TEXA is confirming its commitment to innovation and the continuous development of new solutions in 2014 by presenting the KONFORT 705R, a brand new service station for vehicle air conditioning systems using R134a refrigerant. The KONFORT 705R is the latest in the KONFORT 700 series of service stations that already comprises the models 710R, 720R, 760R, 760R BUS, 770S and 780R BI-GAS, for R134a and the new R1234yf refrigerant. It is important to emphasise that TEXA was the first company in the sector to offer a complete range of service stations for air conditioning systems filled with R1234yf, the new refrigerant that must be used in all newly homologated vehicles in the European Community.
The last eight months have seen a record number of orders for KONFORT service stations. In fact the increase in demand has been so great that TEXA has had to increase production personnel by 50% and increase the number of overtime hours by 20%. By the end of this year, TEXA will have produced a record of nearly 6000 units, with over 1000 configured for the new R1234yf refrigerant. These figures confirm the trust that customers have in TEXA products, which are 100% made in Italy, completely reliable and able to guarantee maximum efficiency and total customer satisfaction.
Let us have a closer look at the models in the KONFORT 700 series to discover their design features and technical characteristics and to find out what diagnostic functions are integrated in them. We shall also see how sales and demand are developing after the introduction of the new R1234yf refrigerant, learn what recommendations have been received from vehicle manufacturers, and more besides.
THE KONFORT 700 SERIES
NEW: KONFORT 705R
The KONFORT 705R is TEXA’s brand new entry level service station for vehicle air conditioning systems, designed with the precise objective of offering mechanics a simple but complete unit for all recovery and recharge jobs involving only R134a refrigerant, at an extremely competitive price.
The KONFORT 705R possesses the same basic functions and characteristics as the other models in the KONFORT Series and therefore represents an ideal solution for garages committed to offering customers impeccable service while keeping their business costs under control.
The KONFORT 705R features an eye-catching and unique red finish, a user interface that facilitates the sequencing of tasks and the work of the operator, and an externally mounted refrigerant tank.
KONFORT 710R
Like the 705R, the 710R is also designed to satisfy mechanics’ demand for a new generation service station dedicated specifically to R134a refrigerant. The 710R differs from the 705R in that it designed and made using the same technologies found on the models at the top of the KONFORT Series.
KONFORT 720R
This is the most economical model in the range that can perform A/C recharging and servicing operations with either R134a or R1234yf. Customers can switch between one configuration and the other by installing a retrofit kit, specially developed by TEXA and available as an optional.
KONFORT 760R
The 760R incorporates TEXA’s most advanced technology: it is equipped with hermetically sealed oil tanks, a fully automatic maintenance management system, scales locking/unlocking device and automatic verification of correct refrigerant weight. The KONFORT 760R can be pre-configured for use with either R134a or R1234yf. One of the most interesting optionals for this model is the Refrigerant Identifier Kit. The 760R is also available as the 760R BUS, for use with larger vehicle A/C systems.
KONFORT 770S
TEXA developed the KONFORT 770S to meet the rigorous specifications of German vehicle manufacturers. This model works only with the new R1234yf refrigerant. It has been homologated by TÜV Rheinland, the leading international certification body. The 770S is equipped as standard with a Refrigerant Identifier Kit, an exceptional device capable of recognising what type of gas is contained in an A/C system.
KONFORT 780 BI-GAS
This amazing service station is the top of the KONFORT Series and offers mechanics the ultimate in performance and in the number of jobs it can handle. The KONFORT 780 BI-GAS can work with both refrigerants, switching from one type to the other in next to no time thanks to two separate tanks and a sophisticated flushing system that effectively and safely cleans out all the pipes. Equipped as standard with a Refrigerant Identifier Kit, the 780 Bi-Gas is the best service station on the market today and offers garages the ultimate in performance.
GROWING DEMAND FOR THE KONFORT SERIES
Demand has risen constantly since 2004, when the first range of KONFORT service stations was introduced. The figure of 1500 units sold in 2004 is likely to become 6000 by the end of 2014. The real breakthrough, however, came in 2010 with the introduction of the new KONFORT 700 series. This year proved a watershed, as it saw TEXA designing and developing, ahead of the competition, a complete range of service stations able to function with the new HFO-1234yf refrigerant as well as with the older R134a.
