Tennessee Technology Center at Pulaski HVACR LAB REPORT

Report Completed by: Date:

Jack Smith
Team Participants:

5/12/97 Bob Thomas

Ralph Jones Jerry Jackson

Project Title:

30,000 BTUH package heatpump - replace compressor

Tools & Supplies Used:

gauge manifold tubing cutters P/T chart multi-meter nitrogen

recovery system vacuum pump superheat chart acid test kit R-22

oxy-acet. Torch micron gauge electronic scales 5/8 Suction drier

socket wrenches electronic thermometer psychrometer 3/8 liquid drier (HP)

Description of Procedures Performed:

[1] verified bad compressor with ohmmeter - grounded - S to ground [2] installed gauge manifold to suction and liquid service ports [3] connected recovery system to gauges [4] recovered 6 lbs. R-22 [5] un-bolted compressor, cut tubing loose with tubing cutters [6] removed compressor and poured oil sample into test container. Test indicated acid [7] placed new compressor in position and installed mounting bolts [8] cut liquid line and suction line and installed driers in each [9] while passing dry nitrogen thru tubing, brazed all connections

Page 2 Procedures (cont.)

[10] leak checked all connections with soap (unit under 100 PSIG nitrogen pressure) no leaks [11] connected vacuum pump and micron gauge to system and evacuated to 300 microns (30 minutes). Vacuum held at 400 microns for 30 minutes [12] using electronic scales, weighed in factory charge of 7.75 lbs. of virgin R-22 [13] reconnected wiring and started unit. Allowed to run for 20 minutes [14] connected electronic thermometer to suction and liquid lines [15] using P/T chart verified 16F superheat and 20F sub-cooling [16] had shop supervisor verify proper system operation

Conclusion:

Our conclusion was that high superheat due to a low charge caused excessive overheating in the compressor resulting in acid formation and, finally, compressor winding failure