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Refrigerant system oil accumulation removal

  • US 8,387,406 B2
  • Filed: 09/12/2008
  • Issued: 03/05/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of removing oil accumulation from refrigerant lines of a vehicle HVAC system having multiple refrigerant loops each having an evaporator, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) monitoring a flow rate through at least one of the refrigerant loops;

    (b) determining if the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below a predetermined flow rate for greater than a predetermined time limit;

    (c) monitoring for an indication of imminent vehicle operation; and

    (d) if the indication of imminent vehicle operation is detected and the flow rate through any of the at least one refrigerant loops being monitored is below the predetermined flow rate for greater than the predetermined time limit, opening a valve to allow for maximum flow through the at least one refrigerant loop.

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