Systems at risk of efficiency due to dirty lines? Here's how to fix it with Facot's Climanet Tubi and Climatank
In air conditioning systems , the quality of the installation is as important as the quality of the components. An often overlooked but crucial aspect is the cleanliness of the refrigerant lines , especially during start-up, retrofitting, or compressor replacement. Oil residues, metal particles, tracers, and moisture can seriously compromise the system's efficiency and reduce its useful life.
To address these critical issues effectively, Facot offers an integrated two-step solution: the Climanet Tubi detergent and the professional Climatank equipment.
Facot is an Italian company specializing in the production of chemical solutions for plumbing, air conditioning, and system treatment . With over 60 years of experience, it offers high-performance technical products designed for industry professionals.
Preventive cleaning: a crucial and often overlooked step
The idea that "a new pipe means it's clean" is still quite widespread, but unfortunately incorrect. Pipes, even if unused, may contain impurities or residues from manufacturing processes. In the case of existing systems requiring conversion , the problem is even more evident: old mineral oils, traces of humidity, and sludge build up inside the lines, increasing the risk of chemical reactions, blockages, and acid formation when introducing new refrigerants.
Thorough flushing is now required by many manufacturers, particularly when switching to new-generation refrigerants (such as R32 or R454B) or to ensure compatibility between different types of oil. Climanet Tubi and Climatank were created specifically to simplify and standardize this technical operation, ensuring reliable and rapid results.
Climanet Tubi: the high-evaporation detergent designed for the HVAC sector
At the heart of the cleaning process is Climanet Tubi, a liquid detergent specifically designed for refrigeration lines. It is a colorless fluid with a distinctive citrus odor and stands out for its high solvent capacity .
Thanks to its formulation based on petroleum distillates and terpenes , Climanet Tubi is able to quickly and completely dissolve mineral oils, tracers, and polymer residues that often lurk in lines. Its great advantage is its controlled volatility : the product evaporates almost completely after application, reducing the need for further rinsing and leaving the pipes ready for final drying.
Compatible with copper, aluminum and the main alloys used in HVAC systems, Climanet Tubi is suitable for both new systems and retrofits , where it is essential to remove traces of old oils and contaminants before proceeding with vacuum and recharging.
Climatank: the practical tool for washing with compressed air
But detergent alone isn't enough. To effectively distribute it within the pipes and mechanically remove residues, you need a tool that pushes it into the circuit with the right pressure and turbulence. This is the role of Climatank , the washing cylinder designed by Facot to be compact, practical, and safe .
Climatank easily connects to a filtered compressed air source and allows a calibrated quantity of Climanet Tubi (between 0.5 and 1 liter per cycle) to be pushed into the pipes, generating a "turbo" effect that sweeps away contaminants. The flow is pulsating and controlled, optimized to reach even the most difficult-to-reach sections of the lines.
Thanks to the supplied conical rubber nozzle , Climatank adapts to various pipe diameters, ensuring a secure seal. The 1-liter cylinder body is easy to handle and ideal for working even in small spaces such as utility rooms or HVAC systems. Furthermore, the system is designed to ensure operator safety, requiring the operator to always wear protective eyewear and hydrocarbon-resistant gloves .
Features and performance of Facot products
| Characteristics | Climanet Tubes | Climatank |
|---|---|---|
| I wait | Colorless liquid | 1 L steel cylinder |
| Odor | Citrus | – |
| Flash point | > 21 °C < 55 °C | – |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.773 ± 0.005 g/cm³ | – |
| VOC content | 765 g/L (100%) | – |
| Recommended amount per cycle | 0.5 – 1 L | 0.5 – 1 L |
| Operating pressure | – | 6 – 10 bars |
| Compressed air connection | – | 90–150 psi (max 10 bar) |
| Nozzle supplied | – | Conical rubber |
| Product code | CLINETTUB1000 | CLITANK1000 |
The complete seven-step protocol
Flushing pipes with Climanet Tubi and Climatank follows a well-defined procedure that is quick to perform and easily replicable:
- Refrigerant recovery and circuit safety.
- Isolation of sensitive components , such as compressors and expansion valves.
- Connection of Climatank to the section to be washed and introduction of Climanet Tubi.
- Injection of detergent with compressed air (6-10 bar), for thorough cleaning.
- Drying with dry air to promote evaporation of the solvent.
- Repeat the procedure on all lines (liquid, delivery, return).
- Vacuum and leak test , to prepare the system for recharging.
This method allows for the effective removal of oils, tracers, residual water and sludge , ensuring a clean circuit ready for new operation.
Safety and compliance with regulations
Both Climanet Tubi and Climatank are designed with operator safety and compliance with environmental regulations in mind.
The solvent has a flash point between 21 and 55°C, falling within the risk classes that can be managed on site. It contains 100% volatile organic compounds (VOCs) , but the product's high volatility reduces its impact during use. Used product must be collected and disposed of as hazardous waste (CER 14 06 03), in accordance with local regulations.
To ensure maximum safety, it is essential not to exceed 10 bar of pressure when using the cylinder and not to leave the pressurized Climatank unattended . In high-risk or poorly ventilated environments, it is recommended to use masks with organic filters.
When and why to use the Facot system
The Climanet Tubi + Climatank system is recommended:
- being retrofitted with HFO or low GWP refrigerants;
- when replacing a compressor and wanting to avoid cross-contamination of oils;
- for new installations involving moisture-sensitive refrigerant charges;
- in preventive maintenance , especially in the industrial and tertiary sectors.
The main advantage? A fast, effective, and replicable system that improves the system's efficiency and preserves its lifespan.
Greater efficiency and reliability with the Facot system
Thoroughly cleaning refrigerant lines is a practice that should become standard for every HVAC technician. With the Facot Climanet Tubi + Climatank solution, this critical step can be simplified , increasing the quality of the work and reducing the risk of future failure. A technical, practical solution designed for those who work in the field every day.
