lowtemp ice.

[jeep6275]

hey guys,
i have a walkin freezer that has ice on the accumulator.
yeah i know low suct. temp will cause ice.
my question is, should this accumulator be insulated? the condensing unit is a 1 ton heatcraft. the accumulator is in the front left corner and close to the grate type front cover. the ice starts to incapsulate the grate and my customer is worried it could cause damage. the unit is about six yrs old and has always done it but he just noticed it. why arent these insulated at the factory?
thanks in advance

[smilies]

Purpose of an accumulator is to catch excess refrigerant and it will boil off in time while some is slowly fed through the pinhole in a u-tube. If you insulate it you are not helping its purpose.

[thegoodhumorman]

Originally posted by jerrycoolsaz
Purpose of an accumulator is to catch excess refrigerant and it will boil off in time while some is slowly fed through the pinhole in a u-tube. If you insulate it you are not helping its purpose.

Yeah what he said!!!

(cept the pinhole primarily for oil return...)

[icemeister]

Accumulators should be insulated to prevent condensation, ice buildup and excessive rusting of the shell. If additional heat is needed to quickly boil off liquid, use heat tape or change out the accumulator to one with a liquid boilout coil in it.

[markettech]

I've seen it both ways. Changed rusted out accumulators that had been insulated. Many of them not insulated. I think it comes down to what the customer wants to see. The ice isn't gonna hurt anything, but if he/she doesn't want to see it - insulate the accumulator.