Manitowoc Ice QF0800 Section, Refrigeration System, 7-19, SYSTEM CONTAMINATION CLEAN-UP General

Section 7 Refrigeration System

SYSTEM CONTAMINATION CLEAN-UP

General

This section describes the basic requirements for restoring contaminated systems to reliable service.

Important

Manitowoc Ice, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use of contaminated refrigerant. Damage resulting from the use of contaminated refrigerant is the sole responsibility of the servicing company.

Determining Severity Of Contamination

System contamination is generally caused by either moisture or residue from compressor burnout entering the refrigeration system.

Inspection of the refrigerant usually provides the first indication of system contamination. Obvious moisture or an acrid odor in the refrigerant indicates contamination.

If either condition is found, or if contamination is suspected, use a Total Test Kit from Totaline or a similar diagnostic tool. These devices sample refrigerant, eliminating the need to take an oil sample. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

If a refrigerant test kit indicates harmful levels of contamination, or if a test kit is not available, inspect the compressor oil.

1.Remove the refrigerant charge from the ice machine.

2.Remove the compressor from the system.

3.Check the odor and appearance of the oil.

4.Inspect open suction and discharge lines at the compressor for burnout deposits.

5.If no signs of contamination are present, perform an acid oil test.

Check the chart below to determine the type of cleanup required.

Contamination/Cleanup Chart
Symptoms/Findings	Required Cleanup Procedure
No symptoms or suspicion of contamination	Normal evacuation/recharging procedure
Moisture/Air Contamination symptoms
Refrigeration system open to atmosphere for longer than 15
minutes	Mild contamination cleanup procedure
Refrigeration test kit and/or acid oil test shows contamination
Leak in water-cooled condenser
No burnout deposits in open compressor lines
Mild Compressor Burnout symptoms
Oil appears clean but smells acrid	Mild contamination cleanup procedure
Refrigeration test kit or acid oil test shows harmful acid content
No burnout deposits in open compressor lines
Severe Compressor Burnout symptoms
Oil is discolored, acidic, and smells acrid	Severe contamination cleanup procedure
Burnout deposits found in the compressor and lines, and in
other components

Part No. 80-1214-3 Revised 8/2003 7-19