Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to find out the exact brand of refrigerant when the device stops freezing properly or makes uncharacteristic sounds. The question of what kind of gas is used in refrigerators Atlantis one of the most common when diagnosing malfunctions of the compressor-condensing unit. Not only the effectiveness of repairs, but also the safety of operation of the device as a whole directly depends on the correct determination of the type of freon.
Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer are, as a rule, equipped with environmentally friendly substances that have replaced R12, which is harmful to the ozone layer. Depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series, the system may be filled with different compounds that require an individual approach to maintenance. Understanding these differences will help you quickly navigate when calling a technician or searching for spare parts yourself.
Main types of refrigerants used
Historically, the plant Atlant during different periods of its activity used different types of refrigerants to ensure the operation of compressors. Today, the absolute leader in prevalence is isobutane (R600a). This substance has excellent thermophysical properties, which makes it possible to create energy-efficient and quiet models of refrigeration equipment. The use of isobutane has become the standard for most household appliances produced in the last 10-15 years.
Along with isobutane, in many models, especially in older series or two-compressor versions, it is actively used tetrafluoroethane (R134a). This gas is chemically inert, non-toxic and non-flammable, making it safe for home use. However, it requires a higher operating pressure in the system compared to isobutane, which imposes certain requirements on the tightness of the circuit and the quality of soldering of the tubes.
Early models released in the 90s and the very beginning of the 2000s could contain freon R12 (dichlorodifluoromethane). Now such refrigerators are almost completely out of service or have undergone a conversion procedure. It is important to understand that modern oils and compressors are not compatible with R12, therefore mixing different types of refrigerants is strictly prohibited and will lead to equipment failure.
⚠️ Attention: Isobutane (R600a) is a flammable gas. Any work related to breaking the tightness of a system containing this gas should be carried out only in well-ventilated areas away from sources of open flame.
Determining the type of gas is the first step to understanding the nature of a possible breakdown. If you are planning maintenance, be sure to check the technical documentation, since a visual difference between gases is impossible, and their properties differ radically.
How to determine the type of freon in your model
The most reliable way to find out what gas is pumped into your refrigerator Atlant is to study the technical label. It is usually located on the inside side wall of the refrigerator compartment, on the back wall inside the cabinet, or on the plinth panel at the front. It is there that the manufacturer indicates the exact labeling of the refrigerant, its mass in grams and the type of oil used.
If the label is erased or missing, you can use the model number of the device. Service codes often contain modification information that is tied to a specific type of refrigerant. For example, models released after 2010, in the vast majority of cases, operate on isobutane R600a, while earlier versions were often equipped with R134a.
Also, the type of gas can be determined by the characteristics of the compressor. Labels indicating acceptable refrigerants are often stamped or pasted on the motor casing. If you see a marking LBP (Low Back Pressure), this usually indicates the use of R134a or R12, while modern compressors for R600a have their own specific designations.
What to do if the label is not readable?
If the sticker is damaged, find the exact model of the refrigerator (for example, MXM 2808-90) on the Internet. On the websites of official dealers or in manual catalogs, technical specifications are always indicated, including the type of refrigerant. Do not try to guess the gas by smell or color - this is impossible and dangerous.
It is impossible to distinguish gases visually, so you need to rely only on documentation. An error in determining the type of freon when refilling will lead to incorrect operation of the system or breakdown of the compressor.
Comparative table of gas characteristics
For a deeper understanding of the differences between the substances used, it is worth considering their basic physical and operational properties. This will help explain why the manufacturer could choose one or another gas for a specific refrigerator model. data-i="83">R600a (Isobutane) Atlant.
| Characteristic | R12 (Obsolete) | R134a (Tetrafluoroethane) | R600a (Isobutane) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Toxic when heated | Safe, does not burn | Flammable, explosive |
| Ecological impact | Destroys the ozone layer | Safe for ozone | Safe for ozone |
| Working pressure | Average | High | Low |
| Electricity consumption | High | Average | Low (economical) |
The table shows that the transition to R600a is due not only to the environment, but also to energy savings. Low operating pressure allows the use of smaller compressors, which reduces noise and electricity consumption. However R134a remains popular due to its inertness and safety in case of leakage.
The choice between these gases for a manufacturer is a balance between production cost, safety requirements and energy efficiency of the final product. It is important for the user to know that replacing one type of gas with another without reworking the system (replacing the compressor, filter, sometimes capillary tube) is impossible.
Features of filling and refueling the system
The process of filling a refrigerator Atlant with refrigerant is a complex technical procedure that requires specialized equipment. Unlike cars, where there are fittings for quick connection, in household refrigerators the system is sealed. To access the circuit, it is necessary to cut off the filling tube, which makes the process one-time without subsequent welding of a new fitting.
