Compressor support: refrigerant check, condenser valve testing and heat exchanger cleaning

Technical analysis: Compressed air dryer maintenance: refrigerant charge check, drain valve testing, and heat exchanger

Compressor support: refrigerant check, condenser valve testing and heat exchanger cleaning

1. Limits and objectives

This technical manual is intended for technical services performing support for air compression compressor units. The purpose of this manual is to ensure the effective execution of work involving checking the refrigerant charge, testing the discharge valve and cleaning the heat exchanger in order to maintain optimal system operation. The technician must perform these tasks during periodic technical maintenance, as well as when an increase in moisture in the air or a decrease in system efficiency is detected.

2. Safety and Conditions

Warning: Access denied to equipment that is not disconnected and locked out.

Before starting any work, perform the lockout/tagout (LOTO) process to eliminate the risk of contact with energy or moving parts. Use personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, hearing protection, hard hats, as well as clothing that protects against liquids and refrigerants.

Do not perform work at high pressure or temperature in the system. Before starting work, disconnect the electrical supply and open the ventilation openings for air release.

3. Required Tools and Materials

Tool Name Specification Quantity
Torque wrench Range 10-60 Nm 1
Multimeter Range 0-250 V, 0-10 A, 0-500 MOhm 1
Laser Aluminum Alierator Accuracy ±0.02 mm 1
Pressure Gauge Range 0-10 bar 1
Set of keys Size 6–24 mm 1
Thermometer Range -20 to 120 °C 1
Air dryer Pump, fine filters 1
Cleaning tools Tweezers, paper for drying, cleaning fluid 1

4. Pre-maintenance inspection checklist

Item Check Acceptance/Rejection Criteria Notes
1 Power supply disconnection check Electricity supply must be disconnected Apply the LOTO method
2 Pressure check in the system The pressure must be less than 0.5 bar Open ventilation openings
3 Check for absence of refrigerant Absence of noticeable seals Use the pressure gauge
4 Valve discharge check The valve must be open Use the pressure gauge
5 Inspection of the heat exchanger status Absence of deposits or contamination Use tweezers

5. Step-by-step procedure

  1. Disconnection of power supply and checking the pressure in the system

    Perform the LOTO procedure and disconnect the power supply. Open the ventilation openings to release air and reduce the pressure to less than 0.5 bar.

    Error: Failure to disconnect the power supply may result in injury.

  2. Checking the refrigerant level using a manometer

    Install the pressure gauge at the inlet and outlet of the system. Raise the temperature to 30 °C to ensure stable readings. The refrigerant level should be within the range of 1.5–2.5 bar.

    Error: incorrect installation of the pressure gauge may lead to incorrect measurement.

  3. Testing the exhaust valve using a manometer

    Open the vent valve and measure the pressure at the outlet. After closing the valve, the pressure must drop to 0.1 bar within 10 seconds.

    Error: absence of valve opening may lead to moisture accumulation.

  4. Cleaning the heat exchanger using a dryer and paper

    Disconnect the heat exchanger and use a dryer to remove moisture. Use paper to remove deposits. Check that no moisture remains.

    Error: improper cleaning may lead to reduced efficiency.

  5. Installation of heat exchanger and removal of dryer

    Install the heat exchanger in place and secure it. Turn off the dryer and check that no moisture remains.

    Error: Incorrect installation may cause damage.

  6. Pressure and Temperature Check using a pressure gauge and thermometer

    Measure the pressure at the inlet and outlet. The temperature should be within the range of 30–40 °C. Record the readings.

    Error: incorrect verification may lead to incorrect measurement.

  7. Restoration of power supply and system check

    Turn on the power supply, perform the work according to the instruction. Measure the pressure and temperature again to ensure stability.

    Error: absence of verification may lead to malfunction.

6. Post-maintenance inspection checklist

Test Expected result Actual Result Pass/Fail
1 System pressure 0.5-1.0 bar
2 Outlet temperature 30-40 °C
3 Outlet valve Closed
4 Moisture in the system Missing
5 Electrical Supply Inclusion

7. Technical Assistance

Symptom Possible cause Restorative effect
Increase in air humidity Incorrect refrigerant measurement Check the refrigerant level
Reduction of efficiency Contaminated heat exchanger Clean the heat exchanger
Improper operation of the vent valve Valve mounting Check and secure the valve
System malfunctions Incorrect pressure measurement Check the pressure gauge
Overheating of the system Blocked heat exchanger Clean the heat exchanger

8. Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Task Frequency Estimated duration Skill Level
Refrigerant Check Monthly 30 min Average
Valve discharge test Monthly 15 min Average
Heat exchanger cleaning Quarter 45 min High
Pressure and Temperature Check Monthly 20 min Average
General inspection Annual 2 years High

9. Special Components

Component Description Typical specifications Category UNITEC-D
Pressure gauge Range 0–10 bar Category 313
Outlet valve Stainless steel Category 314
Air dryer Pump, fine filters Category 315
Heat Exchanger Stainless steel Category 316
Refrigerant Type R-134a Category 317

Go to UNITEC-D catalog

10. References

These works must be carried out in accordance with the standards DSTU, EN, ISO, as well as in accordance with the manufacturer's documentation. All works must be carried out using CE, UkrSEPRO certification.

Additional recommendations

This is a practical guide for technical services performing maintenance on air compression compressor units. Carrying out these tasks will ensure the efficient operation of the system and increase its service life.

Related Articles