Summary of Contents for Desert Aire SelectAire Plus SP Series
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SP (SelectAire Plus™) Series Energy Recovery Natatorium Dehumidifiers Installation and Operation Manual • Select Aire Plus™ (SP) systems are dual refrigeration circuit dehumidifiers with latent energy enhancement. • Cabinet has injected foam double wall panels for high insulation properties and strength. •...
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TERMS Desert Aire warrants all components (except as noted) for a period of two (2) years from the date of shipment. This warranty shall be limited to the supply of new or rebuilt parts for the part which has failed because of defects in workmanship or material, and does not include the cost for labor, transportation or other costs not herein provided for.
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PH: (262) 946-7400 • FAX: (262) 946-7401 • E-MAIL: service@desert-aire.com Additional copies of this manual can be purchased for a nominal fee from Desert Aire. Desert Aire also posts the most current revision of our I/O Manuals on our website. For a digital copy of the I/O Manual for your unit revision, please submit request to the contact information listed above.
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Forcing or attempting to repair the gas valve may result in a fire or explosion. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Turn off all electric power to the appliance if service is to be performed. On 2-stage units, turn gas control knob clockwise to “OFF” position or switch down for single stage. DO NOT FORCE. Gas Control Switch On / Off (1 Stage) Gas Valve Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Gas Control Knob 2 Stage Gas Valve SIDE VIEW TOP VIEW PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUSTMENT CAPS ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE REFERENCE INLET OUTLET PORT WITH PRESSURE PRESSURE INTERNAL VENT LIMITER Honeywell V8944 Gas Valve for 500,000 and 600,000 models Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. Caution used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage. Product Warning for the State of California: Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Read these instructions carefully before you install the dehumidifier. Inspection Desert Aire inspects and tests each dehumidifier before it leaves the factory so that you receive a quality piece of equipment. Unfortunately, equipment may become damaged in transit. Inspect the dehumidifier carefully before signing the receiving papers.
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Figure 1 - Typical Rigging for the SP Dehumidifier Do not tip the dehumidifier on it’s side. Avoid dropping the unit down stairways or subjecting it to severe mechanical shock. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Installation Manual applies to standard unit configurations only. Position and Service Clearance Desert Aire dehumidifiers require routine maintenance to operate efficiently. Always refer to the General Arrangement drawings for recommended clearance distances that are specific to your unit. • Allow a minimum of 36 inches of clearance around the service side of the dehumidifier for piping, electrical connections, and service access.
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FLEXIBLE NEOPRENE AS POSSIBLE IN ROOM. DUCT CONNECTOR TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CONTROLS MECHANICAL EXHAUST WITH BACK-DRAFT DAMPER (WALL OR ROOF MOUNTED) NOTE: CAPACITY SHOULD NOT EXCEED INTAKE VOLUME. Figure 3 - Basic Pool Room Layout Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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• Direct the supply air toward skylights, exterior walls and windows, and spectator areas. Since air movement will increase the evaporation rate of the pool, direct the supply air grilles away from its surface. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Select grilles and diffusers for low static pressure loss and proper throw and CFM rating. • Keep the noise criteria levels of the grilles between 35 and 45 dB. • Use anodized aluminum grilles to prevent premature corrosion. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Outdoor Air and Exhaust Air Desert Aire SelectAire Plus™ dehumidifiers are equipped with an opening which will draw outdoor air into the conditioned space. This will help you comply with ASHRAE Standard 62, which requires the introduction of outdoor air into commercial buildings.
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There are several 1/4 – turn fasteners at the perimeter of the rack that can be removed. The rack will then tilt downward and can be pulled out from the face of the cabinet. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Condensate Drain Piping The condensate drain connection on the standard Desert Aire SelectAire Plus™ series dehumidifiers is a 1-1/2” PVC stub which penetrates the evaporator wall section on the access side of the unit, see Figure 8.
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Note that once complete, the valve must be returned to a closed position to provide for proper operation of the condensate traps when the unit is turned on. See Section 2.10 for condensate line instructions for auxiliary gas heating if equipped. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
If the water system is connected to a variable frequency drive or to water loops with multiple units, flow regulating valves should be installed to ensure flow rate is maintained. Do not exceed guidelines as excessive flow rates will erode the condenser and piping. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
2.4.2 Pool Water Piping The Desert Aire dehumidifier may be equipped with an optional pool water heating condenser. Use copper or schedule 80 CPVC pipe and fittings to adapt to the water circuit of the dehumidifier. See Figure 10 for recommended pool water piping. Note that this figure is intended to be a general guide only, and may not match your installation exactly.
