Refrigerant Leaks; Spills Or Leaks - Electrolux 5995502399 Service Manual

Refrigerant Leaks

A system with R-134a and Ester oil will become
saturated with moisture much faster than a system with
R-12 and mineral oil. If your leak was in the low side of
the refrigeration system when the compressor is running
the pressure in the low side will go into a vacuum. As
additional refrigerant leaks out, the system will go deeper
into a vacuum. The system running in this vacuum will
allow air and moisture to be pulled into the sealed
system. The moisture pulled in can then be mixed in to
the Ester oil in the compressor.
If the product has had a low side leak you will need
to install the two stage service dryer filter part number
5303918288. You must heat the crankcase area of the
compressor using a heat gun on the high heat setting
throughout the 30 minutes you are running your vacuum
pump to pull a vacuum on the system. Every 4 to 5
minutes while you are running your vacuum pump and
heating the crankcase area, shake the compressor. By
heating the crankcase you are heating the oil in the
compressor. This will drive the moisture out of the oil.
By shaking the compressor this will allow the moisture to
come to the top of the oil faster so the vacuum pump can
remove the moisture from the system.
Electrolux Home Products Inc. does not approve the
use of the Sweep Charge for sealed system repair. This
method of servicing sealed systems is often used to
repair products in the field. The Sweep Charge does
not adequately remove moisture from the oil in the
compressor. In a R-134a system you will need to
replace the compressor if the product has had a low
side leak and you are servicing with the Sweep Charge
procedure.
R-134a refrigerant molecules are smaller than R-12
molecules. This means that R-134a will pass more minor
leaks and the rate of flow will be greater than for R-12.
Therefore, it is now more important than ever to follow
good brazing practices. Use a good grade of silver
solder. A 45% silver solder is recommended.

Spills or Leaks

If a large release of vapor occurs, such as from a large
spill or leak, the vapors may concentrate near the floor
or low spots and displace the oxygen available for
breathing, causing suffocation.
Evacuate everyone until the area has been ventilated.
Use blowers or fans to circulate the air at floor level.
DO NOT re-enter the affected area unless you are
equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus or
unless an area monitor indicates that the concentration
of HFC-134a vapors in the area is below the AEL.
Always use self-contained breathing apparatus or an
air-line mask when entering tanks or other areas where
vapors might exist. Use the buddy system and a life-
line. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
HFC-134a information.
HFC-134a vapors have a slightly sweet odor that can be
difficult to detect. Therefore, frequent leak checks and
the installation of permanent area monitors may be
necessary in enclosed spaces. Refer to ASHRAE
Standards 15 and 34 for refrigeration machinery rooms.
To ensure safety when working with HFC-134a in
enclosed areas:
1. Route relief and purge vent piping (if present)
outdoors, away from air intakes.
2. Make certain area is well ventilated, using
auxiliary ventilation if needed to move vapors.
3. Make sure area is clear of vapors prior to beginning
work.
4. Install air monitoring equipment to detect leaks.
7-25
Sealed System