Micro channel coil care, on a unit with a compressor burnout

[wreakingHaVAC]

Carrier - Model# 38AUZA07A0G5A0A0A0

This unit has a micro channel condenser coil. I found the compressor windings are shorted to ground. I tested refrigerant acidity, with an instant test strip, which indicated it was acidic.
My question/concern is.... If the aluminum micro channel coil, can't handle coil cleaning chemicals, how do they hold up with acidic refrigerant inside of it?
Do I just do the RX-11 flush, replace the compressor, filter-dryer, vacuum to 500 microns, etc.
....or should I plan on replacing the coil as well...?

I called Carrier, and they told me, "I'm not sure."

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[BALloyd]

Yep....you were talking to Carrier all right. I am not sure....is the standard answer.

Carrier - Model# 38AUZA07A0G5A0A0A0

This unit has a micro channel condenser coil. I found the compressor windings are shorted to ground. I tested refrigerant acidity, with an instant test strip, which indicated it was acidic.
My question/concern is.... If the aluminum micro channel coil, can't handle coil cleaning chemicals, how do they hold up with acidic refrigerant inside of it?
Do I just do the RX-11 flush, replace the compressor, filter-dryer, vacuum to 500 microns, etc.
....or should I plan on replacing the coil as well...?

I called Carrier, and they told me, "I'm not sure."

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[Choclair]

I have always treated burn outs with a suction line filter dryer specifically made for burn outs. (ask your wholesaler). You can avoid any concerns you have with using a chemical scrubber this way.

Sporlan has an excellent article about this here: http://blog.parker.com/use-of-suctio...-after-burnout

Recheck your acid levels after operating the system for a few days/week and keeping an eye on your pressure drop across the suction dryer.

Carrier - Model# 38AUZA07A0G5A0A0A0

This unit has a micro channel condenser coil. I found the compressor windings are shorted to ground. I tested refrigerant acidity, with an instant test strip, which indicated it was acidic.
My question/concern is.... If the aluminum micro channel coil, can't handle coil cleaning chemicals, how do they hold up with acidic refrigerant inside of it?
Do I just do the RX-11 flush, replace the compressor, filter-dryer, vacuum to 500 microns, etc.
....or should I plan on replacing the coil as well...?

I called Carrier, and they told me, "I'm not sure."

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[BaldLoonie]

Putting RX11 in the coil means most of it will fall to the bottom and not blow out with nitrogen. I wouldn't want to do that. I think the idea of the high capacity driers is going to be your best bet. Then change once or twice or whatever it takes. Cut them open when you remove, see what it looks like in there.

[wreakingHaVAC]

Putting RX11 in the coil means most of it will fall to the bottom and not blow out with nitrogen. I wouldn't want to do that. I think the idea of the high capacity driers is going to be your best bet. Then change once or twice or whatever it takes. Cut them open when you remove, see what it looks like in there.

I planned on using high acid dryers... my concern and question, is regarding weather the acidic refrigerant will hurt the integrity of an all-aluminum coil.

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[BALloyd]

Well if you look up the material compatibility of aluminium vs. Inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid it is rated as poor.

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[pecmsg]

Standard Clean up procedures. if your that concerned Acid Away. Follow the instructions!

[timebuilder]

Standard Clean up procedures. if your that concerned Acid Away. Follow the instructions!

...or...QwikShot Acid Flush. That way everything, both the acid and the treatment, get removed by the dryer. Replace the dryer after that and you are done.

[wreakingHaVAC]

Well if you look up the material compatibility of aluminium vs. Inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid it is rated as poor.

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Agreed. Which is the reason for my concern.

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[wreakingHaVAC]

I am aware of the normal procedures, in the event of a burnout. I have used RX-11 flush and acid away in the past. However, my concern is if the aluminum, microchannel condenser coil; will be effected by the acidic refrigerant, currently sitting in it now. As well as the acid cleaning process...whether or not it's okay to use, on this coil type.

Also, thank you for your replies. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond.

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[timebuilder]

Agreed. Which is the reason for my concern.

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It's a worthy concern. That's why I made the Qwik Shot Acid Flush suggestion.

[wreakingHaVAC]

It's a worthy concern. That's why I made the Qwik Shot Acid Flush suggestion.

You think it would be okay to use, on this coil? I'll give it a shot.
Thank you.

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[timebuilder]

You think it would be okay to use, on this coil? I'll give it a shot.
Thank you.

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You can always call tech support at Mainstream Engineering. They make it.

https://www.qwik.com/

[wreakingHaVAC]

You can always call tech support at Mainstream Engineering. They make it.

https://www.qwik.com/

They make what? The coil?

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[David Goodman]

I appreciate your concern, and I hadn’t thought about the possible acid corrosion problem in these coils until I read your post.

Aluminum micro channel coils have been around for more than 10 years now.

It seems as though no one here has been experiencing problems after burnouts with these coils. So, it wouldn’t appear to be an issue. (at least not yet)

[wreakingHaVAC]

I appreciate your concern, and I hadn’t thought about the possible acid corrosion problem in these coils until I read your post.

Aluminum micro channel coils have been around for more than 10 years now.

It seems as though no one here has been experiencing problems after burnouts with these coils. So, it wouldn’t appear to be an issue. (at least not yet)

Thank you for your reply.
You make a great point. I just know, that all manufacturers of this coil, state, "Wash coil with water only." That's what started the alarm bells in my head about acidic refrigerant.

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[wreakingHaVAC]

They make what? The coil?

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Sorry... that was a stupid question. That's obviously the website of the quick shot acid wash....
I will reach out to them and ask them. If they say it shouldn't be a problem, then I will try it. Thanks again.

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[David Goodman]

Thank you for your reply.
You make a great point. I just know, that all manufacturers of this coil, state, "Wash coil with water only." That's what started the alarm bells in my head about acidic refrigerant.

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And water works so well on greasy restaurant package units.

[wreakingHaVAC]

And water works so well on greasy restaurant package units.

Ha!

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