Trane Series R™ Helical Rotary Chiller RTHCD2F2F3

Warning: This maintenance check requires trained personnel with PPE!

Use a nondestructive tube test to inspect the condenser and evaporator tubes at 3-year intervals.

NOTE: It may be desirable to perform tube tests on these components at more frequent intervals, depending upon chiller application. This is especially true of critical process equipment.

Depending on chiller duty, contact a qualified service organization to determine when to conduct a complete examination of the unit to determine the condition of the compressor and internal components.

Nondestructive tube test passed?

Sign off on the chiller maintenance

CAUTION: Do not use untreated or improperly treated water, or equipment damage may occur.

Is the 'approach' temperature higher than predicted?

If the approach exceeds 10°F, cleaning the condenser tubes is recommended.

Remove the retaining bolts from the water boxes at each end of the condenser.

Work a round nylon- or brass- bristled brush in and out of each of the condenser water tubes to loosen the sludge.

Thoroughly flush the condenser water tubes with clean water.

Warning: This procedure requires trained personnel with PPE!

Run the unit fully loaded for approximately 20 minutes

Attach the 3/8” or 1/2” hose with a sightglass in the middle to the oil sump drain valve and the condenser service valve at the top of the condenser

After the unit is off line for 10 minutes move the sightglass along the edge of the condenser tubesheet at the same height of the oil sump

Enter the oil level from the bottom of the oil sump

If the level appears to be above 8”, the oil sump is completely full. Most likely more oil resides in the rest of the system and some oil needs to be removed until the level falls between 2” and 5” in the oil sump.

If the level is below 2”, there is not enough oil in the sump. This can occur from not enough oil in the system or more likely, oil migration to the evaporator. Oil migration can occur from a low refrigerant charge, gas pump malfunction, etc.

Confirm the operation of the gas pump

Warning: This procedure requires trained personnel with PPE!

Chiller shut down on a 'Low Oil Flow' diagnostic?

Compressor shut down on a 'Loss of Oil at Compressor (Running)' diagnostic?

Pressure drop between the two service valves in the lubrication circuit

If pressure drop exceeds the maximum level, proceed with the following steps

Isolate the oil filter by closing the two ball valves located before and after the filter

Relieve the pressure from the hydraulic line through the 1/4” schrader valve located between the ball valve and the oil filter (or the ball valve and oil cooler, if so equipped)

Use a rubber mallet to break loose the nut that secures the oil filter element to the filter manifold

Turn the nut clockwise until the filter element detaches from the manifold

CAUTION: To prevent oil sump heater burnout, open the unit main power disconnect switch before removing oil from the compressor.

Trane polyolester oil is the approved oil for the RTHC units. Polyolester oil is extremely hygroscopic meaning it readily attracts moisture. The oil can not be stored in plastic containers due to the hygroscopic properties. As with mineral oil, if water is in the system it will react with the oil to form acids.

Use Table 28 to determine the acceptability of the oil. The proper charge amounts are given in Table 29 .

Note: Use an oil transfer pump to change the oil regardless of chiller pressure.

Did you open the unit main power disconnect switch before removing oil from the compressor?

Did you use Trane polyolester oil for the RTHC units?

Did you store the oil in a non-plastic container?

Did you use an oil transfer pump to change the oil?

Sign off on the compressor oil maintenance