compressor killer

[mizzouhvac]

I went to change out a compressor at a local factory yesterday and this is what I found in the system. I hope the pic posts, first time trying to attach a photo. Its not the best pic but it looked like someone had dumped Crisco covered in soot into this system. I had my suspicions about what killed this compressor and now I know.

[dandyme]

cut the piping back further to see what else you got

it looked to be dry what ever it is, or is it just the pic?

[RDF420]

Yes, the picture came out. To your knowledge, is that the first time that compressor has been replaced in that unit?

Best of luck cleaning that system up, otherwise you'll be back in a few months changing it again.

[aixha1969]

So what killed the compressor?

[mizzouhvac]

Yes this is the original comp on this system. Thought I would share this pic with you all. A little background on this jobsite...this is the second system like this i have found. This particular factory is cooled/heated with wshp. The major issue has been since the original contractor installed them they were put on a cooling tower that was insufficient to keep up with the load. It wasn't unusual to see 300-375 discharge pressure on these compressors year around. Another issues is filter change out is inconsistent. This factory is dirty and filter and coils plug readily, this of course leads to liquid slugging and they loose alot of compressors.

They had a new cooling tower installed last fall, so that is helping but after ten years on the old system alot of the damage is already done.

[Octopus]

Someone forgot to use nitro while brazing lol

[RDF420]

One of the nice things about WSHPs is that they are somewhat compact, you can fit a 5 ton unit above most ceilings without too much difficulty.

One of the drawbacks to this is that they need to cram A LOT of components into a small space, which really stings you when you need to clean up a bad burnout and have virtually nowhere to install an adequately sized suction drier, or even a liquid drier in most cases.

Then you have to go through the hassle of coming back in a few weeks, drop the unit again, acid test, remove suction drier and re-pipe

[local553]

One of the nice things about WSHPs is that they are somewhat compact, you can fit a 5 ton unit above most ceilings without too much difficulty.

One of the drawbacks to this is that they need to cram A LOT of components into a small space, which really stings you when you need to clean up a bad burnout and have virtually nowhere to install an adequately sized suction drier, or even a liquid drier in most cases.

Then you have to go through the hassle of coming back in a few weeks, drop the unit again, acid test, remove suction drier and re-pipe
do u put the cost of taking unit back down into your bid?

[absrbrtek]

Why? If there no pressure drop across the suction drier why bother. It is not hurting anything sitting there. JMHO
One of the nice things about WSHPs is that they are somewhat compact, you can fit a 5 ton unit above most ceilings without too much difficulty.

One of the drawbacks to this is that they need to cram A LOT of components into a small space, which really stings you when you need to clean up a bad burnout and have virtually nowhere to install an adequately sized suction drier, or even a liquid drier in most cases.

Then you have to go through the hassle of coming back in a few weeks, drop the unit again, acid test, remove suction drier and re-pipe

[ZeroTolerance]

Wouldn't that be wax from a burnout?

[mizzouhvac]

Yes sir wax it is.