The Problem
Typical filter clogging debris
As your air conditioner, refrigeration unit, or chiller runs, the compressor oil is naturally degrading, and the compressor naturally sheds some metal from wearing parts into the refrigerant stream.
Additionally, there may be actual metal slivers and other debris left over from the manufacturing process.
THIS IS COMMON TO ALL AC AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS. ALL.
Refrigerant systems are fitted with filters to trap these unwanted debris to remove them from the refrigerant / compressor oil mix to prevent damage and from building up in the refrigerant system, restricting the refrigerant flow and clogging up the metering device decreasing BTUs.
Filter Media
Many systems are also fitted with a refrigerant dryer that removes trace moisture from the refrigerant. This moisture is a product of natural oil degradation and may be caused by technician errors when working with the refrigerant circuit/s.
Eventually the debris builds up and is trapped by the filter media. A film of oil and debris forms in the filter and begins to restrict the refrigerant flow through the filter media. This causes the refrigerant system to become less efficient as more electrical power (KW) is required for the compressor to move the refrigerant through the cooling loop.
Technicians measure the temperature of the refrigerant entering and leaving the filter / dyer and determine the temperature difference or drop across the filter.
A temperature drop of over 2 degrees Fahrenheit indicates that the actual compressor electrical current exceeds the normal nameplate compressor run current. This indicates that there is a reduction in the unit’s cooling efficiency.
Eventually, any flow restriction is discovered either by observing that the system has less cooling capacity
(less BTU’s) or by a routine maintenance check of the refrigerant temperature at both ends of the filter / dryer.
Actual “bench test” cases show the Exc!ter® can increase the BTU’s per KWH (the amount of cooling per the cost of the electricity paid for) by 10% - 15% .
Actual FULLY INSTRUMENTED CERTIFIED “bench test” cases show the Exc!ter® can increase the BTU’s per KWH (the amount of cooling per the cost of the electricity paid for) by 10% - 15% .
