In this post, we will provide you with detailed steps on how to effectively detect a refrigerant gas shortage in refrigerators, without using gauges and without directly intervening in the equipment. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Essential Tools
To carry out an accurate diagnosis in refrigeration equipment, the essential tools are:
- Amperometric clamp: To measure the electrical consumption of the equipment.
- Digital thermometer with probe: To measure the temperature at different points in the system.
Step 2: Using the Amperometric Clamp
The amperometric clamp allows us to measure the electrical consumption without directly intervening in the equipment. We will use an external power cable to perform the current measurement and compare it with the equipment’s regular consumption.
Step 3: Verifying Electrical Consumption
One symptom of a refrigerant gas shortage is a decrease in electrical consumption measured by the amperometric clamp. With the equipment turned on and after several minutes, compare the value measured by the clamp with the regular consumption of the equipment. If the value is lower, this may indicate a gas shortage.
Step 4: Measuring Temperature in the Evaporator
Using the digital thermometer with a precision probe, measure the temperatures in the evaporator, both at its inlet and outlet. A significant temperature difference of more than 10 to 15 degrees is indicative of a refrigerant gas shortage.
Step 5: Temperature Difference in the Evaporator
Normally, the temperature difference between the evaporator’s inlet and outlet should be low, not exceeding 5 degrees. If the difference is greater, this could be a sign of a gas shortage.
Step 6: Measuring Temperature at the Compressor Discharge
Measure the temperature at the compressor discharge and compare it with the temperature at the condenser inlet. The temperature at the compressor discharge should be higher than the condenser inlet.
Step 7: Verifying Temperature Differences
If the temperature difference between the compressor discharge and the condenser inlet is considerable (around 10 degrees or more), this can also indicate a refrigerant gas shortage.
Step 8: Visual Inspection for Leaks
Visually check for any signs of oil marks, as this could indicate a leak. Also, ensure that the capillary tube does not show external freezing, which would indicate that it is working correctly.
Step 9: Conclusion
With these three main symptoms:
- Decrease in electrical consumption.
- High temperature difference in the evaporator.
- Significant difference between the compressor discharge temperature and the condenser inlet temperature.
