Question

If rust is found on refrigerant recovery cylinders, what is the most likely cause?

1) Moisture in the system
2) High pressure in the system
3) Low pressure in the system
4) Incorrect refrigerant type

Answer 1

Rust on refrigerant recovery cylinders is typically caused by corrosion due to moisture presence, with iron being oxidized and oxygen reduced in the process. Incorrect refrigerant types can exacerbate this issue if they introduce moisture. correct is answer 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

If rust is found on refrigerant recovery cylinders, the most likely cause is corrosion due to the presence of water, either within the cylinder as moisture or externally from the environment. Rust, which is an iron oxide, forms when iron is oxidized to Fe2+(aq) at an anodic site, which is often where there is an impurity or a lattice defect in the metal. Simultaneously, at a different surface site acting as the cathode, oxygen is reduced to water.

This process involves electron transfer, where electrons move from the anode to the cathode through the iron that is electrically conductive. The presence of incorrect refrigerants does not directly lead to rust, but if the refrigerants are contaminated with moisture, it can accelerate the corrosion process. It's important to ensure that the refrigerant cylinders are kept dry and that proper refrigerants are used to avoid any potential for corrosion.