Technicals & Contractors

Moisture in the Cooling System

Learn how it works and ways to combat it.

Often moisture causes disturbances in the cooling system generating negative impacts both for the compressor as well as for the refrigerator. Preventing it and combating it are tasks that all contractors must be prepared to handle. First, let’s understand the most common ways moisture enters the cooling system and what we can do to prevent this from happening. The moisture present in air is a contaminant that can enter the system through cracks, tubing line ruptures, micro holes which allow air to enter the circuit (and along with it, moisture). Umidade-no-Sistema-de-Refrigeração-1

However, moisture may also come from the assembly process or from cooling system maintenance. The table shows how this happens and ways to fix the problem. For systems contaminated with moisture, compressor replacement is recommended rather than just changing the lubricant oil. When the compressor operates in the presence of moisture, lubricant oil degradation takes place, making it dark and smelly, along with changing its density and function. Therefore, the oil loses its lubricity performance and becomes acid, causing increased compressor wear, reducing its useful life. Some common effects of moisture in the compressor and cooling system include:

oleo-ok-foto-cortada-300x186
Weakening of suction / discharge valves, may cause them to rupture.

  • Deterioration of system performance caused by the presence of fluid in the lines, which hinders heat exchange in the evaporator and gas expansion;
  • Increase in electric energy consumption by oil lubricity performance loss and tubing blockage, causing the compressor to work for longer periods.

copia-de-teoria-na-pratica-valvula-rompida
Carbonization and degradation of metal parts and oil.
copia-de-teoria-na-pratica-umidade
Electric motor short circuit due to the coils’ insulation degradation.
copia-de-teoria-na-pratica-degradacao1
Carbonização e degradação de partes metálicas e do óleo.




Important: before replacing the compressor, it’s necessary to identify the cause of the moisture problem, as explained above. If in doubt, see the table. Umidade-no-Sistema-de-Refrigeração-2-OK

This content is restricted to site members. If you are an existing user, please log in. New users may register below.

   
*Required field

Have access to exclusive content!

The Refrigeration Club brings together everything you need in one place. Here you can exchange experiences with other industry professionals, find information, tips and capabilities to make your job easier, plus you have access to the latest industry news, updated by market specialists. Sign in and see: the Refrigeration Club was made especially for professionals like you.

You, Entrepreneur

Access to information that will make your business take off. Management techniques, market information and more.

Technical Tools

Applications, e-books, fact sheets and other tools to facilitate your work.

Technical Best Practices

Learn from specialists the best techniques that will make you a professional recognized by the market.

Favorites

Save your favorite information, tips and videos and quickly access what's most important to you.

Forum

Here you can exchange experiences and clarify your doubts with other industry professionals. Join!

JOIN NOW FOR FREE!

This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more