2020 RETA Breeze Jan-Feb

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Oil analysis is essential to determining the overall oil life of the system, ensuring that oil is changed before equipment is jeopardized. Vibration analysis and oil analysis should be performed twice a year minimum. Oil filters should be changed based on manufacturer specifications or

once a year, whichever comes first. 2. Condenser Maintenance

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Condenser systems should have a good water treatment program that includes a monthly inspection by a trained water treatment provider. It’s important to control the solids (conductivity) and pH level within the water to maintain maximum heat transfer and a long life of the condenser. If the conductivity in the water gets too high for the chemicals that inhibit scaling, you will run the risk of scaling your tower. To keep the conductivity under control, you bleed off the condenser water and replace it with fresh water, which lowers the conductivity level to an acceptable level to ensure scaling does not occur. An ideal pH range is 7.1-7.8; anything above or below this range is outside of optimal operating conditions and could create corrosion issues and adversely affect the lifespan of the condenser. If the pH is above 7.8 you will run the risk of white rust forming on the galvanization, and if it drops below 7 you run the risk of losing the galvanization off of the steel and exposing bare metal. Towers should be cleaned twice a year, and belts changed once a year for proper condenser maintenance. Standard condenser inspections and following OEM recommended maintenance will increase the life of the unit and prevent early equipment failure.

3. Evaporator Maintenance Evaporators are relatively easy to maintain one would think. You should follow OEM maintenance recommendations and IIAR checklists, which include routine greasing of the motors and inspection of the fan blades and motor mounts for cracks. One area that is overlooked at times is regular cleaning of the evaporator. This includes: coil, fan, fan shroud, drain pan, IMP ceilings, and drain line cleaning. We recommend cleaning the dock units twice a year and the coolers once a year at a minimum.

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