ICESQUARE / Field installation
Field piping installation and compressor oil return
Some oil circulates with the refrigerant. The piping layout, especially on the suction side, must allow oil to return to the compressor under the intended operating conditions.
- Verify the route
- Install and protect
- Leak test
- Verify oil return
Confirm the actual route before installation
Survey lengths, rises, drops and equipment locations. Mark risers and sections that will be concealed. Check materials, joints, diameters and design pressure against the approved drawing. If elevation, routing or equipment position changes in the field, reassess pressure drop and oil return at minimum load.
Manage slope, supports and cleanliness
Follow the slopes in the drawing. Avoid sags that can collect oil and support the line for vibration and expansion without loading equipment connections. Use clean, dry tubing, keep it capped until assembly and protect the inside during brazing according to the procedure. Keep valves and service points accessible.
Size risers for minimum flow
As capacity drops, suction gas velocity may be too low to lift oil through the riser. A double riser may suit a wide flow range. The smaller branch operates at low load and the second branch comes into service as flow increases. Trap sizes and locations must follow the approved design. Where an oil separator is fitted, also verify the system that returns its oil to the compressor.
Verify oil return during commissioning
Leak-test and evacuate according to the equipment procedure. During commissioning, check the oil level or oil control signal where specified, both at steady minimum load and during transitions. If the level drops as capacity modulates, check routing, sequencing and the oil system. Before adding oil, determine whether it is trapped elsewhere in the system.
Guide for trained technicians. Follow the manufacturer’s procedure and limits for the refrigerant and equipment model being serviced.
Technical references
- Copeland · Refrigeration Manual, Part 4 · AE-104, System Design · “Refrigerant Piping”
- Danfoss · Application Guidelines · AB250386497483EN-000701 · “Design Piping”
- Copper Development Association · Copper Tube Handbook · A4015-24/23 · “Brazed Joints”
- Danfoss · VZH088-117-170 Gen3 Application Guideline · AB300034185311EN-000501 · “Oil Boost”