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Filter Rack Assembly with Filters Filter Assembly Return Air Main Pool Pump Vibration Isolators Water Temp Sensor (Dry Well) P-Trap Water Inlet Base (If Required) Water Outlet Figure 10 – Typical Pool Water Piping Diagram Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Figure 11 – Standard Unit Water Flow Rates (for Units Equipped with this Option) 2.5 Auxiliary Air Heat Coil Piping The Desert Aire dehumidifier may be equipped with an optional hot water or steam air heating coil. This coil, when properly sized, will provide space heating during the winter months. •...
Desert Aire SP series dehumidifiers are pre-charged with enough refrigerant to fill the Remote Condenser and up to 50 feet of refrigerant lines. No additional charge is required unless your line set is longer than 50 feet.
Controls and Sensors The standard Desert Aire SP series dehumidifiers are controlled by a microprocessor controller. This controller monitors conditions such as room humidity and temperature and controls the dehumidifier accordingly. A separate controls manual has been provided. Refer to this separate manual for controller and sensor specifications, operation, and options.
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It should be noted that the return sensors and the outdoor air sensors are digitally communicating devices that are physically the same, but are programmed with unique addresses. The outdoor air sensor will have a label indicating “ADDR 191”. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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With the curved shape and color of the plates, air flow is able to move across the sensor to keep radiated temperatures from surrounding surfaces from affecting humidity readings. Plastic Probe Retainer Figure 15 – Radiant Shield Desert Aire - SP Manual...
T/RH 309 Sensor Figure 16 – T/RH Sensor and Wire Connector 2.8.2 Water Temperature Sensor Desert Aire dehumidifiers ordered with the pool water heating option are supplied with a water temperature sensor and an aqua stat well. •...
• Connect the tubing to the static pressure differential transducer in the unit. The correct port is labeled for the indoor air sensor. Figure 17 – Indoor Static Pressure Sensor (rear view) Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Figure 18 – Outdoor Static Pressure Sensor A detailed drawing of the outdoor static assembly is included within the package. Assemble mounting bracket and tubing per this drawing. 50’ of 1/8” pressure tubing is supplied with the sensor. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
2.8.4 Installation of VOC Monitoring Sensor Desert Aire provides a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) monitoring sensor that can trigger a greater flow rate of outdoor air when indoor contaminants reach a user determined concentration. A sensor will be provided in the unit or shipped loose for field installation depending on the configuration ordered.
2.9 Auxiliary Heating Control Wiring Note: You must use the Desert Aire control system to control the interlock with the room heating system. This prevents wide fluctuations in room air temperature. It also prevents the heater from trying to heat the room while the dehumidifier is running in cooling.
Gas Heater (Optional) 2.10.1 Gas Heater Installation Safety The Desert Aire dehumidifier may be equipped with an optional Category III gas-fired heater to provide air heating during the winter months. You must read and understand the following guidelines and warnings before you connect the heating section.
Use the table below as a guide to capacity. Note that each gas heat module in a SelectAire Plus™ unit will have an independent connection. Ensure that any branch connection is also properly sized for a minimal pressure drop. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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High fire manifold gas pressure is regulated by the combination valve to 3.5” w.c. Inlet pressure to the valve must be a minimum 5” w.c. or as noted on the rating plate and maximum of 14” w.c. for natural gas. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Note: When sizing supply lines, consider possibilities of future expansion and increased requirements. Refer to National Fuel Gas Code for additional information on line sizing. Figure 20 – Gas Pipe Capacities in Cubic Feet per Hour Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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See the note below to check with your LP gas supplier before using copper. Seamless copper tubing must comply with standard type K or L for seamless copper water tube, ASTM B 88; or seamless copper tube for air conditioning field service, ASTM B280. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Non-Combustible Material: Material which will not ignite and burn; such materials consisting entirely of steel, iron, brick, concrete, slate, glass, plaster, or combination thereof. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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This fact should be kept in mind when determining installation location of these heaters and building exhaust systems. Desert Aire units are not designed or approved for use in atmospheres containing flammable vapors or atmospheres highly laden with chlorinated vapors.
