Vogt Tube-Ice HFO-10-SYS450 User manual

Vogt Tube-Ice®
Mid-Size Machines
HFO10 - SYS450
Manual Part Number 12A4171M16
Vogt Ice®, LLC
1000 W. Ormsby Ave.
Suite 19
Louisville, KY 40210 USA
Since 1880
Sales + Service: 1-502-635-3000
Parts: Your Local Distributor
SuperCare Technical: 1-502-635-3510 or 1-502-635-3052
Service Manual
$50.00 USD

Important Safety Information
Any improper attempt to repair major equipment may result in personal injury, property damage,
or loss of life. Before installing, operating, adjusting, or servicing the HFO10, please read this manual and
become familiar with its contents, understand the operation of this machine, and be aware of possible dangers.
Safety Symbols and What They Mean
Heed the following safety symbols, which may appear in this manual and/or on the machine.
Symbol
Meaning
Danger: Indicates an immediate hazard and that special precautions are necessary to
avoid severe personal injury or death.
Warning: Indicates a strong possibility of a hazard and that an unsafe practice could
result in severe personal injury.
Caution: Indicates that hazards or unsafe practices could result in personal injury or
damage to product or property.

NOTICE
This manual belongs to the owner of the following Vogt Ice machine:
Model #____________________ Serial #____________________
This manual must remain on the premises with the above-listed machine at all times. After machine start-up,
store the manual in a safe place where it can be readily available for future reference in maintaining,
troubleshooting, or servicing the machine. Designate a person to be responsible for the manual.
Failure to comply with this notice will result in unnecessary inconvenience and possible additional expenses.
This manual is designed to assist with the installation, start-up, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and
servicing of this equipment. This Tube-Ice® machine is designed to provide a lifetime of service when installed,
maintained, and serviced properly.
This information is intended for use by individuals with adequate backgrounds in electrical, refrigeration, and
mechanical expertise. Neither the manufacturer nor seller is responsible for the interpretation of this
information, nor can they assume any liability in connection with its use.
If a situation calls for additional information not found in this manual, contact your distributor. If further
assistance or information is needed, contact the factory by calling 1-502-635-3000 or faxing 1-502-635-3024.
Please read this manual carefully before attempting installation, operation, or servicing of this professionally
designed piece of equipment.
The SuperCare group at Vogt Ice, LLC, provides assistance for all customer service needs, including part sales and
warranty support. SuperCare also conducts training schools at the factory and can offer onsite training if
needed.
The model and serial number of this Vogt equipment is located on the nameplate attached to the electrical
control panel. If an electrical control panel was not furnished with this machine, the nameplate is located on the
equipment frame or paneling. To enable SuperCare to handle your questions quickly and accurately, refer to the
model and serial number when making inquiries about this machine.
Warranty Registration/Start-Up Form
The Warranty Registration/Start-Up Form on the next page must be completed and returned to Vogt Ice, LLC,
within 2 weeks after the official start-up of the machine to initiate and ensure a full warranty. The form must be
completed and either mailed to the address below, scanned and emailed to [email protected]om, or faxed to
1-800-770-8648. This form is also available online at www.vogtice.com/warrantyregistration/.
Please mail the completed form to:
Vogt Ice, LLC
1000 W. Ormsby Ave.
Suite 19
Louisville, KY 40210 USA

Vogt Ice, LLC
1000 W. Ormsby Ave, Ste. 19
Louisville, KY 40210 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Vogt Order No.:
THIS FORM MUST BE SENT TO VOGT TO ACTIVATE
WARRANTY
Warranty Registration/Start-Up Form –Mid-Size Tube-Ice® Machines
Model Number:
Serial Number:
This form must be filled out completely and signed by the customer in order to assure acceptance by Vogt.
Date of Start-Up:
Form Completed By:
Distributor
Company Name:
Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Service Company
Company Name:
Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Customer (Location of Equipment)
Company Name:
Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
PRE-OPERATION CHECK
OPERATION CHECK
Machine room suitable (50°F [10°C] min./110°F [43°C] max.)
Power Supply ____ V _____ Hz (machine not running)
Compressor crankcase heater on 12-hour minimum
(packaged only)
All valves opened or closed as tagged
Solenoid valve stems in auto position
System checked for leaks and none found; all connections
tight
Auxiliary equipment overloads wired into control circuit
Water supply and drains connected properly
Sufficient makeup water supplied (minimum 30 psig [2 bar])
Instruction manual and warranty certificate left onsite
Name of person left with:
________________________________________
Pump motor rotation direction correct
Compressor motor rotation direction correct (packaged only)
Power supply ____ V ____ Hz (machine running)
Water pump amps RLA ____ Actual ____
Condenser motor amps ____ (packaged only, if applicable)
Incoming water temperature ____ °F (°C)
Clear ice Yes No
Suction pressure (psig [bar]): End of freeze ____
End of defrost ____ (packaged only)
Discharge pressure (psig [bar]): End of freeze ____
End of defrost ____ (packaged only)
Comments:
I certify that I have performed all the above procedures.
Technician Signature:
Customer Signature:

