refrigerant stuck in receiver

[jeffcolledge]

I was working on a ice making system today. I had to change out one of the two carlyle 06ey450 compressors. I pumped down the system using all three liquid line hand valves (very old). These compressors are twinned together, so they usually run simutaneously. The receiver raised to about 1/4 full in the sight glass. I then disconnected the power to both compressors while I replaced one. It took me the better part of the day, and I'm not quite done yet. So, I figured I would start up the other compressor and front seat the valves on the dormant one until tomorrow. The problem was, I coulden't get the ref out of the rec. My suction would go into a vacuum and my head would not change, I just wasn't moving any ref. I ended up pumping liquid from the bottom of my rec. through my guages, into the suction header so that the compressor could build some head pressure and start moving some gas. Eventually, it worked. My question is...is this normal? I'm kinda new to ref rack systems of this size (25hp each) and just thought I'd get some input. Thanks guys!

[shaun66]

why are you trying to dump reciever to change a pump - your post is losing me

[jeffcolledge]

Originally posted by shaun66
why are you trying to dump reciever to change a pump - your post is losing me


I didn't use a pump, I used the compressor to pump liquid from the rec. into the suc header. The pressure was about 210psi (R507) in the rec. , so I figured if I could raise my suction and give the comp something to pump, I could raise the pressure going into my rec and therefore move some gas. It ended up working, just thought I'd see if it was a common practice.

[icemeister]

Originally posted by jeffcolledge
.....The problem was, I coulden't get the ref out of the rec. My suction would go into a vacuum and my head would not change, I just wasn't moving any ref. I ended up pumping liquid from the bottom of my rec.

Not much to go on, but it sounds like something wasn't open and you assumed it was. Sleep on it Jeff.......you'll figure it out. ;)

[stenfam]

I have freed a liquid receiver AND oil seperator before by using a hand oil pump and pumping backwards. Adding a little oil.(if you have ports on this system) at first I thought it may only last an hour, a day, but it seems to work.(if you can free them) if not...

[gerryboy00]

check head pressure control valve,(might be condensor flooding valve (ORI) combine with discharge by pass valve.(ORD)....out of adjustment

once adjust correctly check refrig. charge...might need some

[jeffcolledge]

Originally posted by gerryboy00
check head pressure control valve,(might be condensor flooding valve (ORI) combine with discharge by pass valve.(ORD)....out of adjustment

once adjust correctly check refrig. charge...might need some
System has both. I think you're right...I'll centre my attention there and make appropriate adjustments...thanks for the input.

[R12rules]

That must be some ice maker! Two 25hp units!

[mccool]

Originally posted by icemeister

Originally posted by jeffcolledge
.....The problem was, I coulden't get the ref out of the rec. My suction would go into a vacuum and my head would not change, I just wasn't moving any ref. I ended up pumping liquid from the bottom of my rec.

Not much to go on, but it sounds like something wasn't open and you assumed it was. Sleep on it Jeff.......you'll figure it out. ;)

Must be a liquid line solenoid on time delay? in the equation!

[dschwab9]

What would be the purpose in starting the compressor before the liquid line solenoid opened?

[jeffcolledge]

Originally posted by R12rules
That must be some ice maker! Two 25hp units!
Yeah, it makes 9000lbs/day!

[stenfam]

one of those .. what should I call em... tube ice makers?

[icemeister]

That's a lot of horsies for only 9000 lbs/day. I service a 2000 lb/day cracked ice unit that only has a 4 HP pump on it.

What kind of machine is this, jeff?

[frozensolid]

I work on a Howe 101rl flaker at production bakery, it puts out 20,000 pounds a day. I believe it has Two twenty five horse units. They might be twenties. You could put a fifty five gallon drum of beer in it and still have room for ice.

[icemeister]

40-50 HP for 20,000 lbs/day of ice.......that's more like it.

[jeffcolledge]

Originally posted by icemeister
That's a lot of horsies for only 9000 lbs/day. I service a 2000 lb/day cracked ice unit that only has a 4 HP pump on it.

What kind of machine is this, jeff?
There are two 3000lb Maja units and one 3000lb Howe I was told they were 25 hp, the model # are 06ey450-140. I'ts working great now with both of them working. Thanks for the input!