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'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

Files Referenced:

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