What happens to recovery cylinders filled with refrigerant as temperature increases?

As the temperature increases, recovery cylinders filled with refrigerant gain pressure. This is due to the physical properties of gases, which state that gases expand when heated. In a sealed cylinder, as the refrigerant warms up, its molecules move faster and collide more frequently with the walls of the cylinder, which results in an increase in pressure. This is described by the ideal gas law, which states that at constant volume, the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature.

In practical terms, this means that if a recovery cylinder filled with refrigerant is exposed to high temperatures – such as being left in direct sunlight or near a heat source – the pressure inside the cylinder can rise to unsafe levels. It is crucial for technicians handling refrigerants to monitor and maintain the temperature of recovery cylinders to prevent over-pressurization, which could lead to cylinder rupture or releases of refrigerant.

The other options do not align with the physical behavior of gases under increasing temperature. For instance, the idea that cylinders could lose pressure or retain constant pressure contradicts the principles of thermodynamics and gas behavior. Thus, understanding the relationship between temperature and pressure in refrigerants is vital for safe handling practices in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.