Absorption Chiller Maintenance - Prolonged or Seasonal Shutdown

In the case of seasonal or prolonged shutdown, refrigerant may migrate from the evaporator to the absorption chiller causing a low refrigerant level in the evaporator pan and piping. Since refrigerant is used to lubricate pump and motor bearings, lubrication from an auxiliary source must be provided during the startup phase of operation. Once an operating charge of refrigerant has been recovered from the solution, the machine may be returned to normal operation.

This auxiliary circuit is usually established by connecting city water to the external connections of the pump lubrication piping.

In all cases, follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures.