Stinger Refrigerant Recovery Unit User manual

Refrigerant Recovery Unit
High Performance xOilless xCommercial
User Manual
2090-0217 Rev. 6
April 2012

2 2090-0217 Rev 6
Congratulations on your purchase of the STINGER high-performance
oilless recovery unit. Bacharach has worked hard to make the
STINGER the highest performing, most portable, and easiest-to-use
recovery unit on the market. We are committed to your complete
satisfaction.
WARRANTY
Bacharach warrants this product for 1 year from the date of purchase indicated on the
original sales receipt. The warranty covers all parts within the unit, but excludes damage to
the unit caused by misuse or mishandling. The unit’s motor brushes carry an extended
warranty of 5 years.
If the unit is in need of warranty service within 1 year of its date of purchase, it will be
replaced with a brand new one via our over the counter (OTC) exchange program. To obtain
a warranty replacement unit via the OTC exchange program, the following steps must be
followed:
1) Return the unit to the wholesaler from whom it was purchased, along with proof
of purchase (original or copy of sales receipt).
2) If the wholesaler determines the unit is eligible for OTC exchange, it will be
replaced with a brand new one. If the failure is determined to have been caused
by customer misuse or mishandling, the warranty will be voided.
3) The wholesaler should then contact our Customer Service Department for a
return goods authorization (RGA) in order to return the defective unit and have
an order entered for its replacement. Proof of purchase will be required in order
to process the RGA. OTC exchange units are processed as no charge orders.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service Department at
800-736-4666 or email them at [e-mail].
Copyright © 2012, Bacharach, Inc.
All rights reserved.
BACHARACH®is a registered trademark of Bacharach, Inc. All other trademarks, trade
names, service marks and logos referenced herein belong to their respective owners.

2090-0217 Rev 6 3
Table of Contents
Safety..................................................................................................................4
Specifications ......................................................................................................7
Descriptions of Features......................................................................................9
Vapor/Liquid Recovery Operations ....................................................................13
Standard Recovery Hose Connections ..............................................................14
Liquid Push-Pull Recovery Operations ..............................................................16
Liquid-Pull Recovery / Charging Method............................................................19
R-410A Recovery – Special Notes ....................................................................20
Purging the STINGER .......................................................................................22
DOT Recovery Cylinder Safety..........................................................................23
Recovery Tips ...................................................................................................25
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................27
Schematic Diagram ...........................................................................................30
STINGER Parts List...........................................................................................31
Compressor Parts List .......................................................................................33
Declarattion of Conformity .................................................................................35

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Safety
CAUTION! Before operating this unit, please read this manual in its
entirety. It is important that you have a thorough understanding of the
procedures outlined in this manual. Failure to follow these procedures
could void all manufacturer warranties.
WARNING! This unit is capable of over-pressurizing a DOT recovery
cylinder. Ensure that you are using the proper DOT recovery cylinder
for the refrigerant that you are recovering. NOTE: R-410 is capable of
pressures exceeding 600 psi. Typical DOT recovery cylinders are rated
at 350 psi with a pressure relief set at 550 psi. These cylinders should
not be used with R-410A. Only cylinders rated at 400 psi with the relief
valve setting at 600 psi should be used to for R-410A. Failure to use the
proper cylinder can be extremely dangerous.
BEFORE handling refrigerants, read the material safety data sheet from
the refrigerant manufacturer.
CAUTION! These instructions are for personnel trained and
experienced in the handling of refrigerants. Unqualified individuals
should not attempt to operate this equipment. Failure to follow proper
operating procedures may cause personal injury.
WARNING! Inhalation of high concentrations of refrigerant vapors is
harmful and may cause heart irregularities, unconsciousness, or death.
Deliberate inhalation of refrigerants is extremely dangerous and death
can occur without warning. Vapors reduce oxygen available for
breathing and are heavier than air. Decomposition products are
hazardous. Liquid contact may cause frostbite. All refrigerant
containers, equipment, and hoses are under pressure.
HAZARDOUS AREA WARNING: This instrument has not been
designed to be intrinsically safe for use in areas classified as hazardous
locations. DO NOT use it in hazardous (classified) locations.

