SECOP Propane R290 Condensing Units Instructions
- October 30, 2023
- SECOP
Table of Contents
SECOP Propane R290 Condensing Units
CONNECTIONS AND DISASSEMBLY
First cut out the capillary tube connection between the liquid and suction
line, designed for conducting 100% functional quality tests during the
manufacturing process.
For safety reasons, do not unsolder tubes.
Instead, use a mechanical tube cutter.
GENERAL INFORMATION
For a correct and safe utilization of the equipment, it is mandatory to comply with the requirements contained in this user guide, which contains instructions and information about:
• Installation method
• Use of the apparatus
• Maintenance
• Dismantling, recycling and disposal
The use of the condensing unit for different operations or the use of a different refrigerant gas from the stated ones may cause damages to people or the condensing unit itself and are there-fore considered to be improper uses for which the Manufacturer shall not be held responsible. The Manufacturer is not liable for damages resulting from failures to observe the warnings and instruction contained in this manual.
REFRIGERANT CONNECTIONS
To make a refrigerant connection, contemplate the suction and discharge piping
according to the most adequate pipe diameter to ensure a correct gas velocity,
or contact the manufacturer’s service.
SUCTION LINE INSULATION
Insulate the suction piping with anti-condensation pipe. If the evaporating
temperature is lower than 10 °C the suction lines must be insulated with an
anti-condensation pipe of at least 13 mm thickness, to limit the heating.
OIL RETURN
All the systems must be designed to ensure, any-how, the return of the oil to
the compressor. If the condensing unit is placed above the evaporator it is
important to contemplate siphons on suction line every 2 m difference in
height, to guarantee the return of the oil to the compressor. Anyhow when some
horizontal parts are present, it is important that the suction piping has a 3
% slope to the compressor. In the majority of installations where all piping
don’t exceed 10 meters, it is not necessary to add oil. Where piping is
oversized from the normal conditions, or are longer than 10 m, a small amount
of oil shall be added.
INTENDED USE
The condensing unit has been designed and manufactured exclusively for
commercial refrigeration in permanent establishment. The condensing unit has
not been designed and manufactured for household refrigeration appliances. The
condensing unit cannot be installed in areas where there is a potentially
explosive atmosphere. The condensing unit has not been designed and built to
be installed outside. The condensing unit has not been designed and built to
be installed in aggressive, humid or dusty environment.
INSTALLATION
Installation, maintenance and commissioning must be carried out by qualified specialists only. All connections, i.e. soldering and flare joints, are to be made professionally. Protect the surroundings against admittance of unauthorized persons. Pay attention to sufficient ventilation. Remove transport safety devices if any. Mount the condensing unit horizontally. Prevent any vibration. Avoid smoking and open fire.
CONDENSING UNIT ASSEMBLY
Prepare the tube connections from the evaporators. Use only dry components to
avoid moisture entering the system.
VACUUMING
Vacuuming must be carried out after the complete connection to the
refrigerating system. Plan sufficient time to vacuuming as it takes place from
the low pressure side only, unless additional measures were taken to speed up
the evacuation.
ELECTRICAL WIRING
Prepare the electrical wiring while vacuuming is in place. Do not start the
compressor until a vacuum break has been carried out. Remove the cover over
the terminal board. Connect the leads. It is forbidden to start the unit
without a thermostat being connected between line and compressor. Keep
flammable materials away from electric equipment.
REFRIGERANT GAS CHARGE
When a vacuum of 0,5bar or lower is reached, close the connections to the
vacuum pump. Repeat the vacuum process once or twice if needed. Refrigerant
should always be charged in liquid state from the discharge valve, to avoid
liquid hammer when the unit is started. If this rule cannot be followed, the
compressor must not be started until refrigerant pressure and temperature are
equalized. Refer to the unit label for the refrigerant gas to be used.
LEAK DETECTION
Perform leak detection on brazing with adequate methods and equipment for the
gas in use.
MAXIMUM REFRIGERANT CHARGE
It is recommended to use only the correct refrigerant quantity for the correct
functionality of the refrigerant system. For system with capillary pipe the
charge must be adapted to satisfy the system kind. The working charge must
never exceed the maximum capacity of the condenser and receiver.
COLD START
After unit installation or long shut-off periods, the compressor must be
allowed to reach a temperature higher than 15° C before being started. This
will prevent possible problems on starting due to too high oil viscosity.
CHECKING THE WINDING PROTECTOR
In the event of a compressor failure a check must be made by resistance
measurement direct on the current lead-in to find out whether the fault is due
to motor damage or simply a winding protector trip. If the resistance measure
show continuity up to the protector but not after it, this means that the
protector cut out. Wait for the protector to re-set, it may takes up to. 45
min.
STORAGE
It is recommended to adequately protect the condensing unit and to store it in
a suitable environment, repaired from weathering, with good ventilation,
between -20 °C and +50 °C in a dry and not dusty room.
IMPORTANT SERVICE AND SAFETY TIPS
The filter dryer must always be replaced when the system is opened. Blow nitrogen or dry air through the system before brazing. When a faulty system is emptied, the refrigerant must be collected without mixing it with other refrigerants, and must not be leaked in the environment. See also “installation”. The condenser and the full condensing unit must be cleaned with regularity, observing specific maintenance and cleaning plans. Working on components under pressure is dangerous. Pay attention to the hot and extremely cold parts. Pay attention to parts in movement (as motorfans). Pay attention to sufficient ventilation. Check the perfect functionality of the fans. The application limits set by the Manufacturer must be respected. If pressure control systems are indicated, these must be installed professionally. Working conditions must be monitored to ensure the perfect operation. Check that the valves (suction and discharge side) are fully open. If forced ventilation is necessary, this must be shown (i.e. with a label).
MAINTENANCE
Register on the plant maintenance book, according to the timings set by laws,
controls for gas leaks, refrigerant flow, oil level, noise from com-pressor
and motorfan, Checking for abnormal vibrations and ticking.
DISASSEMBLY
Isolate the unit from the electrical supply and proceed to follow on reverse
order the installation procedure.
DISMANTLING, RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL
At the end of unit lifecycle , proceed to separate and store the parts with
environment impact, separating parts that may be cause of pollution and
separate material earmarking them to separate disposal. Refrigerant gas must
not be leaked in the environment but must be recovered by qualified operators.
Compressor oil is subject to separate collection, so dispose the unit on
specialized disposal centers following regulations in force.