i
Table of Contents
HFO10 Mid-Size Ice Machine
Important Safety Information ................................................................................................................................3
Safety Symbols and What They Mean................................................................................................................3
NOTICE....................................................................................................................................................................4
Warranty Registration/Start-Up Form....................................................................................................................4
Chapter 1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................1-1
Chapter 2 How the HFO10 Machine Works............................................................................................2-1
Principles of Operation....................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Model Number ................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Piping.................................................................................................................................................................. 2-3
Freezing Period................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Harvest Period.................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Refrigeration System Overview.......................................................................................................................... 2-7
Charging Refrigeration Systems ..................................................................................................................... 2-8
Chapter 3 Receipt of Machine...............................................................................................................3-1
State of New Machine........................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Inspection ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Delivery Inspection Checklist.......................................................................................................................... 3-1
Safety Tags and Labels........................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Pressure Relief Valves......................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Machine Location ............................................................................................................................................... 3-2
Equipment Storage............................................................................................................................................. 3-2
Rated Capacity.................................................................................................................................................... 3-2
Chapter 4 Installation of the HFO10 ......................................................................................................4-1
Machine Connections......................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Equipment Layout and Service Access ............................................................................................................... 4-5
Lifting Procedures............................................................................................................................................... 4-6
Equipment Anchoring......................................................................................................................................... 4-7
Piping and Drain Connections ............................................................................................................................ 4-8
Water-Cooled Condenser Connections (Water-Cooled Machines Only)........................................................... 4-9
Cooling Tower (Water-Cooled Machines Only).................................................................................................. 4-9
Pressure Relief Valves....................................................................................................................................... 4-10
Wiring and Electrical Connections.................................................................................................................... 4-10
Phase Check...................................................................................................................................................... 4-11
Voltage Imbalance............................................................................................................................................ 4-11
Current Imbalance............................................................................................................................................ 4-12
Ice Bin Thermostat Sensor................................................................................................................................ 4-12
Installation Checklist......................................................................................................................................... 4-13
Chapter 5 Start-Up, Shutdown, and Operation ......................................................................................5-1
Start-Up Checklist............................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Start-Up Procedure (Initial Start-Up).................................................................................................................. 5-1
Shutdown Procedure.......................................................................................................................................... 5-2
Start-Up and Shutdown Tips .......................................................................................................................... 5-2

