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Would running a compressors in a fridge that has had its refrigerant gas evacuated/emptied (but the oil still in the compressor) cause any damage to the compressor?
It is just that as part of the repair process we may need to run a system with the gas removed before regassing.
I was trained that it is OK but colleagues were told not too.
I believed that as long as there is oil in the compressor, it will be OK.I seem to be getting conflicting advice.
Thanks all.
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
You need to be F gas registered to work on systems now.
Running a compressor without gas can lead to oil being pumped around the system and causing a blockage in the system.
If the compressor is not in a sealed system you will also pump air around the system.
Why would you need to run a compressor without gas in the system?.
There is know circumstances in the repair process to run a compressor without refrigerant in the system.
Bob
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
SAMURI wrote:You need to be F gas registered to work on systems now.
Bob
Not if it’s R600a.
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
It is ok under F Gas rules to repair R600a systems as long as it is sealed by the manufacturer, as you can safely assume it is R600a in the system.
Once the system has been broken into or you have replaced the compressor if you go back to the job for any reason you are not allowed to work on the system.
There logic behind it is if you have left the property then you cannot guarantee someone else has not tampered with the system, and used the wrong gas and that gas may contain CFC’s.
And if it is R134a or another refrigerant you are not allowed to work on the systems.
New rules will be coming into force shortly by F Gas to include R600a systems even though there are no Ozone Depleating CFC’s
I am F Gas registered and get a monthly bulletin from them of all the updates and you would be amazed by how many company,s F Gas had closed down last year.
All the Company,s were COMERCIAL but I wonder how long it will be before they start to pick on the Domestic company,s.
BobRe: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
Thanks for the replies.
Currently we repair only R600a, so (currently) no requirement for f Gas.
We use the Vulkan/Lokring kits and as part of the Vac down procedure it states, to switch on the fridge compressor, obviously whist vac-ing down, there will be no gas in the system and some guys have been saying that this may damage the fridge compressor, hence my question.
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
part of the Vac down procedure it states, to switch on the fridge compressor, obviously whist vac-ing down
What a load of bullocks.
Vac down to -1 atmosphere and that will remove any of the air in the system.
Bryan
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
You can run a fridge compressor for short periods without refrigerant.
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
You can run a fridge compressor for short periods without refrigerant
If you don’t want to use the compressor with refrigerant. Most oils will soak moisture up like a sponge and as approx 40{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} of the refrigerant is held in the oil its not a good mixture.
Bryan
Re: Running a fridgecompresor w/o gas in
With R600a Compressors if there is no gas pressure in the system the compressor then starts to pump oil around the system leading to the risk of a blockage.
Once again why would you run a compressor that is designed to pump refrigerant without refrigerant in the system.
The correct way is to presure test the system with OFN to test for leaks,
Then you vac the system down then you equalise the pressure, then you vacuum the system down again.
You then weigh in the correct amount of refrigerant if you have fitted a new compressor.
If you are just repairing a leak the old compressor will hold approx 10{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} of R600a in the compressor oil, so you weigh in the correct amount of R600a less 10{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d}.
Then you run the compressor.
Always check the compressor is then running at the correct pressure with the gauges after a Regas as the Weight of gas on the rating plate is only a guide.
Do not forget you should always fit a new filter/dryer when fitting a new compressor or a Regas unless you use a line tape valve without allowing air into the system.
I use a line tap valve to check a compressor sealed system first then if it has a leak I repair the leak and fit a more permanent schrader valve.
Bob
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