THE KONFORT SERIES: 100% MADE IN ITALY
THE ONLY PRODUCTION LINE OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD
The KONFORT Series reflects the great care and attention that TEXA pays to the design, materials and technology of its products and to the automation of its production processes. TEXA’s dedication to quality in all these areas has led to the company gaining certification to ISO TS 16949 standard. The KONFORT Series conforms to European CE/PED safety standards, to the American standards governing refrigerant purity (SAE J2099 for both R134a and R1234yf) and to those governing efficiency in the recovery of at least 95% of spent refrigerant (SAE J2788 for R134a and SAE J2843 for R1234yf). Maximum product quality is ensured in all phases, from the design and selection of components to machining and assembly and on to distribution and after-sales service. All KONFORT service stations are subjected to 4 separate stages of testing. The electrical system is tested, weighing load cells and pressure transducers calibrated in an initial test stage. Functional testing is then performed to verify that all components and devices respond correctly to input and perform according to specifications. Pressure testing is then performed in a special sealed chamber: every single KONFORT service station is nitrogen tested to 20 bar to ensure tightness under pressure. In the final stage of testing, helium is used to detect even the slightest leaks. We are sure that none of our competitors boasts such an advanced and modern system.
EUROPE’S ONLY REFRIGERANT IDENTIFIER KIT: WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE IT
To allow garages to perform all the necessary service and recharge operations with the ultimate in quality and precision, TEXA has designed and developed an innovative Refrigerant Identifier Kit to check the purity of R134a and R1234yf refrigerants before use. TEXA is the only European manufacturer to offer such a device. TEXA’s Refrigerant Identifier Kit conforms fully to the strict specifications of the German automotive industry and has been approved for use by TÜV Rheinland.
It is very important for mechanics to use this kit as it eliminates the risk of performing operations that could cause damage to a vehicle or even endanger personal safety, and therefore protects their business against any claims for compensation. The kit prevents the dangerous mixing of refrigerants and shuts down the service station immediately if incorrect or fake refrigerants are detected. This kit is fitted as standard to the 770S and is available as an optional for the other models in the range (except the 705R, 710R and 720R). The TEXA Refrigerant Identifier Kit is protected by two registered patents.
EXCLUSIVE SOLUTIONS COME AS STANDARD: EIGHT REGISTERED PATENTS
In only a few years, TEXA has succeeded in giving the market a complete range of A/C service stations, all offering unrivalled performance. This exceptional result has been made possible by a major investment in research and development, which has also led to TEXA registering a total of eight patents for eight exclusive solutions.
HERMETICALLY SEALED, RECHARGEABLE OIL BOTTLES*
Standard tanks are not sealed and therefore inevitably contain a certain amount of air. The water molecules contained in this air bond with the oil and contaminate it.
TEXA’s solution to this problem is to use special sealed bottles (covered by two separate patents) to prevent contamination of the oil by air and humidity. TEXA’s special tanks can be recharged again and again, thanks to a special device that eliminates all the remaining air after refilling.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FLUSHING
It is essential to prevent different types of oil and refrigerant from coming into contact one with the other. To ensure this, TEXA has developed a special, automatic system for cleaning out the service station’s internal circuits.
AUTOMATIC BOTTLE IDENTIFICATION*
The arrival of new types of vehicle, especially hybrids, has led to the introduction of different kinds of A/C systems requiring different types of oil (PAG and POE oils). Because injecting the wrong type of oil can cause damage and even personal injury, mechanics need to avoid mistakes. TEXA has developed a system that automatically recognises the type of oil being used and checks it against the vehicle database to warn mechanics if they are trying to use the wrong oil tank.
TILT SENSOR FOR ACCURATE WEIGHING*
Conventional scales for weighing recovered refrigerant can be subject to errors of up to 20%. One of the most common causes of inaccuracy is the condition of the workshop floor on which service stations are placed. Even slight slopes can cause weighing errors and therefore lead to the vehicle’s A/C circuit being charged with not enough or too much refrigerant. TEXA’s special, patented TILT SENSOR SYSTEM ensures that the scales are completely level and warns the operator if a slope could lead to a false reading.