2090-0217 Rev 6 5
COMBUSTIBLE/FLAMMABLE GAS WARNING: For your safety, DO
NOT use this device to recover refrigerants which are rated as
combustible/flammable gases (e.g. ASHRAE - A2 or A3 rated
refrigerants).
WARNING: Inhalation of high concentrations of refrigerant vapors is
harmful and may cause heart irregularities, unconsciousness, or death.
Deliberate inhalation of refrigerants is extremely dangerous and may
cause death. Vapor reduces the oxygen available for breathing and is
heavier than air. Decomposition products are hazardous. Liquid contact
can cause frostbite. All refrigerant containers, equipment, and hoses
are under high pressure.
WARNING: Before starting the unit you MUST OPEN the outlet port on
the Stinger and open the port to the recovery tank. Read entire
operating instruction manual before use. Failure to open the outlet port
will cause permanent damage to the unit and void the warranty.
CAUTION: All refrigerant hoses, recovery tanks, refrigerant lines, the
STINGER unit, and other vessels containing refrigerants should be
handled at all times as if under high pressure.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES:
xAvoid breathing high concentrations of vapors.
xUse with sufficient ventilation to keep operator exposure below
recommended limits, especially in enclosed and low lying areas.
xAvoid contact of liquid with eyes and prolonged skin exposure.
xWear safety goggles and protective gloves.
xMake sure the power switch is in the OFF position before plugging this
equipment into an AC power source.
xUnplug unit before servicing; otherwise, an electrical shock hazard will be
present when the unit is disassembled.
xUse caution when connecting or disconnecting hoses. Improper usage
may result in refrigerant burns (frostbite). If a significant refrigerant leak
occurs, proceed immediately to a well-ventilated area.
xDo not apply open flame or heat unit above 125 qF.

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xDo not allow refrigerants to contact open flame. Decomposition will occur.
Inhalation of decomposition is harmful.
xFirst Aid:
Inhalation: If high concentrations of refrigerant vapors are inhaled,
immediately remove the person(s) to fresh air. Keep calm.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. Call a doctor. Do not give
epinephrine or similar drugs.
Eye Contact: In case of liquid contact, immediately flush eye with water.
Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Flush with water. Treat for frostbite by gently warming the
affected area.
xKnow your equipment: Read and understand the User Manual and
labels affixed to the unit. Learn the application and limitations as well as
the specific potential hazards of your equipment.
xGround all equipment: Stinger is equipped with a three-pronged
grounded power cord.
xUse the proper extension cord: Keep extension cord length to a
minimum. Use the following guide for choosing the proper extension cord:
18 gauge cord – maximum length 10 feet
16 gauge cord – maximum length 25 feet
14 gauge cord – maximum length 50 feet
12 gauge cord – maximum length 100 feet
xUse approved hoses: Use refrigerant connection hoses that are
approved to SAE J2196-1992. These hoses must provide a shut-off device
within 12 inches of the ends, and must be approved for outdoor usage.
xUse approved recovery tank: Use a DOT approved refrigerant recovery
tank made for use with the type of refrigerant being recovered. Note that
R-410 is capable of pressures exceeding 600 psi. Typical DOT recovery
cylinders are rated at 350 psi with a pressure relief set at 550 psi. These
cylinders should not be used with R-410A. Only cylinders rated at 400 psi
with the relief valve setting at 600 psi should be used to for R-410A.
Failure to use the proper cylinder can be extremely dangerous!