ii
Ice Quality........................................................................................................................................................... 5-2
Adding Refrigerant.............................................................................................................................................. 5-2
Chapter 6 Electrical Controls and Their Functions ..................................................................................6-1
Vogt 450 Controller ............................................................................................................................................ 6-8
Variable Frequency Drive (50-Hz Machines Only)............................................................................................ 6-14
Chapter 7 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................7-1
Cleaning .............................................................................................................................................................. 7-1
Sanitizing ........................................................................................................................................................ 7-2
Water Distributors.......................................................................................................................................... 7-3
Water Tank..................................................................................................................................................... 7-4
Freezer Cover ................................................................................................................................................. 7-4
Water-Cooled Condensers ............................................................................................................................. 7-4
Chemical Cleaning .......................................................................................................................................... 7-5
Mechanical Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................... 7-6
Compressor Lubrication ..................................................................................................................................... 7-7
Lubrication of the Cutter Motor Gear Reducer.................................................................................................. 7-9
Preventive Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 7-9
Daily Checklist................................................................................................................................................. 7-9
Weekly Checklist........................................................................................................................................... 7-10
Monthly or Yearly Checklist.......................................................................................................................... 7-10
Preventive Maintenance Form......................................................................................................................... 7-11
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................8-1
Machine Not Running......................................................................................................................................... 8-1
Freeze-Up from Extended Freeze Period ........................................................................................................... 8-2
Freeze-Up from Ice Failing to Discharge............................................................................................................. 8-3
Poor Ice Quality .................................................................................................................................................. 8-4
Low Ice Capacity ................................................................................................................................................. 8-4
High Head Pressure (Water-Cooled Machines).................................................................................................. 8-5
High Head Pressure (Air-Cooled Machines) ....................................................................................................... 8-6
Chapter 9 Servicing Operations.............................................................................................................9-1
Adjustable Blowdown (for Clearer Ice)............................................................................................................... 9-1
Automatic Blowdown......................................................................................................................................... 9-1
Makeup Water Float Valve................................................................................................................................. 9-1
Refrigerant Float Switch ..................................................................................................................................... 9-2
Hand Expansion Valve ........................................................................................................................................ 9-3
Freezer Pressure Switch (Vogt 450).................................................................................................................... 9-3
Low-Pressure Safety Switch (Vogt 450).............................................................................................................. 9-3
High-Pressure Safety Switch (Vogt 450)............................................................................................................. 9-3
Head Pressure (Vogt 450)................................................................................................................................... 9-3
Fan Cycling Switch (Air-Cooled Machines, Vogt 450)......................................................................................... 9-3
Water-Regulating Valve (Water-Cooled Machines) ........................................................................................... 9-4
Cleaning Water-Cooled Condenser .................................................................................................................... 9-4
Compressor Motor Protection ........................................................................................................................... 9-4
Compressor Motor Protection—Field Diagnosis................................................................................................ 9-5
Compressor Motor Burnout ............................................................................................................................... 9-5
Oil Level Safety ................................................................................................................................................... 9-6
Compressor Crankcase Heater (200 Watt)......................................................................................................... 9-6
Oil Separator....................................................................................................................................................... 9-6

iii
Control Circuit Protection................................................................................................................................... 9-6
Thawing Timer.................................................................................................................................................... 9-7
Pumpdown ......................................................................................................................................................... 9-8
Removing Refrigerant......................................................................................................................................... 9-8
Refrigerant Leaks................................................................................................................................................ 9-9
Non-Condensable Gases..................................................................................................................................... 9-9
Solenoid Valves................................................................................................................................................. 9-10
Capacity Control Valves.................................................................................................................................... 9-11
Circulating Water Pump Motor ........................................................................................................................ 9-12
Cutter Gear Reducer......................................................................................................................................... 9-12
Cutter Motor Replacement .............................................................................................................................. 9-13
Cutter Gear Reducer Removal and Replacement............................................................................................. 9-13
Water Tank Removal ........................................................................................................................................ 9-14
Cutter and Bearing Removal and Reinstallation............................................................................................... 9-14
Crushed Ice Production .................................................................................................................................... 9-16
Appendix A Optional Accessories............................................................................................................ A-1
Power Monitor, Wagner Model DTP-3...............................................................................................................A-1
The Display .....................................................................................................................................................A-1
Adjustment of Parameters in Order of Display..............................................................................................A-2
Appendix B Tables.................................................................................................................................. B-1
Appendix C Additional Documentation....................................................................................................C-1

