Split system start up – ClimaCool IOM AR2 SERIES User Manual

Page 30

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SECTION 3.0 - START-UP

3.1 General

Once installation is complete, check the following:

• All refrigerant and electrical connections must be tight .

Tighten all loose wire terminal connections that may have

loosened in shipping .

• The compressor oil is at the proper level in the oil sight

glass (when provided) for the compressor being used . See

“Compressor Oil Charge .”

• Check initial settings of thermostats and pressure controls .

All adjustable pressure controls and valves will require a final

adjustment with the use of a compatible gauge

• Check the control panel to be sure that all wiring is in accord

with the unit wiring diagram .

• Check all three phase motors for proper rotation .

3.2 Compressor Precautions

Care must be taken when initially starting a system or when the

system has been off for an extended period . At this time, the

compressor may contain liquid refrigerant . Simply starting the

system and walking away may result in irreparable compressor

damage not covered under warranty . To prevent compressor

damage, one or more of the following steps may be used:

• All compressors can be supplied with optional crankcase

heater . These must be activated for 24 hours prior to starting

the compressor . Be sure to check that the heater is functional .

This can be done by simply touching the compressor in the

area of the heater . It should feel warm to the touch . This

check should be performed shortly after energizing the heater

and again prior to starting the compressor . If the compressor

is cold, do not attempt to start it . Locate the source of the

problem, correct it and wait 24 hours before starting the

compressor .

• Use a “safe” heat source such as a heat lamp on the

compressor crankcase for approximately ½ hour before

start-up . Never use a torch or heat gun . They can raise system

pressures to dangerous levels in a very short time resulting in

injury to personnel as well as property damage .

• After following steps 1 and 2 above, you can be relatively

certain that no liquid refrigerant is left in the compressor . This

does not mean that liquid refrigerant is not present elsewhere

in the low side . To avoid compressor damage on startup,

deactivate the liquid solenoid and “bump” the compressor,

using the controller “POWER” switch, several times . The

first 2 or 3 times the compressor is “bumped”, it should not be

allowed to run more than 2 or 3 seconds . Increase the run time

to 5, 10 and 15 seconds over the next 3 “bumps” . This will

rapidly reduce low side pressure causing any liquid to boil off

quickly . At this point it is usually safe to allow the compressor

to run .

• After starting the compressor, listen for unusual sounds

such as knocking . Should they be heard, immediately stop

the compressor . Do not restart until the problem is resolved .

While scroll compressors are more tolerant to liquid

refrigerant than reciprocating types of compressors, the above

precautions should still be observed Rotational direction is

very important with three phase scroll compressors . Running

these compressors with reversed rotation will result in damage

not covered by warranty . When starting a three phase scroll

compressor, refrigerant pressure gauges must be attached to

both the high and low pressure ports provided on the system .

With the compressor rotating in the proper direction, system

suction pressure should drop and discharge pressure should

rise to appropriate levels within a few seconds after the

compressor is started . If this is not the case, the compressor

is probably running in reversed rotation . Each chiller is

computer tested and all three phase motors (i .e . pumps and

compressors) are in proper phase when it leaves the factory .

Turn the power off at the main disconnect and reverse any two

of the three main power leads and restart . Observe the suction

and discharge pressure gauges to verify that the compressor

is rotating correctly . If pressures are still not appropriate,

some other problem has developed which must be found and

corrected prior to running the system .

Split System Start Up