons can help your business, contact the experts at Lyons Air-Conditioning and Filtration Services on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au