1-1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Since Vogt introduced Tube-Ice®machines in 1938, the process of making Tube-Ice®ice has been widely
recognized as the most economical means of ice production. These machines’ economic and reliable operation
has been proven repeatedly in a variety of installations throughout the world. The skill in engineering and
fabrication Vogt Ice has learned in more than eight decades of experience is reflected in the HFO10 machine.
Using as little as one-third of the energy required by competing ice makers, Tube-Ice® machines produce the
same amount of ice at great savings—in restaurants, sports arenas, packing plants, and wholesale operations
around the world.
In addition, Tube-Ice® machines are renowned for their long service life, giving many customers more than
35 years of dependable service. Ask someone who owns one.
The HFO10 machine was introduced in 2017 as the next evolution of the Tube-Ice machine. It was developed to
provide end users with a long-term synthetic refrigerant solution driven by a robust semi-hermetic screw
compressor.
Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are experiencing a phase-out in a variety of markets across the globe
because of their high Global Warming Potential (GWP). This forces Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to
build forward-thinking business strategies when selecting a replacement refrigerant for use in their equipment.
The challenge with implementing synthetic refrigerants in ice machines is to find the perfect balance between
something that will work well in the application and be available for purchase for the foreseeable future. Finding
this balance has been Vogt’s focus.
Vogt’s long-term refrigerant solution is HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blends with similar properties as R134a. These
HFO-based refrigerants have very low GWPs, which are in line with the European Union F-Gas Regulation phase-
down and with projected refrigerant regulations in the United States.
In November 2017, at the International Packaged Ice Association convention, Vogt introduced the HFO10
machine. It is the first Tube-Ice machine designed to run on an HFO blend (R513A). This blend, along with other
R134a-like HFO blends, is expected to be a long-term synthetic refrigerant solution. However, HFO blends are
likely to be replaced by pure HFO refrigerants of the R1234-family. These pure HFOs will be retrofittable to the
HFO10 machine, giving it a secure and well-defined future as the market evolves.
In addition to environmental benefits, the HFO10 machines operate at lower head pressures (approximately
130 psi or 9 bar), putting less overall stress on the system. Vogt uses Bitzer’s innovative CSH semi-hermetic
compact screw compressor, a robust design that is more reliable than a reciprocating compressor. A further
benefit of the CSH compressor is that it produces less noise than the equivalent reciprocating design. The HFO10
has excellent energy efficiency, consuming as little as 2.68 kWh per 100 lb (45 kg) of ice produced.
The HFO10 machine is just the beginning of Vogt’s new focus to innovate and introduce superior products to the
marketplace.

2-1
Chapter 2 How the HFO10 Machine Works
Warning: Only service personnel experienced and certified in refrigeration and qualified to work
with high-voltage electrical equipment should be allowed to install or work on this Tube-Ice® machine.
Principles of Operation
Manual operation of the machine is controlled by the three-position Clean/Off/Ice selector switch and the Start
and Stop buttons located on the control panel of the freezing unit.
Figure 1: Control Panel Door
Automatic operation is controlled by the standard ice bin thermostats, which stop and start the ice maker based
on the level of ice in the storage bin.
The type of ice produced, cylinder or crushed (optional), is determined by how the machine cutter is set up.
The unit will only stop when a thawing (harvest) period has been completed, whether by the Clean/Off/Ice
selector switch or the ice bin thermostat. To stop the machine instantly, push the Stop button. To restart the
machine, push the Start button.
The Clean/Off/Ice selector switch must always be set in the Ice position during normal ice-making operation. It
is set in the Clean position only when the equipment needs cleaning.
Air-cooled machines have a solenoid valve, sometimes referred to as the X valve, in the compressor discharge
line and a check valve in the liquid return line to the receiver. These valves prevent the migration of refrigerant
when the machine is not operating. The X valve is always open when the compressor is running.

2-2
Model Number
The machine nameplate is located on the left side of the control panel. The model number and machine
description are located in the top left-hand corner. Figure 2 can be used to verify that the correct model has
been received.
Figure 2: Vogt Model Nomenclature

2-3
Piping
Table 1 lists the piping nomenclature as labeled in Figure 3 and Figure 4, which illustrate the piping schematics
of the refrigerant and water circuits of water- and air-cooled Tube-Ice® machines.
Table 1: HFO10 Piping Nomenclature
Description
Description
1
Control Panel
32
A/C Condenser Service Connection
1PG
Suction Pressure Gauge
34
Compressor Suction Service Valve
2PG
Discharge Pressure Gauge
35
Compressor Discharge Service Valve
2
Freezer
37
Oil Charging/Drain Valve
3
Compressor
39
Water Tank Drain Valve
4PS
Dual High/Low Pressure Switch
40
Automatic Water Tank Blowdown
5M
Cutter Motor
41
Condenser Water Regulator (W/C Machines)
5R
Gear Reducer
41A
Condenser Pressure Control (A/C Machines)
6
Water Pump
43
Strainer
7
Water Tank (includes cutter assembly)
44
Receiver Drain Valve
8
Water Distributing Chamber
46
Filter Dryer
12
Makeup Water Float Valve
48
Muffler
13
Heat Exchanger
50
Receiver Safety Valve
15
Condenser
51
Freezer Safety Valve
15R
Receiver
52
Water Regulating Stop Valve (Water-Cooled Only)
16
Thawing Chamber
53
Cold Weather Solenoid Valve “X” (A/C Machines)
17
Expansion Valve
55
Discharge Line Stop Valve For A/C Machines
18
Thaw Gas Solenoid Valve (D)
56
Freezer/Pressure Switch
18S
Thawing Gas Pressure Switch
58
Liquid Outlet Valve (King Valve)
20
Liquid Line Solenoid Valve (A)
59
Receiver Purge Valve
22
Float Switch
69
Freezer Pressure Stop Valve
23
Condenser Water Inlet W/C Machines
70
Oil Return Stop Valve
23A
Makeup Water Inlet 3/4 FPT
88
Accumulator/Heat Exchanger
24
Condenser Water Outlet (W/C Machines)
90
Thawing Gas Stop Valve
25
Water Tank Drain Connection 1-in. FPT
91
Receiver Liquid Return Stop Valve
28
Refrigerant Charging Valve
94
Compressor Oil Pressure Safety Control
30
Receiver Sight Glass
101
Check Valve
31
Gauge Glass Stop Valve

