Flake Ice Machines | Refrigeration System |
Refrigeration System and Components
Before diagnosing the refrigeration system, it is important that the refrigerant charge be correct. Whenever the refrigeration system has been opened, the
Refrigerant is circulated throughout the refrigeration system by a hermetic compressor. Refrigerant, in its vapor state is circulated from the compressor to the condenser. Heat is removed from the refrigerant. Heat is removed from the refrigerant either by forced air movement through the condenser or by a heat exchanger (water cooled condenser) that transfers heat from the refrigerant to the water. The refrigerant changes to a liquid when cooled.
The refrigerant in a liquid state passes through a filter drier. The filter drier traps moisture and foreign particles from the system.
Important! The filter drier must be replaced whenever the refrigeration system is opened or if the refrigerant charge is lost.
Compressor
The compressor runs during the entire ice making cycle. If the valves in the compressor are damaged, the compressor will be unable to pump refrigerant efficiently. Damaged valves may be the symptom of another problem in the refrigeration system, such as liquid returning to the compressor or high head pressure. Whenever a compressor is replaced, it is important that the refrigerant charge be weighed in or measured and the system checked for proper operation to prevent a repeat failure.
An inefficient compressor will usually have a higher than normal suction pressure and a lower than normal head pressure. Production will be slow and ice will be wetter than normal. Check the compressor amperage draw (On Machine Data Plate) after the compressor has been running for five minutes. If the compressor amp draw is less than 70% of the rated load amp, the compressor may be inefficient. These symptoms may also be caused by other problems. Therefore, it is important to use the troubleshooting trees when diagnosing a problem. See Electrical System for more information on the compressor and compressor start components.
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