System Contamination Clean-Up; General; Determining Severity Of Contamination - Manitowoc Q450 Service Technician's Handbook

SYSTEM CONTAMINATION CLEAN-UP

General

This section describes the basic requirements for
restoring contaminated systems to reliable service.
Manitowoc Ice, Inc. assumes no responsibility for
the use of contaminated refrigerant. Damage
resulting from the use of contaminated refrigerant is
the sole responsibility of the servicing company.

Determining Severity Of Contamination

System contamination is generally caused by either
moisture or residue from compressor burnout entering
the refrigeration system.
Inspection of the refrigerant usually provides the first
indication of system contamination. Obvious moisture
or an acrid odor in the refrigerant indicates
contamination.
If either condition is found, or if contamination is
suspected, use a Total Test Kit from Totaline or a
similar diagnostic tool. These devices sample
refrigerant, eliminating the need to take an oil sample.
Follow the manufacturer's directions.
If a refrigerant test kit indicates harmful levels of
contamination, or if a test kit is not available, inspect
the compressor oil.
1. Remove the refrigerant charge from the ice
machine.
2. Remove the compressor from the system.
3. Check the odor and appearance of the oil.
4. Inspect open suction and discharge lines at the
compressor for burnout deposits.
5. If no signs of contamination are present, perform an
acid oil test.
Check the chart on the next page to determine the
type of cleanup required.
Important
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