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Appendix of that code. The National Fuel Gas Code may be obtained by writing to: American Gas Association Laboratories 8501 East Pleasant Valley Road Cleveland, OH 44131 Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Connect communication and power wiring from the unit to the heater. Be sure to keep conduit clear of door openings. Connect to 2” NPT gas lines per heater manufacturer instructions. Connect to 1” CPVC condensate drain connection per heater. See Figures 25a and 25b. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Installation of a union ahead of the trap is preferred to permit maintenance of drains and accommodate service and maintenance of the condensing furnace or you may install a cleanout tee or plug near the trap. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
50 lineal feet of 6” diameter pipe. Depending on the pipe diameter, fittings need to be included in determining the total lineal feet. Depending on heater location, routing of the vent pipe and other requirements, vent piping may exceed the maximum vent length listed for the product. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Desert Aire dehumidifiers ordered with the water heating option are provided with a set of dry contacts for controlling an auxiliary pool water heater. The dehumidifier will be the primary source of water heating. If it cannot keep up with the demand for pool heat, the Desert Aire controller will then energize the auxiliary water heater.
The condenser coils are not the same size so be sure to use the correct guard with each condenser coil. Figure 28 – Hail Guard netting and mounting clips Desert Aire - SP Manual...
• Clean pipe stubs to be connected then mark 1/2 of coupling depth on each pipe stub for reference during assembly. Slide coupling on one side of the connection to be made prior to section alignment and connection. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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• Constantly finesse each connection to assure tubing connections are not binding up while slowly moving the sections together until the sections have been secured. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
- The refrigeration system must stay below 500 microns after 10 minutes of decay testing. The recommended starting point to pass the decay test is around 350 microns. • After successful leak testing and evacuation, open all ball valves interconnecting the unit sections. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Route coiled sections of clear 3/16” tubing into electrical enclosure making sure not to kink or crush tubing. • Connect corresponding tube numbers to barbed tube connections in the main electrical enclosure as shown in Figure 32. Figure 32 - Differential Pressure Tubing Desert Aire - SP Manual...
The drying of the system should be continued until the indicating element stays Dark Green. Additional Considerations: Bubbles: The Moisture and Liquid Indicator may be installed anywhere in the liquid line. When located between the Filter-Drier and the expansion device, Desert Aire - SP Manual...
The receptacle is on the same circuit as the GFI Outlet and lights. This receptacle is powered by a separate 120V field-supplied circuit, or optionally, an integral transformer. After connection has been completed, the power at this receptacle should be tested to ensure it is receiving power. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Preliminary Inspection Verify that all contractors have completed their work. Find the Desert Aire “SP Start-Up Report”, which is located near the back of this manual. You must fill out the start-up report to validate the dehumidifier warranty. Check the following items: •...
The system is substantially automated and airflow balanced at the factory for the specified airflows and static pressures. At the time of start-up the supply airflow will be automatically adjusted for the actual field static pressures encountered. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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The Desert Aire SP unit contains operational controls that assist in maintaining the poolroom envelope at a negative static pressure. Proper setup allows these controls to operate as intended;...
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Flow rates are factory set and confirmed by measurement. The unique zone pressurization control feature helps to ensure the space is negatively pressurized properly by sensing and controlling the exhaust airflow. Desert Aire SelectAire Plus™ units can be equipped with several exhaust airflow modes.
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Correct any issues with exhaust duct routing, size, or total length. 5. Review the zone static pressure. The recommended zone pressure is -0.050” W.C. for Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Command each mode of operation through the method that will be used on site. Depending on the mode and installation specific, this may occur through the internal time schedule, a contact closure, or the Building Management System. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
This is a critical component to the longevity of the system. Some Desert Aire systems are shipped in sections to allow for installation of some of the sections in a location much different from another. An example is a unit with a remote condenser ready circuit. The dehumidifier may be installed indoors near the conditioned space while the remote condenser used to reject waste heat is located outdoors.
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Special care must be taken to ensure that the system is returned to service without any contamination. Whenever servicing Desert Aire equipment, observe the following: • Use only equipment rated for the pressures and the refrigerant being serviced.
