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REFRIGERATION SYSTEM REPAIR
Leak Detection
New installations should be checked for leaks prior to complete
charging. If a system has lost all or most of its charge, system must
be pressurized again to approximately 150 psi minimum and 375
psi maximum. This can be done by adding refrigerant using
normal charging procedures or by pressurizing system with
nitrogen (less expensive than refrigerant). Nitrogen also leaks faster
than refrigerants. Nitrogen cannot, however, be detected by an
electronic leak detector. (See Fig. 27.)
BEEP
B
EEP
A95422
Fig. 27 – Electronic Leak Detection
PERSONAL INJURY AND UNIT DAMAGE
HAZARD
Failure to follow this warning could result in personal
injury or death.
Due to the high pressure of nitrogen, it should never be
used without a pressure regulator on thetank.
!
WARNING
Assuming that a system is pressurized with either all refrigerant or
a mixture of nitrogen and refrigerant, leaks in the system can be
found with an electronic leak detector that is capable of detecting
specific refrigerants.
If system has been operating for some time, first check for a leak
visually. Since refrigerant carries a small quantity of oil, traces of
oil at any joint or connection is an indication that refrigerant is
leaking at that point.
A simple and inexpensive method of testing for leaks is to use soap
bubbles. (See Fig. 28.) Any solution of water and soap may be
used. Soap solution is applied to all joints and connections in
system. A small pinhole leak is located by tracing bubbles in soap
solution around leak. If the leak is very small, several minutes may
pass before a bubble will form. Popular commercial leak detection
solutions give better, longer--lasting bubbles and more accurate
results than plain soapy water. The bubble solution must be
removed from the tubing and fittings after checking for leaks as
some solutions may corrode the metal.
LEAK
DETECTOR
SOLUTION
A95423
Fig. 29 – Bubble Leak Detection
You may use an electronic leak detector designed for specific
refrigerant to check for leaks. (See Fig. 27.) This unquestionably is
the most efficient and easiest method for checking leaks. There are
various types of electronic leak detectors. Check with manufacturer
of equipment for suitability. Generally speaking, they are portable,
lightweight, and consist of a box with several switches and a probe
or sniffer. Detector is turned on and probe is passed around all
fittings and connections in system. Leak is detected by either the
movement of a pointer on detector dial, a buzzing sound, or a light.
In all instances when a leak is found, system charge must be
recovered and leak repaired before final charging and operation.
After leak testing or leak is repaired, replace liquid line filter drier,
evacuate system, and recharge with correct refrigerant quantity.
Coil Removal
Coils are easy to remove if required for compressor removal, or to
replace coil.
1. Shut off all power to unit.
2. Recover refrigerant from system through service valves.
3. Break vacuum with nitrogen.
4. Remove top cover. (See Remove Top Cover in Cabinet
section of the manual.)
5. Remove screws in base pan to coil grille.
6. Remove coil grille from unit.
7. Remove screws on corner post holding coil tube sheet.
FIRE HAZARD
Failure to follow this warning could result in personal
injury or equipment damage.
Cut tubing to reduce possibility of personal injury and fire.
!
WARNING
8. Use midget tubing cutter to cut liquid and vapor lines at
both sides of coil. Cut in convenient location for easy
reassembly with copper slip couplings.
9. Lift coil vertically from basepan and carefully place aside.
10. Reverse procedure to reinstall coil.
11. Replace filter drier, evacuate system, recharge, and check
for normal systems operation.