FAN PROTECTION SYSTEM**
The new R1234yf refrigerant is classed as flammable and therefore needs to be handled with special care in order to avoid the risk of fire. The service stations in the KONFORT 700 Series are equipped with a system of redundant, high efficiency fans to eliminate all possible pockets of gas from inside the station itself. TEXA has registered two patents to protect this unique system.
AUTOMATIC LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM
KONFORT 700 series service stations continuously and automatically run two checks for possible gas leaks. All safety related operations are performed automatically, thus eliminating the risk of errors and omissions by the operator.
* not available for the 705R, 710R and 720R.
** not available for the 705R and 710R.
INTEGRATED AUTODIAGNOSTICS FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS NANO SERVICE CLIMA
The complexity of modern vehicles extends to their air conditioning systems too. Simply checking temperatures and pressures is not enough to ensure correct functioning. Modern garages need an A/C service station with an integrated diagnostic system in order to work easily, quickly and effectively, and to ensure customer satisfaction in the process.
KONFORT service stations can perform a complete set of autodiagnostic tests and display A/C system errors, parameters, settings and activations thanks to their ability to dialogue with the practical and advanced NanoService Clima diagnostic tool over a Bluetooth link. Operators can switch between A/C maintenance and diagnostic operations instantly using the KONFORT service station's own display as monitor.
Models 705R, 710R and 720R cannot be used with NanoService Aircon.
HFO-1234yf REFRIGERANT: STATE OF THE ART
Having confirmed that vehicle manufacturers must use the new, more environmentally friendly R1234yf refrigerant in newly-approved vehicle air-conditioning systems from the first of January 2013 (directive 40/2006/EC), early in March this year, the European Commission published on its website the results of a scientific survey to demonstrate that R1234yf does not involve any additional risk and is safe for use in automotive applications. The production of vehicles using the new refrigerant is therefore continuing. The following models in particular use the new refrigerant:
Alfa Romeo: 4C.
BMW: i3.
Chevrolet: MALIBU, TRAX/TRAKER
Citroën: C4 PICASSO, C-ELYSEE
Ferrari: LaFerrari
Hyundai: i10, i30 (GD), Santa Fe (DM)
Infiniti: Q50
KIA: Cee'd, Carens/Rombo, Optima, Sorento
Land Rover Ltd: New Range Rover
Maserati: Quattroporte
Mazda: CX-5
Mitsubishi: Space Star
Nissan: Qashqai, Note
Opel: Cascada, Mokka
Peugeot: 301, 308
Renault: ZOE
Subaru: Forester, Impreza, XV
Suzuki: SX4-Cross.
Both DuPont and Honeywell have ensured the automotive industry that R1234yf will be available in sufficient quantities to satisfy the needs of manufacturers and garages.
LATEST APPROVALS FOR THE KONFORT SERIES OF A/C SERVICE STATIONS
Over the years, the KONFORT 700 series of vehicle A/C service stations has received a long list of recommendations and approvals from the world’s top vehicle makers. Two recent approvals come from BMW and Mini, who both recommend the KONFORT 770S and 760R for use with their respective vehicles.
Approval by these prestigious manufacturers is the result of TEXA’s reputation for product quality and for excellence in distribution and after-sales service, on top of the superb technical and design characteristics of the service stations concerned.
The recommendations issued by BMW and Mini are just the latest in a long series of approvals from brands like Chevrolet Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
KONFORT 770S: EXCELLENCE IN ITALIAN DESIGN
The KONFORT Series has been carefully designed even in terms of style, to provide mechanics with a tool that is truly unbeatable in terms of looks as well as performance. To confirm this assertion, in 2012 the standing committee of ADI, the Italian Industrial Design Association, chose the KONFORT 770S A/C service station as an example of excellent Italian design and published its review in the prestigious 2012 ADI Design Index. Inclusion in this index automatically candidates the 770S for the 23rd Edition of the Compasso d’Oro Award, the oldest and most coveted prize in the world of industrial design. The ADI’s choice of the 770S represents an important recognition indeed and will encourage TEXA to strengthen its commitment to offering customers diagnostic tools that are not only highly functional and efficient but stylish and attractive too.