Another Chiller Teardown & Rebuild

[Tech Rob]

And here's the view just outside the chiller plant door

[AiResearch]

Hey Rob can you describe the "air run" with the suction elbow off that you mentioned in your other tear down thread? For those of us who dont know.

Im assuming it is not to check rotation.

[Tech Rob]

Sure! An "air run" is when you start the chiller while it is still disassembled to do a balance check and make sure none of the parts interfere with one another once the shaft starts spinning. The process only takes a few minutes. Most chillers have some safeties that need to be defeated before you can do this.

If you replace any part of the rotating assembly like the motor or impellers, you will need to have it balanced. Typically, if you re-use all of these parts, nothing needs to be changed as far as balance is concerned. It still must be checked, though. It's better to find out while it's all still disassembled, than to find out after it's re-assembled, evacuated, and charged.

[AiResearch]

I gotcha. That makes sense.

So you are discharging atmosphere into the condenser? What happens to the motor current during the procedure?

Do you allow it to come up to speed or just bump the starter?

I would assume one wouldnt do this on a McQuay.

That would be scarier than Halloween!

[AiResearch]

And here's the view just outside the chiller plant door

Tampa?

Niiiiiice.

[jnsrose]

Awsome pics. Love the work you do. Especially love the way you talk us through each pic. Thank you for sharing.

[Tech Rob]

So you are discharging atmosphere into the condenser? What happens to the motor current during the procedure?

Yes. Motor current is only a little higher than the bare minimum it takes to spin the rotor. You're just moving air around with no head pressure.

Do you allow it to come up to speed or just bump the starter?

Full speed in delta, preferably

I would assume one wouldnt do this on a McQuay.

I don't see why not. I'll let you know when I try it. The impeller is no less destructive when it hits with the elbow on???

That would be scarier than Halloween!

Serious pucker factor there, for sure.

Tampa?

I don't know how you could tell from a picture of some boats and generic condo buildings??? You must know the area pretty well, huh?

Niiiiiice.

Awsome pics. Love the work you do. Especially love the way you talk us through each pic. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you, sir.

.

[milkyway]

This is the end of the oil pump that is directly coupled to the motor. Oil comes in through the top port and is discharged through the copper line attached to the bottom port.



Y the tube in the copper?

[socotech]

Nice job. I bet you would make a great instructor.

[milkyway]

Lol !!! HE IS-- to thousands -- hehe

[AiResearch]

Rob a while back we had a conversation and I remember something about you relocating to the Tampa area. Haha I'm not that good. But a Floridian can tell its definitely Florida.

Why not air run the McQuay.... Loose papers within 25 yards beware! No really a 126 unit 1,000 tonner would have a 12.6 inch wheel running at about 12,500 rpm after transition. The intake velocity might be extreme there for a minute and quite loud and dangerous. These units have expansion valves so the condenser would fill up almost immediately and the compressor would probably surge itself to pieces. Plus the chiller would be contaminated with air and moisture. Not as big of a deal with a low pressure Trane I'm sure.

[Sicofthis]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

[Nuclrchiller]

I just want to point out to some of the people viewing this Open Forum that Rob is being kind to share his experiences with us, and his purpose is not to educate, or train, to the point of anyone being qualified to perform this work (at least, I believe so). I especially am concerned with the folks who may be watching, but not participating in the discussion. There, I feel better now. Carry on. Oh, and I agree completely with the comment about making a great instructor.

[milkyway]

It is a great (privilege) that this is on the web and that my pimp daddy ROBO ROB is sharing the critical tear down ,.
Thx rob and nu chiller

Grab ur balls and jump in if u dare.,
Just remember, if one does so and things go south, it is a feeling that will prob linger for while. Scary ****zsz

[Freightshaker]

I just want to point out to some of the people viewing this Open Forum that Rob is being kind to share his experiences with us, and his purpose is not to educate, or train, to the point of anyone being qualified to perform this work (at least, I believe so). I especially am concerned with the folks who may be watching, but not participating in the discussion. There, I feel better now. Carry on. Oh, and I agree completely with the comment about making a great instructor.

WHAT?! I was already on step four

[AiResearch]

I agree. Rob took extra time and effort on pictures and text for us! What a great guy, and a great air cond man.

[Nuclrchiller]

WHAT?! I was already on step four

That's a good one, 'shaker.

[socotech]

You need to copyright this thread fast!

[Nuclrchiller]

It is a great (privilege) that this is on the web and that my pimp daddy ROBO ROB is sharing the critical tear down ,.
Thx rob and nu chiller

Grab ur balls and jump in if u dare.,
Just remember, if one does so and things go south, it is a feeling that will prob linger for while. Scary ****zsz

Well,... you're welcome milkyway, but this is all Rob. "Grab ur balls"? OK, now I'm really concerned...

[Tech Rob]

Thanks a lot for the comments, guys. I appreciate it.

AiResearch, as far as the hypothetical McQuay air-run goes, I will leave that one alone for now lol

Socotech, I do occasionally teach some classes for work now, although I would not call myself a seasoned instructor. I have a great deal of social anxiety and it's difficult for me to get up in front of people and be the center of attention and be the answer man. It never gets any easier for me, either... I guess I keep volunteering for it because I am a nerd and I do love to talk shop and share experiences with people who do the same stuff