'Corrugated' - Micro Multi-Port Extruded Profile Condenser
Posted to HVAC Forum on 7/8/2013
16 Replies
"Corrugated" - Micro Multi-Port Extruded Profile Condenser
In September of 2012, I provided information on a Micro
Multi-Port Extruded Profile Condenser:
http://members.iatn.net/forums/read/msg.aspx?f=forum9&m=51629
In an update to the above, I provided information about
several types of MVAC condensers, including a Corrugated
Micro Multi-Port Condenser:
http://members.iatn.net/forums/read/msg.aspx?f=forum9&m=51650&fv=0&ar=461
http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-products/hvac-parts-[...].html
Recently, I encountered a vehicle, which just so happened to
have an OEM Corrugated Micro Multi-Port Extruded Profile
Condenser. The attached photos alone would have been
beneficial to upload here; however, this particular
condenser was diagnosed to be internally restrictive within
the first pass of the condenser.
The preliminary evaluation of the system indicated that
there was no visible evidence of a compressor type
particulate failure. The refrigerant oil (compressor and
system) was clear green (OEM WDD), with no visible
particulate within the refrigerant oil, and no abnormal
refrigerant oil discoloration(s).
Due to the unique circumstances involved, the condenser was
carefully cut open and sectioned; with the exception of the
flat tubes due to the micro-sizing.
The inlet down-flow manifold tube chamber and first pass aft
down-flow manifold tube chamber were not restricted; both
did not contain any compressor particulate or other type of
restriction.
The inlet manifold first pass cross-flow flat tube rows were
found restrictive; way more prevalent in the last two-third
rows down the manifold tube, chamber to chamber.
The orifice tube was slightly coated in a light tinted black
color, but did not have any other matter or debris at, near,
or on the orifice tube that was visible with the naked eye.
The orifice tube orifice and its screens were not found
restrictive in any obvious way and/or in any obvious manner.
As discussed here many times, refrigerant oil is necessary
to lubricate the compressor, lubricate any movable valving
(when applicable), and provide a barrier for corrosive
issues that do not have coatings or additional protective
measures. Other than mentioned, refrigerant oil is
considered a contaminate and hindrance to principles,
refrigerants, metering devices, and heat exchangers.
In this particular case, the refrigerant oil was subjected
to repeated elevated temperatures to the degree of thermal
degradation within the condenser; inclusive of its makeup,
additives, and characteristics.
The most common malady of this type of subjection and
outcome is called "Coking" in the refrigerant industry;
mainly because the oil degradation is the malady, and not
the compressor degradation as the originating malady common
to other situations. The degree of oil coking is
characteristic to the oil, as well as the inclusive
degradation factors and time elements.
Oil coking can start at the molecular level, which may seem
to be of no consequence, but has been proven otherwise,
especially with accelerated adverse layering conditions. In
such cases of abnormal continuous elevated temperatures, the
degree and speed can increase with any buildup and/or excess
temperature(s); or in other words, can compound
exponentially. The smaller the dimensions get with Micro
Multi-Port Extrude Profile Condensers, the greater the
adverse effects when problems arise.
The situation presented here is more than likely not
something that will occur on a frequent basis. If and when
the circumstances are where the condenser repeatedly and
continuously becomes deprived of releasing, and/or
problematic for transferring, heat significant to cause such
refrigerant oil thermal degradation and/or coking, this
information may be of some use.
In viewing the following photos, remember that the camera
has magnified and enhanced the photos.
Photos - Corrugated Micro Multi-Port Extruded Profile
Condenser:
1 - Corrugated Micro Multi-Port Extruded Profile
Condenser - Signature Introduction "Corrugated" - Micro
Multi-Port Extruded Profile Condenser
2 - Dime and Straight -Pin Cross-Sectional
3 - Cross-Section and Longitudinal
4 - Tip of Straight-Pin Dimensional Reference to
Corrugated Dimensional Reference
5 - Enhanced Longitudinal
6 - Straight-Pin Upright
7 - Straight-Pin Upright; Enhanced
8 - Paying Attention to Details: What do you see? What
do you not see? Residue! Color! Baked and/or Cooked!
9 - Paying Attention to Details: How many passes? What
pass? Where in the pass? How many rows? What row? Where in
the row? Passes . . . Rows? Vapor or liquid area? Wet or dry
w/ ref oil?
10 - Dime Dimensional Reference to Round Manifold Tube
Dimensional Reference
11- Round Manifold Tube - Note the Amount of Protrusion
- Corrugated Micro Multi-Port Extruded Flat Tube
12 - Internal View of Flat Tube Rows
13 - Another Internal View of Flat Tube Rows - Note the
Inside Color
14 - Dime Dimensional Reference to: Round Manifold Tube
Dimensional Reference; and Round Exit Tube Dimensional
Reference
15 - 45 Degree Angle View
16 - Relative Angle Top View
17 - Inside View of Final Pass Exit
18 - Closer Inside View of Final Pass Exit
19 - Side by Side Dimensional References
20 - Side by Side Comparison of Relative Pass
Protrusions Into the Manifold Chambers
21 - Another View: Side by Side Comparison of Relative
Pass Protrusions Into the Manifold Chambers - Note:
Associated Differences of Internal Colors for First Pass Aft
(Right) and Final Pass Exit (Left)
22 - Side by Side View of Internal Manifold Protrusions
and Pass Chambers
Glenn (H)
Glenn from Louisiana
16 Replies Received
(View Replies)
16 Replies Received
(Hide Replies)
|