Sea Frost DC 5000 - Manual (Page 32)

32
RFD SIGHT GLASS DETAIL
CLEAR (or empty) STATIONARY BUBBLES FOAM (low charge)
PROPER CHARGE AMOUNT
THE DC 5000 SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO HOLD 24 OUNCES. THIS IS EQUAL TO 2
CANS OF R-134a AS SUPPLIED WITH THE SYSTEM. THIS IS THE MAXIMUM
CHARGE. The sight glass must clear by the time the return line to the compressor
goes below 32 degrees F.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Operating pressures will vary with, water temperature, and water flow. Generally, the
discharge pressure will peak with a warm plate in five minutes. Increasing pressure
indicates an overcharge or no water flow. The suction pressure will drop to 25 psi at a
noticeable rate, and will then drop one pounds every two minutes or faster. The 1/2"
suction line will freeze and after extended operation the suction pressure will rest at
about zero psi. Suction pressure will drop more rapidly when the sea water is cold. A
vacuum will be indicated sooner. A deep vacuum indicates the V/U is frozen or plugged.
Failure to "pull down" indicates the V/U is malfunctioning or flooding.
The compressor case and motor will feel warm.
The V/U has been operated prior to shipment. There are no field superheat
adjustments.
SPECIAL NOTE
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND charging SEA FROST gear with bulk cylinders since it is
hard to determine how much refrigerant has been installed. The feed pressure with a
bulk cylinder can be higher which may cause skipping through the condenser, causing
bubbles in the sight glass. However, if bulk cylinders are used, keep the suction feed
pressure below 20 psi and add vapor only.
R-134a will become cloudy and indicate similar foaming in the sight glass as the
pressure on the discharge side of the systems becomes too great. Adding charge to
clear this condition will damage the compressor. See pages 37-38 for operating
pressure trend charts.