RTU/DVRU – Low pressure, high boiling point refrigerant recovery & transfer
The Lightfoot International Limited (LI) Refrigerant Transfer Unit (RTU) is a CE marked Refrigerant Transfer Unit which has been specifically designed to recover, transfer, or charge low pressure, high boiling point refrigerants such as R245fa and R1233zd (E), in a liquid or vapour state from any RACHP system.
The RTU can be used to charge/transfer refrigerant between clean systems or in support of a full system recovery operation when coupled directly into a DVRU (the RTU MUST be connected in line with the DVRU to carry out a full system recovery). This coupling of the RTU and DVRU will enable the complete Deep Vacuum Recovery of the RACHP system, and other types of specified refrigerants. The unit can be operated by one refrigeration engineer.
The LI Deep Vacuum Recovery Unit (DVRU) is a CE marked Deep Vacuum Recovery Unit specifically designed to recover low pressure, high boiling point refrigerants such as R245fa and R1233zd (E), in a vapour state only from any RACHP system.
It must be used in conjunction with an RTU when carrying out the Deep Vacuum recovery of a system. The DVRU can also be utilised independently to vacuum out the RTU and discharge, suction, and recovery hoses prior to a system recovery cycle or to vacuum dehydrate the RACHP equipment being serviced prior to a charge.
The RTU can transfer 2Kg of R-1233zd(E) in just 3 minutes, it has two digital displays giving operator’s accurate suction and discharge pressures during transfer and it utilises a high-speed oil less compressor suitable for a range of refrigerants.
The DVRU is a unit capable of drawing refrigeration systems down to -1.0 BAR, it utilises a deep vacuum to boil off and recover the last of the refrigerant trapped in the system.
Internally, both systems are manufactured from aerospace grade stainless steel and Swagelok compression fittings. Both units have been manufactured and encased in light weight aerospace grade anodised 6082 aluminium profiles with CNC cut and screen printed chemical resistant PVC fascia’s. Side panels are constructed from lightweight aluminium skinned composite.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
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| Type | Refrigerant Recovery Unit (RTU) | Deep Vacuum Refrigerant Unit (DVRU) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Refrigerant Recovery/Transfer Liquid and Vapour | Refrigerant Recovery/Transfer – Vapour only |
| Refrigerants | Low pressure, high boiling temperature | Low pressure, high boiling temperature |
| Max Working Pressure | 4.5 bar | 0 to -1 bar suction,1.6 bar discharge |
| Power Source | 230V / 50Hz | 230V / 50Hz, 5A |
| Power | 1000 W | 1200 W |
| Fuse | Unit – 6.2A Slow Blow, Plug – 7A | Unit – 2A Slow Blow, Plug – 7A |
| RPM’s | 1438 U/min | 1438 U/min |
| Weight | 25Kg | 26.0Kg |
| Dimensions | W-420mm x H-427mm x L-570mm | W-420mm x H-427mm x L-570mm |
PROVEN SUCCESS IN THE FIELD
Futraheat approached Lightfoot in January 2024 requesting assistance with the charging and recovery of R-1233zd(E) from their Greensteam High Temperature Heat Pump system.
Lightfoot are experts at working with low pressure refrigerants and have developed methods over many years of accurately moving these refrigerants between cylinder and system. So this was a challenge we were more than willing to accept!
After a period of information gathering, including trials of commercially available equipment to enable a detailed set of data to be recorded. This demonstrated that there was no commercial off the shelf (COTS) solution for this application. It was agreed that Lightfoot would design and develop a ‘fit for purpose’ recovery unit capable of achieving -1 BAR vacuum.
Lightfoot delivered two fully tested, CE‑marked units within a demanding five‑month timeframe. The equipment was commissioned on-site at Futraheat, supported by a full operator manual and hands‑on training.
The systems performed beyond expectations:
- Complete charge and staged recovery achieved
- System pressure successfully pulled down to -1.0 BAR
- Reliable, repeatable operation established
Futraheat purchased the units, commissioned them into service, and continue to use them regularly as part of their heat pump development programme.
Since the success of the Futraheat deployment, Lightfoot has sold numerous RTUs and DVRUs worldwide, supporting a broad range of customers from air forces to industrial partners who require precise, robust refrigerant recovery solutions.
