(Supersedes ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 97-1999 [RA 2003])

This is a revision of ASHRAE Standard 97-1999 (RA 2003).

This standard describes a uniform means for testing the
various materials used within hermetic and nonhermetic
refrigerant systems. It is primarily intended as an accelerated
screening tool and can provide valuable information on the
chemical stability of system materials.
This standard was prepared under the auspices of the
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE). It may be used, in whole or in
part, by an association or government agency with due credit
to ASHRAE. Adherence is strictly on a voluntary basis and
merely in the interests of obtaining uniform standards
throughout the industry.

The changes made for the 2007 revision were:

• references were updated
• references were numbered in the order they are cited in
  the body of the text
• informative bibliography was added as Appendix B

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard is to establish a test procedure
utilizing sealed glass tubes for the evaluation of materials
for use in refrigerant systems.

2. SCOPE
2.1 This standard describes the preparation of sealed
glass tubes and the procedure for charging them with
refrigerant, lubricant, other materials to be tested, or combinations
of these.
2.2 A procedure for aging the tubes, usually at elevated temperatures,
is described. The tubes are evaluated by quantitative
or qualitative analysis, or both, of the tube contents to
yield information for determining the compatibility or chemical
stability of materials in refrigerant systems.
2.3 The technique described may be used for evaluating
many different types of materials. Therefore, the standard
does not describe in detail the preparation of the materials to
be tested prior to placing them in the glass tubes, the conditions
of exposure, nor the methods of analysis.
2.4 Detailed safety precautions are included in Section 8,
“Safety Requirements.”