Trane Charge Buster

**nchvac** · 08-14-2008, 05:56 PM

I worked on a small Trane Heat pump today that had a part that resembles a liquid line dryer on the liquid line inside of the unit before the TXV. It had the words Trane Charge Buster on it, and I am just wondering if this is indeed a liquid line dryer. Thanks

**Healey Nut** · 08-14-2008, 06:44 PM

Nope Its an accumulator..

**hands** · 08-14-2008, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by graham

Nope Its an accumulator..

If it's before the TXV, it wouldn't be an accumulator, but it could be a receiver.

**Healey Nut** · 08-14-2008, 07:06 PM

Yep your right its a reciever . shouldnt drink before posting ??????

**nchvac** · 08-14-2008, 07:30 PM

The accumulator would be on the suction line. I am not clear on this being a reciever because it if installed in a vertical position. It looks like a normal filter dryer in the vertical position. I am wondering what a reciever would be doing on a residential Trane unit. I thought that was big boy stuff. Thanks

**jimj** · 08-14-2008, 07:48 PM

If its before the reversing valve its a muffler, if its before the indoor TXV its a drier. Trane normally does not use accumulator because of the Climatuff compressor.

**jimj** · 08-14-2008, 07:50 PM

If you have a model# i'll check for you.

**nchvac** · 08-16-2008, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by jimj

If you have a model# i'll check for you.

I'll get it monday.

Usually, the muffler is located on the hot gas discharge line right after the compressor to help control the compressor noise. I will check for the accumulator. I am pretty sure I saw one, but the unit was running and I was in a hurry.

**corny** · 08-16-2008, 10:30 PM

Its a charge robber designed to steal away a little refrigerant during heating operation.

I guess.....cause I dont know exactly what the OP is seeing

But from the factg that he is seeing a trane label with "charge buster" on it...Im going to go ahead and ASSume its a charge robber.

**nchvac** · 08-17-2008, 01:54 AM

Originally Posted by corny

Its a charge robber designed to steal away a little refrigerant during heating operation.

I guess.....cause I dont know exactly what the OP is seeing

But from the factg that he is seeing a trane label with "charge buster" on it...Im going to go ahead and ASSume its a charge robber.

Great, now I HAVE to go take that panel back off, because I think that you are right. It may have indeed said robber instead of buster. I assume that this device takes the place of an accumulator? Please advise as to how it works, because it just looks like a liquid line dryer to me. Thanks

**BigJon3475** · 08-17-2008, 02:17 AM

"6. Charge Compensator: The use of a charge compensator (low side receiver model PR 3083 manufactured by Parker Hannifin) in heat pump applications is another way of controlling refrigerant. This receiver mounts in the suction line coming from the outdoor coil to the reversing valve. Do not get this line confused with the common suction line from the reversing valve to the compressor where an accumulator is normally installed. During the heating mode, refrigerant is pulled into the receiver/compensator due to the low temperature of the suction line going through the device. During the heating mode, there can be a large percentage of the refrigerant charge backed up in the condenser (indoor coil in the heating mode). This backed up refrigerant can cause an increase in discharge pressure and a loss of heat output from the system. By storing this excess refrigerant in the low side receiver, the system would have better control of the refrigerant and the system efficiency would increase due to operating at a reduced high side pressure. Liquid return to the compressor during defrost could also be reduced, possibly eliminating the need for an accumulator. Prior to eliminating the accumulator, extensive system testing would be required to confirm all liquid surges (especially during defrost termination) have been reduced to a level that will not endanger the compressor."

http://www.bristolcompressors.com/InfoDocs/Application%20Bulletin%20101.doc

Does that sound like what it is?

**stomper56** · 08-17-2008, 02:53 AM

Very interesting iv never seem them let alone heard of them.
Makes sense though that reffer has to go somewhere during heat mode
Thats why i love this place, always learning something

Edit: tried to google it and only came up with one for lennox 222.00 list price gotta love it

**nchvac** · 08-17-2008, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by BigJon3475

"6. Charge Compensator: The use of a charge compensator (low side receiver model PR 3083 manufactured by Parker Hannifin) in heat pump applications is another way of controlling refrigerant. This receiver mounts in the suction line coming from the outdoor coil to the reversing valve. Do not get this line confused with the common suction line from the reversing valve to the compressor where an accumulator is normally installed. During the heating mode, refrigerant is pulled into the receiver/compensator due to the low temperature of the suction line going through the device. During the heating mode, there can be a large percentage of the refrigerant charge backed up in the condenser (indoor coil in the heating mode). This backed up refrigerant can cause an increase in discharge pressure and a loss of heat output from the system. By storing this excess refrigerant in the low side receiver, the system would have better control of the refrigerant and the system efficiency would increase due to operating at a reduced high side pressure. Liquid return to the compressor during defrost could also be reduced, possibly eliminating the need for an accumulator. Prior to eliminating the accumulator, extensive system testing would be required to confirm all liquid surges (especially during defrost termination) have been reduced to a level that will not endanger the compressor."

http://www.bristolcompressors.com/In...etin%20101.doc

Does that sound like what it is?

I am not so sure. I will have to go back and verify, but I am pretty sure that this device was located on the line feeding the outdoor TXV, which will definetely be a liquid line, not a suction. I looked at this pretty hard as I traced the lines out, but I will go back.

That was an interesting report. I am suprised to learn that refrigerant oil attracts refrigerant. I always thought that the refrigerant was attracted by the lower temps. I think that this is still true, but evidently the oil has some type of phenominon going on with the coolness that attracts the refrigerant. Otherwise, using a crankcase heater would not benefit much if the refrigerant was attracted merely to the oil, and not the cooler temps. Does this sound correct? Is this theory what you took out of that part of the report? Please advise. Thanks

Thread: Trane Charge Buster

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

Trane Charge Buster

Posting Permissions