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xUse weight (charging) scale: A scale (P/N 2010-0000) must be used to
indicate when the recovery tank is 80% full when the STINGER does not
have the 80% Shutoff Kit option installed.
xAvoid dangerous environments: Although the unit can be used
outdoors, we do not recommend operation in the rain, or in wet locations.
Secure the unit when working above floor level. This equipment should
not be used in the vicinity of spilled or open containers of flammable
materials.
xVentilation requirements: This equipment should be used in a location
with mechanical ventilation that provides at least 4 air changes per hour,
or the equipment should be located at least 18" above the floor.
xUse recommended accessories: Follow the instructions that
accompany all accessories. Improper use of accessories may damage
the equipment or create a hazard.
xRepair damaged parts: Do not operate the unit with a defective part.
Repair unit to proper operating conditions.
Specifications
Refrigerant Recovery Rates - Certified per AHRI 740-95 & 740-98
Refriger-
ant
Liquid
Rate
Liquid Rate
(Push-Pull) Vapor Rate Vacuum Level
(inches Hg)
R-22 3.53 lb/min
1.60 kg/min
12.30 lb/min
5.58 kg/min
0.29 lb/min
0.13 kg/min >15
R-134A 2.67 lb/min
1.21 kg/min
10.98 lb/min
4.98 kg/min
0.22 lb/min
0.10 kg/min >15
R-410A 3.02 lb/min
1.37 kg/min
14.62 lb/min
6.63 kg/min
0.22 lb/min
0.10 kg/min >15

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Specification Description
Compatible
Refrigerants
R-12, R-22, R-114, R-134a, R-401A,
R-401B, R-401C, R-402A, R-402B, R-404A,
R-406A, R-407A, R-407B, R-407C, R-407D,
R-408A, R-409A, R-410A, R-411A, R-411B,
R-412A, R-500, R-502, R-507, R-509
Power
 1 Phase, 50/60 Hz, 8 A
 1 Phase, 50/60 Hz, 5 or 10 A
 1 Phase, 50/60 Hz, 5 A
(See
label on
back of
unit)
Compressor ¾ HP High Performance Oilless
Cooling Two Cooling Fans
Protection
High pressure cutoff at 550 psi. Compressor is protected by
circuit breakers and internal compressor thermal sensor.
Optional 80% tank full shutoff kit (P/N 2090-0091).
Pressure
Ratings
Low Side design pressure 450 PSI
High Side design pressure 550 PSI
Temperature Operating Range 32 to 104 qF (0 to 40 qC)
Case Blow-Molded, High Impact Polyethylene
Size (LxWxH) 17" x 9.5" x 11" (43.2 cm x 24.1 cm x 27.9 cm)
Weight 28 Lbs (12.7 kg)
Certification Complies with UL1963 (not evaluated for automotive use)

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Descriptions of Features
Figure 1. Stinger Front View

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Front View Components
Component Description
Status LED
Indicator
Green: Normal operation.
Red: Tank is 80% full or 550 psi pressure limit is
reached (shut down condition).
Clear: Vacuum condition has reached 13” Hg (shut
down condition).
Inlet Gauge Displays the inlet/suction pressure of the system being
evacuated.
Outlet Gauge Displays the outlet/discharge pressure.
Purge Valve
This valve determines what function the STINGER performs.
This valve is UP during recovery operations and DOWN for
purging and liquid push-pull operations.
Inlet Port
Valve
Opens or closes the inlet port. Points UP (open) for all
recovery operations and points DOWN for purging
operations.
Outlet Port
Valve
Opens or closes the outlet port. Points UP when open, and
to the left when CLOSED.
Inlet Port Refrigerant hose connection for incoming refrigerant.
Outlet Port Refrigerant hose connection for outgoing refrigerant.

2090-0217 Rev 6 11
Figure 2. Stinger Rear View
NOTE: If the “Tank Full” Shutoff Cord option is installed, the STINGER
will not operate unless it is connected to a recovery cylinder
with a compatible level-float switch. If the recovery cylinder
doesn’t have a float switch, a shorting cap must be installed on
the shutoff cord.

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Rear View Components
Component Description
Power Switch When in the ON position, this switch starts the recovery
operation by turning ON the compressor.
Two Circuit
Breakers Protects the STINGER from over current.
Connector for
optional 80%
tank full
shutoff cord
This optional accessory (Part Number 2090-0091)
connects to a DOT recovery cylinder’s overfill sensor. It
automatically shuts the STINGER off when the recovery
cylinder reaches 80% of its liquid-fill limit.
Storage
Pocket
This heavy-duty storage pocket is used to store the
Operation Manual, the Warranty Card and the original
invoice. These items should be kept with the unit at all
times.
Power Cord
230 VAC units have a male IEC 60320 type plug that
requires the use of a customer-supplied power-cord
adapter.

