Why Compressors Fail Part 1
Part 1 - Refrigerant Flood Back Foaming can be clearly seen in the compressor oil sight glass, this is a clear indication of the prescence of liquid refrigerant in the oil. Refrigerant flood back occurs during the running cycle of the machine. This is where large volumes of liquid refrigerant are returned to the running compressor down through the Suction pipe work, in an uncontrolled manner. Depending on the degree of liquid returning to the compressor, determines as to what damage will occur. This can often be seen as foaming in the compressors’ oil level sight glass. Here we have evidence of a seizure of the bearing If liquid is drawn into the cylinder bores, the lubrication to the cylinders and pistons will be washed away causing scoring and overheating in the cylinder, which in turn will lead to small metallic particles contaminating the inside of the machine. This liquid will also dilute the lubricat...