• Check for dirty coils in the dehumidifier. Clean them if necessary. 3.5.2 Service Every Four Months 3.5.2.1 Reheat Condenser Coil Cleaning Refrigerant coils or other components that corrode due to improper cleaning, improperly balanced pool chemistry or corrosive air quality will not be covered under the warranty. Maintenance Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Note: Use of a water stream, such as a garden hose, against a surface loaded coil will drive fibers, dirt and salts into the coil. This will make cleaning efforts more difficult. Surface loaded fibers must be completely removed prior to completing low velocity cleaning and water rinses. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
100 psig to avoid damaging the unit and coil fin edges. Recommended Coil Cleaners The following are recommended coil cleaners, assuming it is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions on the container for proper mixing and cleaning. They have been Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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• Ensure that the power to the unit is off and locked out. • Clean the area around the unit if needed to ensure leaves, grass or loose debris will not be blown into the coil. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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• If the coil has a drain pan or unit flood that is holding rinse water or cleaner, extra time and attention will need to be taken in those areas to ensure a proper rinse has been completed. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
• Check the operating pressures of the refrigeration circuits. • Check the current draw of each blower motor. • Check the current draw of each compressor. • Note that the bearings on fan motors are permanently lubricated and do not require regular lubrication. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
NOTE: Please have the following information available if you need to call the Desert Aire Service Department: • Model Number • Serial Number • Room Temperature • Relative Humidity • Operating Refrigeration Pressures • Water Temperature • Compressor Amperages • Blower Motor Amperage(s) 3.5.4 Blower / Fan Maintenance...
The use of uninhibited glycol has produced formicary corrosion in copper tubing. The complete filling of water coils with an inhibited glycol solution for freeze protection can be expensive. In some instances, it is more cost effective to flush the coils Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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NOTE: Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations before utilizing any glycol based anti freeze solution. Additional fluid will be required for the pump, connected piping and fluid reservoir. Formulas are for estimation purposes only. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
3.6.1.2 Instructions for Assembly and Charging Cores Filter drier cores are shipped in metal cans that are dried and hermetically sealed to protect the cores from contamination by moisture and dirt. The detailed instructions for assembly and Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Be careful not to scratch or damage the edge of the shell when changing the cores. If the edge of the shell should become damaged, replace the shell to prevent possible refrigerant leakage. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Troubleshooting Although Desert Aire dehumidifiers have been designed for reliable and trouble-free operation, you may occasionally encounter a service-related problem. If you cannot immediately diagnose a fix to the problem, do not be intimated by the apparent complexity of the dehumidifier. Your common sense and experience can help you solve the majority of these problems.
If the valve is shifting normally, the active condenser outlet will heat up rapidly. • Check for air or other non-condensable in the refrigeration circuit. Desert Aire installs purge ports in the highest point of each condenser’s discharge line. To purge these gases from the system, temporarily run the compressor while you energize the selected condenser.
4.5 The Pool Water Is Too Cold This section applies to Desert Aire dehumidifiers with the pool water heating option. If the pool water requires heating, the standard controller will command the dehumidifier to heat the water. If the dehumidifier cannot heat the pool, due to inadequate water flow or no demand for dehumidification, the water temperature will drop slightly.
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• Check that all service valves and solenoid valves in the liquid line are energized or fully open. • Verify that there are no restrictions or debris in the liquid line solenoid, the filter/drier, the expansion valve, or the distributor. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
You must clean the system thoroughly to prevent repeated compressor burnouts. 5.1.1 Compressor Replacement Desert Aire dehumidifiers are designed with scroll compressors. Scroll compressors are known for operating more reliably than other compressors in air conditioning and dehumidification applications due to their ability to cope with occasional periods of liquid refrigerant return.
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Install ball valves on either side of the suction filter to facilitate these changes. Note that larger Desert Aire systems will have suction filter shells installed from the factory. The shell can be used with charcoal activated cores. Note that a “safety screen”...
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Particulate Indicated • Install a replaceable core liquid line filter shell. Note that larger Desert Aire systems will have replaceable core liquid filter shells installed from the factory. The pressure drop levels will be monitored and several core changes may be required.
Undersized or restrictive ducts reduce the system airflow, which can cause premature compressor failure. Use the following diagrams as a guide when you design the duct system. Figure 42– Recommended Duct Designs for Desert Aire Dehumidifiers Desert Aire - SP Manual...
5.5 System Operating Modes The standard sequence of operation of a Desert Aire dehumidifier is relatively simple to understand. Note that the sequence may vary depending on which condenser options have been purchased and installed. 5.5.1 Basic Sequence The compressor is designed to start on a call for cooling or dehumidification.
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• For this same reason, the compressor can start and run on a call for air cooling if another heat sink is available. The Desert Aire SP senses the temperature and relative humidity of the air entering the evaporator and uses this data to determine the unit mode of operation.
