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Flake Ice Machines Refrigeration System
Page F1
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 filter-drier must be
replaced and the proper refrigerant charge must be weighed in or measured. See refrigerant
charge information on Page A5.
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.