Climate control systems (a/c) for the automotive industry

Climate Control Systems

Since the ban of CFC containing fluids for air conditioning (a/c) units, a new challenge has arisen regarding the sealing performance of climate control systems. MERL has been at the forefront of sealing technology since 1986 and its staff have been able to apply their expertise to develop test methods that help determine the long term performance of seals used in climate control systems.

A dedicated test facility has been commissioned that allows many variables (refridgerent type, temperature, pressure, seal design, seal material type) to be investigated, in order to determine their effects on sealing performance.

Automotive a/c seal and coupling ageing rig

Provides life evaluation of:

HVAC couplings and seal design
Refridgerent type
Temperature ageing
Pressure changes
Time to failure
Type of failure (O-ring failure)

Micro-SHED Testing
The micro-SHED test facility constructed at MERL has been designed to measure hydrocarbon emissions from components in a way that is comparable with regulated measurements by Sealed Housing for Evaporative Determination (SHED), but on a smaller scale. Click here to find out more about MERL micro-SHED testing facility.