Solving & Preventing Oil Issues in Rack Refrigeration

In this HVAC podcast episode, hosts Bryan Orr and Matthew Taylor (refrigeration leader and trainer at Kalos Services) discuss oil management and considerations in supermarket refrigeration systems, with a focus on solving & preventing oil issues. They talk about the importance of stable system operation and how oil flows through both active and passive systems in these larger built-up racks.

Matthew explains that in a rack system, oil is actively separated and returned to the compressors through a dedicated system. However, not all oil gets captured this way, so the passive system of oil returning through the refrigeration cycle still occurs. Problems can arise in either system, leading to compressors locking out. Matthew stresses properly setting and regulating EPR valves to minimize load fluctuations that impact system stability.

Common issues covered include clogged oil separators, misadjusted or damaged oil controls, changes in suction pressure affecting oil flow, the impact of floating suction pressures, and troubleshooting overfilled compressors. Matthew offers tips like feeling the oil separator line temperature and using working racks as a guide when unsure of proper settings. The discussion highlights how poor defrost performance can indicate oil trapping issues.

Matthew and Bryan also cover:

Active vs passive oil management in racks
Setting EPR valves for stable operation
Clogged oil separators and failed floats
Suction pressure fluctuations disrupting oil flow
Strategies for floating suction pressures
Steps for readjusting oil controls
Signs of oil trapping issues in the refrigeration cycle
Using working racks to guide troubleshooting

Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

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#commercial refrigeration #market refrigeration #oil #Rack refrigeration #refrigeration

Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

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HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan interviews Zach from Southeast Clean Air Solutions about the intricacies of professional duct cleaning. Zach specializes in addressing duct cleaning challenges specific to the Southeastern climate, with a particular focus on fiberglass-lined ducts. The conversation delves into the complexities of cleaning different types of duct systems, highlighting the significant variations in time, technique, and approach depending on the duct materials and home configuration.

The discussion reveals that duct cleaning is far more nuanced than many homeowners realize. A typical residential duct cleaning can take between six to eight hours, with metal ductwork being significantly faster to clean than flexible ducts or fiberglass-lined systems. Zach emphasizes the importance of careful cleaning techniques, especially with delicate flex ducts that can easily be punctured or damaged during the cleaning process. He recommends a two-person approach, with one team member working inside the home and another in the attic or crawl space to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.

Beyond the cleaning process, the podcast explores critical maintenance strategies for maintaining clean and efficient HVAC systems. Zach and Bryan discuss the importance of proper filtration, home maintenance, and understanding when duct cleaning is truly necessary. They challenge the common misconception of a fixed cleaning schedule, instead advocating for system assessment based on specific conditions like household dust, humidity, and the health needs of home occupants.

Key Topics Covered:

Duct cleaning techniques for different duct materials (metal, flexible, fiberglass-lined)
Time requirements for professional duct cleaning
Challenges of cleaning ducts in various home configurations
Importance of proper filtration and maintenance
Factors determining duct cleaning frequency
Risks associated with poorly maintained duct systems
Two-person approach to thorough and safe duct cleaning
Specialized considerations for homes in humid climates
Post-cleaning sealant application for fiberglass-lined ducts

Learn more about NADCA and find certified duct cleaning contractors at https://nadca.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.