What special tools are needed when installing Type C Air Conditioning Hose?

In the field of automotive air conditioning system upgrades and repairs, Type C air conditioning hoses have become standard components for new energy vehicles and high-end fuel vehicles due to their multi-layer barrier structure and high-pressure resistance. The rigor of its installation process is far more stringent than that of traditional rubber hoses. If it is forced to be installed without professional tools, it may cause systemic failures such as refrigerant leakage and interface deformation.
1. Precision torque wrench (error range ≤ ±3%)
The aluminum alloy joint of the Type C hose needs to apply a specific axial pressure (usually 25-35N·m), and the torque deviation of ordinary wrenches can easily cause deformation of the sealing surface. It is recommended to use a digital display wrench with a preset torque alarm function, such as Snap-on QD3R200. Its ±1% accuracy can ensure that the O-ring is evenly stressed and avoid chronic leakage caused by stress concentration.
2. Refrigerant recovery and purification machine
The recovery of new environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R1234yf must meet the SAE J2843 standard, and the Robinair 34700 series equipment is recommended. The equipment integrates three purification modules: oil separation, acid filtration, and water adsorption. The recovery efficiency can reach more than 98%, which is particularly suitable for the complex pipeline system of hybrid vehicles.
3. Molecular-level leak detector (sensitivity ≤5g/year)
The traditional soap water detection method can no longer meet the 0.1mm micro-leak detection requirements of Type C hoses. Infrared spectrometer leak detectors such as Inficon TEK-Mate can accurately locate leaks with an annual leakage of less than 5 grams. Its 0~5000ppm range covers all refrigerant types, and the detection accuracy is 20 times higher than that of traditional equipment.
4. Hose cutting calibration kit
Includes a carbide cutting knife (such as Rothenberger R-cut), an end face verticality detector (error <0.5°), and a pipe chamfering device. Actual measured data shows that pipes that have not been professionally cut will reduce the sealing life by more than 30%, and standardized processing can increase the tensile strength of the joint to more than 2100N.
5. Dynamic pressure test system
After installation, a pulse pressure test (working pressure 3.5MPa, peak pressure 8.5MPa, frequency 1Hz) is required. The Stäubli E test bench can simulate the pressure fluctuations of a 10-year use cycle and verify the reliability of the joint through 2 million cycle tests, which is closer to the actual working conditions than the traditional static test.
6. Anti-static grounding device
The nylon inner layer of the Type C hose is prone to accumulate static electricity. During installation, an ESD grounding wrist strap (surface resistance 1×10^6~1×10^9Ω) and a conductive floor mat must be used. Actual measurements show that standard grounding can reduce the static voltage from 15kV to below 0.5kV, effectively preventing the decomposition of refrigerant to produce acidic corrosives.