After working with compressors for nearly three decades, there’s one mistake I see people making time and time again when it comes to their compressor maintenance. They keep their daily logs, recording necessary temperatures regularly, but when they’re through, they simply put the logs aside and don’t look at them again. The results are not analyzed for corrective measures, if discovered. Are you looking back to ensure you’re addressing the inconsistencies and issues you notice during your compressor evaluations? Analyzing the daily logs is just as important as writing it down.
Qualifications of a proper analyst
It’s important to have competent refrigeration personnel analyzing the daily logs for your compressor, performing the necessary corrective measures based on their findings. What qualifies refrigeration personnel as “competent”?
- Extensive knowledge of refrigeration operations and maintenance
- Formal training from institutions such as RETA (Refrigeration Engineers and Technicians Association)
Personnel should use their analysis to drive proper corrective measures, including verification, calibration and troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting common compressor issues
High oil temperatures
High oil temperatures could be linked to a variety of issues/components such as suction superheat or low refrigerant levels. Here are some things to check:
- High pressure receiver level
- High suction superheat
- Liquid injection not operating correctly (if applicable)
- Oil clogging in oil cooler (if applicable)
High discharge temperature
If your compressor is experiencing high discharge temperature, it must be addressed promptly for obvious reasons: it can cause shutdowns, compressor damage and more.
If you notice your compressor has a high discharge temperature, be sure to check for:
- Oil cooling issues
- High suction superheat
- Verification of temperature calibrations
Oil loss
If your compressor is experiencing oil loss, the results could cause system shutdowns, oil migration issues or low oil pressure. If left unresolved, oil loss could damage your compressor. If you’re unsure of the source of the oil loss, check your:
- Coalescer filters
- Oil return system
- Package check valves
Click below for a downloadable spreadsheet you can use during your daily compressor rounds.
