Ice-O-Matic ICE0250 Series Remote Condenser Continued, Mixing Valve, Possible Cause, Remedy

ICE Series Refrigeration System

Remote Condenser (Continued)

If the airflow is restricted or the condenser is dirty, the head pressure will be excessively high, slow production will result and the compressor may overheat and eventually become damaged. The condenser coil and fan blades must be kept clean. The condenser can be cleaned with compressed air or by using a brush. If a brush is used, brush in the direction of the fins taking care not to bend the fins. If the condenser fins are bent, this will restrict the airflow through the condenser and the fins will need to be straightened with a fin comb. Problems related to a dirty condenser or poor airflow will not be covered under warranty. Note: The condenser fan motor runs continually, it will shut off when the icemaker shuts off.

Mixing Valve

When the temperature at the condenser is above 70°F (21°C), the refrigerant flow from the compressor is directed by the mixing valve through the condenser and into the receiver. When the temperature at the condenser drops below 70°F (21°C), the pressure in the bellows of the mixing valve becomes greater than the pressure of the liquid refrigerant coming from the condenser. This change allows the valve to partially restrict the flow of

refrigerant leaving the condenser and allows discharge gas to by-pass the condenser and flow directly into the receiver, mixing with the liquid refrigerant from the condenser. The amount of discharge gas that bypasses the condenser increases as the ambient temperature decreases. This action of the mixing valve allows the discharge pressure to be maintained at approximately 240 psi (16.5 bar) during low ambient conditions. If the refrigerant system is undercharged and the ambient temperature is below 70°F (21°C), the mixing valve will not work properly. The mixing valve will allow too much refrigerant to bypass the condenser.

Problem	Possible Cause	Remedy
1 Head pressure low, Line between	A. Valve Defective, not allowing	A. Replace valve
valve and receiver cold. Ambient	discharge gas into receiver
condenser temp. below 70°F (21°C)
2 Head pressure low, Line between	A. System low on charge.	A. Leak check. Recover
valve and receiver hot.	B. Valve defective, not	refrigerant and weigh
	allowing liquid	in proper charge.
	into receiver.	B. Replace valve
3. Head pressure low, Line	A. Valve defective not	A. Replace valve.
returning from condenser	allowing refrigerant
is cool. Ambient condenser	to circulate through
temperature is above 70°F (21°C)	condenser.

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