2090-0217 Rev 6 13
Vapor/Liquid Recovery Operations
Perform the following steps when recovering refrigerant that is either in vapor or
liquid form.
NOTE: Refer to “R-410A Recovery – Special Notes” on page 20 when
recovering R-410A.
1. Turn off all electrical or mechanical power to the refrigerant device to be
evacuated.
2. Make proper hose connections. Connect refrigerant hoses to recovery
cylinder, STINGER, and A/C system as shown on page 15. When possible,
use a manifold-gauge set to recover refrigerant from both the high- and low-
side service ports. This will speed up the recovery rates.
CAUTION: If the 80% tank full shutoff cord is not used, then use
a scale (P/N 2010-0000) to monitor the refrigerant level in the
recovery cylinder in order to prevent overfilling.
CAUTION: When recovering R-410A, you must use a recovery
cylinder approved for use with R-410A. Standard recovery
cylinders with 350 psi working pressures are not approved for
use with R-410A.
3. Turn the inlet valve to the “CLOSED” position, the outlet valve to the
“OPEN” position, and the PURGE valve to the “RECOVER” position. Open
the vapor valve on the DOT recovery tank.
4. Use the rear mounted power switch to turn ON the STINGER.
NOTE: When recovering liquid, in rare instances a “knocking” sound may
come from the compressor. This indicates that too much liquid is
entering the compressor. The inlet valve must be regulated
(closed) until this knocking sound stops, otherwise compressor
damage could occur. Pumping liquid when the compressor is
knocking will damage the compressor, reduce the compressor life,
and void the compressor’s warranty. This condition is rare and
should not occur under normal recovery operations.

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5. Slowly open the inlet valve until the Stinger’s compressor turns on. Continue
to slowly regulate the inlet valve to the full open position.
WARNING: If the compressor begins to “knock,” regulate the inlet
valve toward the closed position until the knocking stops. Failure
to do so could void the compressor’s warranty.
6. Proceed with the recovery process until the system pressure shows a
vacuum. Turn OFF the STINGER for a minimum of 5 minutes; after which,
determine the amount of refrigerant remaining in the system. Repeat this
step until system pressure is below mandatory EPA levels.
7. Purge the STINGER as follows:
a. Turn OFF the STINGER.
b. Turn the inlet and purge valves to their “PURGE” position (both pointing
DOWN), and the outlet valve to its “OPEN” position (pointing UP).
c. Turn ON the STINGER and monitor the inlet gauge. The purge
operation is complete when the inlet pressure gauge shows a vacuum.
Standard Recovery Hose Connections
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR LIQUID RECOVERY
The Stinger can be used for pumping virgin refrigerant on an intermittent basis.
Unlike recovered refrigerant, virgin refrigerant does not contain oil.
CAUTION: Routinely pumping virgin refrigerant through the STINGER
can remove lubrication from the compressor, resulting in premature
failure. Use the liquid push-pull method or the liquid-pull method to
transfer large amounts of liquid refrigerant (virgin or dirty).
ATTENTION: You must use an agency-approved in-line filter when
recovering liquid. Contaminants (particularly from the bottom of
recovery cylinders) can enter the STINGER and become lodged in the
valve seats causing damage and resulting in leaks. We recommend
using Bacharach in-line filter P/N 07-1700 to guarantee optimum
pumping speed.

2090-0217 Rev 6 15
Figure 3. Standard Recovery Hose Connections

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Liquid Push-Pull Recovery Operations
ATTENTION: Before attempting liquid push-pull recovery operations,
please review this page.
A scale or liquid-sight glass can be used to determine when all the liquid is
recovered. The STINGER will not pull a vacuum using the liquid push-pull
recovery operation. To finish the recovery operation, you must perform vapor
recovery operations as described on page 13.
GUIDELINES
If any of the following conditions are present in the system being evacuated, the
liquid push-pull operations may not be practical and vapor recovery operations
should be performed.
9The equipment contains less than 20 lbs of refrigerant.
9The equipment is a heat pump or other system with
refrigerant flow that would prevent you from isolating the
liquid.
9Equipment has an accumulator between the service ports
used in the liquid recovery process.
9Liquid refrigerant migration has occurred and the location of
the liquid is unknown.
9The refrigerant tubing design on the equipment does not
allow for a solid column of liquid refrigerant to be formed.

