Copeland Discus™ Manual
Copeland Discus™ Manual
Inadequate cooling can cause high discharge temperatures, impacting oil integrity and leading to lubrication issues. Cooling fans might be insufficient in maintaining necessary temperatures, resulting in oil carbonization. Installing appropriately sized fans and regularly cleaning condensers to remove blockages is essential to prevent high discharge temperatures and ensure efficient compressor operation .
Inadequate suction gas superheat can lead to damage in the valve plate, piston, and cylinder due to insufficient cooling and lubrication. Common causes include malfunctioning expansion valves, incorrect bulb installation, or overly short suction lines. To prevent these issues, it may be necessary to install a heat exchanger or suction accumulator for short suction lines and ensure proper expansion valve operation and installation .
Frequent starts and stops of a compressor oil pump can lead to insufficient lubrication as the oil is drawn into the refrigeration circuit during startup. If the compressor does not operate long enough for the oil to return, it could result in permanent damage due to lack of lubrication. To mitigate these consequences, the number of start-stop cycles should be limited to 10-12 per hour .
Oil dilution with refrigerant occurs when refrigerant dissolves into the oil during compressor shutdown, affected by the pressure and temperature in the compressor’s crankcase. Upon startup, rapid pressure drops cause the refrigerant to evaporate, creating foam that can result in insufficient oil pressure and flow, potentially damaging the bearings. Preventive measures include installing a crankcase heater and a low-pressure stop system to avoid refrigerant migration and maintain oil integrity .
Incorrect pipe design can result in inadequate oil return to the compressor, as some designs might retain excessive oil, leading to lubrication problems. The viscosity and mobility of oil are affected by temperature, and poor design can exacerbate these issues, resulting in potential compressor failure. Corrective measures include consulting technical literature and manuals for proper installation techniques, and if necessary, redesigning the pipe layout to facilitate oil movement .
Bypassing or disconnecting protectors removes critical safety barriers against overheating and electrical faults, increasing the risk of extensive winding damage and motor burnout across all phases. Ensuring all protective devices are correctly connected and functional is key to preventing such failures, coupled with routine maintenance to check their integrity .
Acid formation in compressors, which can occur due to moisture, oxygen, high temperatures, and impurities, accelerates damage to moving parts and can lead to motor burnout in extreme cases. When acid is detected, it's recommended to change the compressor oil completely, install an acid filter in the suction line, and check the liquid line drier .
Proper sizing of electrical components, such as contactors, is crucial as undersized components can 'weld' contacts due to overheating from insufficient current capacity. This condition can lead to motor burnout across all phases, despite having thermal protection. Verifying component specifications according to data sheets and application requirements is essential, especially when changing application points, to prevent such failures .
Proper torque practices involve applying torque in a cross pattern instead of a circular one, first applying 70% of final torque before reaching the full specified torque. This method ensures even distribution and prevents leaks or component failure due to uneven tightening. Regular retorquing is advised to maintain integrity, especially after temperature fluctuations, but care must be taken not to disturb sealed connections to avoid leaks .
Regular inspection of the oil sight glass allows detection of conditions that can lead to lubrication failure. Foam may indicate refrigerant presence, leading to pressure and flow issues, while discoloration could imply overheating or contamination. Addressing these signs early can prevent severe mechanical damage and maintain compressor efficiency .