2-4
Figure 3: Water-Cooled Piping Schematic

2-5
Figure 4: Air-Cooled Piping Schematic

2-6
Freezing Period
The freezer is a shell-and-tube type vessel, consisting of an outside shell with vertical tubes inside. Water freezes
inside the tubes by the direct application of refrigerant to the shell side (outside) of the tubes. Ice is produced as
the water continues to recirculate. As the ice thickens, the freezer suction pressure decreases. The freezer
pressure switch automatically initiates the thawing, or harvest, period as the freezer pressure reaches the
setpoint of this switch. Refer to Freezer Pressure Switch (Vogt 450).
During the freezing period:
1. Water is constantly recirculated through the freezer tubes by a centrifugal pump.
2. Makeup water is maintained at the appropriate level by a float valve in the water tank.
3. A liquid line solenoid valve (A) is open, and a thaw gas solenoid valve (D) is closed.
4. Refrigerant gas from the top of the freezer passes through the suction accumulator, the heat exchanger,
and the compressor.
5. The cool gas is compressed to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas that discharges through the oil
separator and into the condenser.
6. In the condenser, heat is removed, and the gas is condensed to a high-temperature, high-pressure
liquid.
7. This high-pressure liquid goes through the accumulator boil-out coil and suction line heat exchanger,
where it gives up heat to the suction gas for compressor protection.
8. This liquid is subcooled and carried to the receiver.
9. Condensed liquid refrigerant from the receiver flows through the thawing chamber of the freezer, the
filter/dryer, the liquid line solenoid valve (A), and then the expansion valve and capillary.
10. At the expansion valve and capillary feed, the refrigerant expands from a saturated liquid state of
relatively high pressure to a very low-pressure, low-temperature liquid.
11. The float switch is wired to the liquid line solenoid valve (A).
12. The float switch energizes and de-energizes the liquid line solenoid valve (A) in response to the level of
refrigerant in the freezer.
13. The cold liquid refrigerant enters the freezer, where it absorbs heat from the circulating water.
14. This cool gas is pulled out of the freezer at the suction outlet, thereby completing the circuit.
The freezing period is completed by the freezer pressure switch (FPS) in the Vogt 450 controller.
1. The water pump stops, and the liquid line solenoid valve (A) closes.
2. The thawing (harvest) period begins.
Harvest Period
During the harvest period:
1. A control relay (CR) is energized. It stops the water pump and starts the cutter motor.
2. The liquid line solenoid valve (A) closes, the thaw gas solenoid valve (D) opens, and the thaw timer (T) is
energized.
3. The defrost pressure switch (DPS) in the Vogt 450 controller opens and closes the D valve to maintain
the proper pressure for ice to release without adding unnecessary heat.
4. Warm gas from the receiver is discharged into the freezer through the valve, and the outer edge of the
ice slightly thaws for sizing by the rotating cutter.
5. As the ice releases and drops through the rotating cutter and onto the cutter disc, it discharges through
the side opening of the water tank.
6. The harvest timer (T) is set for the time required to discharge all of the ice plus 30 seconds
(usually 2-1/2 minutes).