System failures caused by improper outdoor air duct installations are not covered by the Desert Aire warranty. The intake mounted sensor (if sensor installed in the unit) or the zone sensor determines the current temperature and RH of the space.
(if equipped). 5.5.5 RecoverAire (ER) Energy Recovery Operation The SP unit will work in conjunction with a Desert Aire ER unit or similar type energy recovery unit. Energy recovery is performed in the first stage of heating when the unit is set to occupied mode.
Ambient Condition Cold and Dry (Typical Winter Day) If the unit is equipped with exhaust energy recovery, and the controller senses the zone dehumidified temperature within the space is dropping, it will shift to energy recovery mode. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Staged Heating When installed in a relatively mild climate with minimal outdoor air requirements, there is a relatively small amount of heating capacity. In these cases, staged heating is a cost effective and simple method. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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The modulating heating sequence works based on a Zone Reset of the Supply Air Temperature. When the zone temperature decreases to the Zone Temperature minus the Heating Deadband, the controller enables heating mode and starts to increase the calculated Desert Aire - SP Manual...
In all cases you must comply with Section 608 Refrigerant Recycling Rule of the Clean Air Act. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Systems that do not have leaks, but still require refrigeration system service, may have charge isolated in condensers if these particular components do not require direct service. Desert Aire dehumidifiers have different receiver sizes depending on the model and size. Condenser sizes and configurations may also vary. In general, larger receivers will come equipped with isolation valves that will allow for a portion of the charge to be contained in the receiver during servicing.
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Pressure rising above 500 microns and tending to stabilize at a higher pressure indicates the system has moisture above specifications. Continue evacuation until 500 microns or lower can be held for a minimum of 10 minutes. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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Monitor superheat at the compressor suction inlet using the bulkhead fitting and a temperature sensor on the suction line near the compressor. Superheat should not drop below 10 degrees during the process of adding charge. Desert Aire - SP Manual...
Figure 43 is an example of this rating plate. Model No. SP80XXXXXEXXXXX R410A ONLY Maximum Design Pressures (psig): 650 High Side 250 Low Side Wiring Diagram Numbers: XXXX-HV1, XXXXX-HV2, XXXXX-LV1, XXXXX-LV2, XXXXX-LV3 Figure 43 – SP Dehumidifier Rating Plate Desert Aire - SP Manual...
5.8 Start-Up Supervision Supplemental Information A Desert Aire factory start-up is an option which is normally purchased with the equipment. A factory start-up includes several key services: • The expertise of an accomplished, factory-trained mechanic who will supervise the commissioning of the equipment.
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CST Start-Up is performed by a local Certified Service Technician who has been trained by Desert Aire. The CST performs all duties listed above. In addition they will supply the “items to be supplied for start-up” as listed below.
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Desert Aire for re-scheduling. A two week minimum is needed to schedule start-up. Once the form is completed please fax or email both pages to the Desert Aire service department. Fax (262) 946-7400 Email: service@desert-aire.com...
A copy of the system “Start-Up Report” can be found on the following pages. This report needs to be filled out thoroughly by a qualified service technician and returned to Desert Aire for warranty validation. Please ensure that the model and serial number of the unit are noted on this form.
Compressor drawing locked rotor current (3 phase units) Runs without pumping: Pressures: _____ / _____ Other (describe): Continuity (0 resistance) to Ground on one or more legs Compressor drawing higher current than design Continuity (0 resistance) between two or more legs Compressor drawing locked rotor current (3 phase units) Runs without pumping: Pressures: _____ / _____ Other (describe): Final Determination of Failure Liquid Floodback Low Superheat Debris Defective Expansion Valve Low Sump Oil Insufficient Motor Cooling Other (Describe): Diagnostic/Corrective Action Summary Describe what corrective action was taken to prevent a repeat failure. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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PSIG PSIG (At access fitting nearest TXV) Suction Pressure PSIG PSIG PSIG PSIG (At compressor) Liquid Line Temperature °F °F °F °F (At access fitting nearest TXV) Suction Temperature °F °F °F °F (At Compressor) Refrigerant Sight Glass Condition (Clear, Intermittent Vapor, Flashing) Comp. Oil Level Sight Glass ½ ¾ F ½ ¾ F ½ ¾ F ½ ¾ F (Shut down comps., wait 5 minutes) Desert Aire - SP Manual...
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