2090-0217 Rev 6 17
STEPS
The liquid push-pull recovery method requires the use of a third hose. In addition,
a sight-glass is useful for determining when all of the liquid has been pushed out
of the system. After all the liquid has been pushed out, you will need to
reconfigure the hoses for vapor recovery since the liquid push-pull recovery
method does not pull a vacuum on the system.
1. Remove power from the refrigerant device to be evacuated.
2. Make proper hose connections for liquid push-pull recovery as shown in
Figure 4.
CAUTION: If the 80% tank full shutoff cord is not used, then use a
scale to monitor the refrigerant level in the recovery cylinder in order to
prevent overfilling.
CAUTION: When recovering R-410A, you must use a recovery cylinder
approved for use with R-410A. Standard recovery cylinders with
350 psi working pressures are not approved for use with R-410A.
3. Turn the inlet and outlet valves to their “OPEN” position and the PURGE
valve to its “PURGE” position.
NOTE: The “PURGE” position bypasses the condenser, optimizing the
push-pull flow rate.
4. Open both the vapor and liquid valves on the DOT recovery tank.
5. Turn ON the STINGER. The compressor will begin to “pull” vapors from the
cylinder and “push” the liquid out of the system and into the recovery
cylinder.
6. If a sight-glass is being used, you should watch it to determine when all of
the liquid has been removed from the system.
7. The liquid push-pull recovery method will not pull a vacuum in the system.
You must turn OFF the STINGER and reconfigure the hoses for vapor
recovery operations as described on page 13.

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Figure 4. Liquid Push/Pull Recovery Operation

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Liquid-Pull Recovery / Charging Method
The Stinger can be used for pumping virgin refrigerant on an intermittent basis.
Unlike recovered refrigerant, virgin refrigerant does not contain oil.
CAUTION: Routinely pumping virgin refrigerant through the STINGER
can remove lubrication from the compressor, resulting in premature
failure. Use the liquid push-pull method or the liquid-pull method to
transfer large amounts of liquid refrigerant (virgin or dirty).
Figure 5. Liquid Pull Recovery/Charging Operation

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The liquid-pull method is used to move a large amount of liquid refrigerant
without the refrigerant passing directly through the STINGER. The virgin
refrigerant is pulled directly into the system being charged. The STINGER keeps
the pressure low in the system by removing vapor. For every pound of vapor
removed, as much as 25 pounds of liquid refrigerant may be transferred. This
method can be used for either virgin refrigerant or really dirty refrigerant.
R-410A Recovery – Special Notes
R-410A is a replacement refrigerant for R-22. Its physical properties, however,
are much different than R-22. R-410A has a higher vapor pressure and is more
dense than R-22. These characteristics make recovering R-410A more difficult
by putting more of a load on the compressor. Please follow the instructions below
to ensure trouble-free R-410A recovery.
NOTE: Hose connections are the same for recovering R-410A. Connect hoses
as shown in the vapor recovery diagram below.
Under normal operating conditions the STINGER can recover R-410A just like
R-22. Under certain conditions, however, because of R-410A’s higher vapor
pressure and density, you will have to take the following precautions:
CAUTION: USE ONLY DOT RECOVERY CYLINDERS APPROVED
FOR USE WITH R-410A. Overfilling or over-pressurizing your recovery
cylinder is extremely dangerous.
WHEN RECOVERING VAPOR: If the STINGER sounds like it is overloaded
either by slowing down or by making a “knocking” sound, reduce the inlet
pressure by closing or “throttling” the inlet valve until the STINGER begins to run
normally.
WHEN RECOVERING LIQUID: If a loud knocking noise occurs, the inlet
pressure on the STINGER should be throttled back by slowly closing the inlet
valve until the knocking noise stops. This action will prevent compressor
damage.