In this troubleshooting situation you’re called out to a tavern to check on a beverage storage unit that, according to the complaint, is “not keeping things cool”.

The equipment is an under-counter unit (See Figure One) that employs a forced-air, finned evaporator and a forced-air, fan-cooled condenser. The system also uses a Yoder Loop that prevents sweating on the equipment cabinet, and a section of the capillary tube metering device is attached to the suction line to make up a heat exchanger assembly.

When you arrive and check the performance of this equipment that is operating in the run mode, and is designed to maintain a 38 to 42-degree box temperature, you find that there is virtually no cooling being accomplished. You also confirm the following:

…The compressor, condenser fan motor and evaporator fan motor are all running.

…There is no noise, hissing or gurgling at the capillary tube evaporator junction.

…The evaporator is not frosted.

…The condenser is cooler than normal.

…The refrigeration system high side pressure is lower than normal.

…The refrigeration system low side pressure is higher than normal.

…The current draw of the compressor is lower than normal.

Your troubleshooting question: What do you need to do in order to get this equipment back on line?

Compare your answer with ours HERE.

Publication date: 4/9/2018

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