be maintained as closely as possible, but a variation of 5 percent is permissible. The inhibited acid solution is made up of the following:
1. Water.
2. Commercial hydrochloric (muriatic) acid with specific gravity of 1.19. Eleven quarts of acid should be used for each 10 gallons of water.
3. Three and two-fifths ounces of inhibitor powder for each 10 gallons of water used.
4. Place the required amount of water in a nongalvanized metal tank or wooden barrel, and add the necessary amount of inhibitor powder while stirring the water. Continue stirring the water until the powder is completely dissolved; then add the required quantity of acid.
WARNING
NEVER add water to acid; this mistake may cause an explosion.
In charging the system with an acid solution when GRAVITY FLOW is used, introduce the inhibited acid as shown in figure 7-18. Do not add the solution faster than the vent can exhaust the gases generated during cleaning. When the condenser has been filled, allow the solution to remain overnight.
When FORCED CIRCULATION is used, the valve in the vent pipe should be fully opened while the solution is introduced into the condenser but must be closed when the condenser is completely charged and the solution is circulated by the pump. When a centrifugal pump is used, the valve in the supply line may be fully closed while the pump is running.
The solution should be allowed to stand or be circulated in the system overnight for cleaning out average scale deposits. The cleaning time also depends on the size of the condenser to be cleaned. For extremely heavy deposits, forced circulation is recommended, and the time should be increased to 24 hours. The solution acts more rapidly if it is warm, but the cleaning action is just as thorough with a cold solution if adequate time is allowed.
After the solution has been allowed to stand or has been circulated for the required time through the condenser, it should be drained and the condenser thoroughly flushed with water. To clean condensers with removable heads by using inhibited acid, use the above procedure without removing the heads.
However, extra precaution must be exercised in flushing out the condenser with clear water after the acid has been circulated through the condenser to ensure acid removal from all water passages.
MAINTENANCE
A well-planned maintenance program avoids unnecessary downtime, prolongs the life of the unit, and reduces the possibility of costly equipment failure. It is recommended that a maintenance log be maintained for recording the maintenance activities. This action provides a valuable guide and aids in obtaining extended length of service from the unit. This section describes specific maintenance procedures, which must be performed as a part of the maintenance program of the unit. Use and follow the manufacturer's manual for the unit you are to do maintenance on. When specific directions or requirements are furnished, follow them. Before performing any of these operations, however, ensure that power to the unit is disconnected unless otherwise instructed.
WARNING
When maintenance checks and procedures must be completed with the electrical power on, care must be taken to avoid contact with energized components or moving parts. Failure to exercise caution when working with electrically powered equipment may result in serious injury or death.
Coil Cleaning
Refrigerant coils must be cleaned at least once a year or more frequently if the unit is located in a dirty environment. This action helps maintain unit operating efficiency and reliability. The relationship between regular coil maintenance and efficient/ reliable unit operation is as follows:
Clean condenser coils minimize compressor head pressure and amperage draw and promote system efficiency.
Clean evaporator coils minimize water carry-over and helps eliminate frosting and/or compressor flood-back problems. 7-16Continue Reading