2-7
To prevent refreezing, make sure all ice clears the freezer with at least 30 seconds to spare
before the next freezing period begins.
Refrigeration System Overview
The refrigeration system uses hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blend refrigerant R513A.
It contains:
•Bitzer semi-hermetic compact screw compressor (CSH) with integral oil separator
•Refrigerant float switch
•Expansion valve
•Flooded evaporator (freezer)
•Hot gas defrost
As shown in the piping schematic, the compressor discharge gas leaves the compressor and goes into the
condenser. Here, the gas is condensed into liquid as heat is removed from the water as it passes through the
condenser during the freezing period.
A reservoir of liquid is accumulated in the receiver and flows as required, passing through the thawing chamber
(located in the lower section of the freezer) then through the filter/dryer. The liquid line solenoid valve (A)
opens and closes in response to the liquid level in the freezer, as determined by the refrigerant float switch
mounted on the side of the freezer.
Liquid refrigerant floods the evaporator and comes in contact with the outside of the ice-making tubes through
which water is being circulated. The heat contained in this water passes through the walls of the tubes, lowering
the temperature of the water, causing it to freeze and to form a long tube of ice that adheres to the inside of
each freezer tube. Since the purest water freezes first, the flowing water keeps the accumulated ice clear by
washing separated solids down into the sump area of the water tank. The blowdown valve on the circulating
water pump discharge helps to rid the water tank of increased dissolved solids found in harder water by flushing
them out of the overflow during water pump operation.
During the harvest period, the water pump stops, therefore, all the water circulating in the freezer drops to the
tank, the tank level increases, and the overflow will get rid of that extra water. The overflow is a hole at the top
of the tank. Refer to Chapter 9 for more information about automatic blowdown.
The transfer of heat from the water to the liquid refrigerant causes it to boil and convert into a liquid-vapor
mixture at the suction connection at the top of the freezer. This liquid-vapor mixture passes through the suction
accumulator, where liquid droplets are removed and boiled off from the internal heating coil. The suction line
heat exchanger boils off any residual droplets that may have passed through the suction accumulator, providing
ample protection for the screw compressor.
As the ice forms in the freezer tubes, the suction pressure steadily decreases until it causes the freezer pressure
switch (FPS) to close, initiating the harvest period.
During the harvest period, the thaw gas solenoid valve (D) is open, allowing warm high-pressure gas from the
receiver to enter the freezer. This heat melts a thin film from the outside of the ice, reducing the outside
diameter slightly, allowing it to fall free from the freezer tubes. This period lasts approximately 2-1/2 minutes.
Note: Freezing times will vary, depending on makeup water temperature and setting of the freezer pressure
switch. As you become more familiar with the operation of your machine, you will be able to recognize and
correct minor irregularities as they occur, which will help prevent major problems.

2-8
Charging Refrigeration Systems
Only technically qualified persons, experienced and knowledgeable in the handling of refrigerant
and operation of refrigeration systems, should perform the operations described in this manual.
All local, federal, and EPA regulations must be strictly adhered to when handling refrigerants. If a refrigeration
system is being charged from refrigerant cylinders, disconnect each cylinder when empty or when the system is
fully charged.
Included with the machine is the required charge of R513A refrigerant (approximately 470 lb [213 kg]), isolated
in the receiver. Before shipment of the machine, the compressor service valves and the stop valves in the
various lines to the condenser and receiver were closed. These valves are tagged with instructions to be opened
before start-up of the machine.
Before opening these valves, check all joints for leaks that may have developed during shipment. If no leaks are
present, a positive pressure should show on the suction and discharge pressure gauges. They should indicate a
pressure approximately equal to the ambient temperature, which can be found using the pressure
temperature chart.
A gauge should be installed in the charging line to indicate refrigerant cylinder pressure. The cylinder may be
considered empty of liquid refrigerant when the gauge pressure is 25 psig (1.7 bar) or less, and there is no frost
on the cylinder. Close the refrigerant charging valve and cylinder valve before disconnecting the cylinder. Loosen
the union in the refrigerant charging line carefully to avoid unnecessary release of refrigerant into the
atmosphere. Refer to local and national regulations.
Immediately close the system charging valve at the commencement of the defrost or thawing
cycle if a refrigerant cylinder is connected. Never leave a refrigerant cylinder connected to the system except
during charging operation. Failure to observe either of these precautions can result in transferring refrigerant
from the system to the refrigerant cylinder, over‐filling it, and possibly causing the cylinder to rupture because
of pressure from expansion of the liquid refrigerant.
It is not recommended that refrigerant be transferred from a refrigeration system directly into a
cylinder. If such a transfer is made, the refrigerant cylinder must be an approved, clean cylinder that is free of
any contaminants or foreign materials. The cylinder must be connected to an approved recovery mechanism
with a safety shutoff sensor to ensure that contents do not exceed the net weight specified by the cylinder
manufacturer or any applicable code requirements.