The critically important step is evacuation of the system. Before introducing new gas, it is necessary to completely remove air and moisture from the circuit. Residual moisture can freeze in the capillary tube, forming an ice block, or react with the oil, creating an acid that will corrode the compressor from the inside. For this, a vacuum pump is used, the operating time of which depends on the power and length of the line.
The amount of gas charged must be strictly observed. Manufacturers indicate the mass of refrigerant accurate to the nearest gram (for example 130±5 g). A lack of freon will lead to the fact that the refrigerator will not gain temperature, and the compressor will work without stopping. Excess gas will cause an increase in pressure, overheating of the condenser and possible activation of the protective relay.
☑️ Preparation for refilling with freon
It is worth noting that it is easy to “add” the gas level, as is done with freon in air conditioners, in refrigerators Atlant is prohibited. If a leak occurs, it means the seal has been broken. First, you need to find and eliminate the leak (using nitrogen pressure testing), replace the filter drier, evacuate the system, and only then charge a new portion of refrigerant.
Signs of a refrigerant leak
You can understand that the gas in your refrigerator Atlant has run out or there is not enough of it, based on a number of indirect signs. The most obvious one is insufficient refrigeration of food. If the motor runs constantly and hums, but the inside of the chamber is warm or the temperature is only slightly below room temperature, this is a sure sign of loss of circuit tightness.
The second sign is the appearance of the condenser (the grille at the back of the refrigerator). In a working device, it should be warm or hot evenly over the entire area. If you run your hand over the grate and find that it is warm only at the beginning (at the compressor) or, conversely, cold, and the rest of the part is at room temperature, it means that there is little freon in the system or it is not circulating.
A leak may also be indicated by swelling of the inner wall of the refrigerator or freezer. This happens if the leak occurs inside the foamed circuit (in the evaporator embedded in the wall). The gas, escaping under pressure, can peel off the plastic from the thermal insulation. In such cases, repairs are often not economically feasible.
⚠️ Attention: Self-search for leaks using a soap solution is only possible on open components (compressor, condenser). If the leak is in the foamed part, it cannot be found without disassembling the housing or using special equipment (leak detector).
Ignoring signs of leakage and constantly running the refrigerator in vain can lead to burnout of the compressor winding. The motor is cooled by freon passing through the system, and in its absence, overheating is inevitable.
Frequent questions and misconceptions
There are many myths surrounding the topic of refrigerants. Users often ask whether it is possible to fill the refrigerator with regular gas from a lighter can, since the chemical composition is similar to isobutane. Do this absolutely not. Lighter gas contains impurities and does not have the necessary lubricating properties and additives, and may also contain moisture, which will kill the compressor in a few days.
Another misconception concerns the smell. Many people think that if gas leaks, the room will smell strongly. In fact, pure freons (R134a, R600a, R12) have no odor. The characteristic odor appears only when an odorant is added (as in natural gas for stoves), but this is rarely done in refrigeration technology. Therefore, relying on the sense of smell when searching for a leak is pointless.
There is also an opinion that freon needs to be changed regularly, like oil in a car. This is not true. The sealed circuit of the refrigerator Atlant is designed for the entire service life of the device (10-15 years or more) without refueling. If the gas has disappeared somewhere, it means there is a hole that needs to be repaired, and not just adding a substance.
Proper operation and timely contact with specialists at the first signs of a malfunction will extend the life of your refrigerator. Do not try to experiment with chemical compositions, since the price of a mistake is the purchase of new equipment.
Is it possible to mix different types of freon in the Atlant refrigerator?
No, mixing different refrigerants (for example, R134a and R600a) is strictly prohibited. They have different chemical properties, operating pressures and require different types of compressor oils. Mixing will lead to the formation of acid deposits, blockage of the capillary system and rapid failure of the compressor. Before refueling, the system must be completely cleared of old gas.
How many grams of freon are needed to refill an Atlant refrigerator?
The exact amount depends on the specific model and volume of the chambers. Typically, single-chamber refrigerators require from 60 to 100 grams, and double-chamber refrigerators require from 120 to 180 grams. Always look at the factory label for the exact number. Refilling “by eye” or by pressure (without weighing) is unacceptable for modern systems.
Is gas from the refrigerator dangerous for people and animals?
Modern gases (R600a, R134a) in small quantities contained in a household refrigerator are not toxic to humans upon short-term inhalation. However, R600a (isobutane) is flammable and in high concentrations can cause asphyxiation due to the displacement of oxygen. In the event of a large leak in a small, unventilated room, open the windows and avoid using open fire.