
Mueller Compact Chiller, Models CP2-10 and CP2-20 Effective December 21, 2011
Installation and Operation Manual, Part No. 8826880 Revised June 7, 2023
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5.1 SYSTEM EVACUATION
With refrigerant piping completed and leak tested, the equipment is ready to evacuate. A quality vacuum pump
capable of a 500-micron vacuum is necessary for adequate and dependable system evacuation. Moisture in a
refrigeration system can cause corrosion, expansion valve freeze-up, and oil sludge.
Attach the vacuum pump to both the high- and low-side of the system through the compressor service valves and
evacuate to 500 microns. (All service valves, hand valves, and solenoids must be open during the evacuation.)
NOTE: Service valves are back-seating valves and must be in mid-position to open both sides of the system to the
evacuation pump.
IMPORTANT: As a final leak test, close the valve to the vacuum pump and ensure the vacuum is
maintained below 1,000 microns for five minutes.
5.2 SYSTEM CHARGING (ALSO REFER TO CONDENSING UNIT MANUAL)
With the system wired, plumbed, and evacuated, the unit is ready to charge with the appropriate refrigerant.
All charging lines and manifolds must be evacuated prior to admitting refrigerant into the system to prevent
contaminating the system with non-condensables.
1. Place the rotary switch in the pump position and ensure liquid solution circulation through the brazed-plate
evaporators. Admit liquid refrigerant into the evacuated system until low- and high-side pressure is above the
freeze point of the liquid solution or 0°C (32°F).
2. With the charging line connected to the receiver service valve, admit liquid refrigerant into the high side of the
system until the flow stops, due to pressure equalization between the high side and the refrigerant drum. Back
seat the service valve, close the manifold valve, and disconnect the charging line.
3. Energize the equipment and continue to admit liquid into the low side of the system until the liquid line sight
glass clears, indicating a fully charged system. It may be necessary to bypass the low-pressure control on the
initial start to prevent nuisance trips until the low-side pressure is above the cut-out point of control.
NOTE: If utilizing an E-Star HiPerForm condensing unit, liquid may be charged upstream of the accumulator heat
exchanger. Refer to the E-Star condensing unit manual for more detailed charging instructions.
5.3 SYSTEM STARTUP
This is a continuation of system charging and must be performed before the equipment can be left operating and
unattended, and involves checking and adjusting all safety and operating controls. Do not attempt to function safety
controls without some means of stopping the compressor in the event of extreme high or low-pressure conditions
that could damage the equipment. If the controls fail to function at setpoints, determine the cause and correct.
SAFETY ALERT: Bypassing any safety control step, other than for testing purposes, is dangerous to
personnel and equipment and nullifies the equipment warranty.
NOTE: Energize crankcase heaters and allow a minimum of four hours of operation before a compressor startup.
Ensure all service valves are open to avoid over-pressurization of system components.
Section 5.0 – Evacuation, Charging, and Startup of System