Continental 75 Ton Chiller Barrel

[RCAVH]

Been working on this Continental chiller dont have the model number in front of me. Basically had one of the techs condemn the chiller barrel due to restriction on one of the five circuts. Four out of the five circuits run fine. Tried to pass nitrogen through and could get barely anything on the other side. New txv and drier installed. Basically my question is has anyone seen a internally crushed barrel from freezing. Was thinking maybe oil logged. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[RichardL]

Yes....It is common for a D/X chiller to freeze and crush the tubes, the reasons are many that can and will cause this...Sounds like you was lucky that the tubes did not pull free from the crown sheet and flood the circuit in question..Many of these Acme type evaporators have aluminum star inserts inside the tubes to increase the ref. velocity and enhance the heat transfer..As far as logging the evaporator with oil enough to obstruct flow to the extent you are talking, I cannot imagine any oil I have seen that would do that. You want positive proof...Pump all the circuits down and pull the heads off the evaporator(both ends), You should be able to see the tubes that have crushed without any problem. I love these EMS set-ups that cycle the chiller on & off with the flow switch, allowing the chiller compressor to pump-down without any water flow...The refrigerant smell coming from the chill water relief valve smells like..........Money$$$$$$

[cperk]

I have never seen one crush all the tubes where no pressure could go through. Especially if it's the only circuit on a 5 circuit system. It looks like some more circuits would be giving you problems.