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Moisture in the system

Moisture Contamination occurs when moisture enters the refrigeration system. Moisture can exist in three forms water, solid and gas and this article applies to all three.

A compressor is designed to perform efficiently under specific controlled conditions. if contaminants are introduced into the system they act to reduce compressor efficiency, effectiveness and durability.

If moisture enters in to a refrigeration system, it combines with the refrigerant to form an acidic solution which may erode internal compressor components. Moisture doesn't actually cause direct compressor failure; the failure results from the failure of a part which has been weakened as a result of the effects of rust and/or corrosion.

Copper plating is a condition in which metal parts in the compressor become coated / plated with copper. This condition is often observed in compressors which have a high moisture content in the system. Although copper plating alone does not cause a specific failure of the compressor, the conditions under which it is likely to occur are very detrimental to compressor durability.

Moisture Contamination occurs as a result of moisture being allowed to enter and remain in the System. This condition can be caused by the following:

A) System leaks.
B) Improper Vacuuming of system.
C) Contaminated system components.
D) Contaminated refrigerant and / or oil.
E) Saturated or malfunctioning drier.

There are 4 primary identifiers of moisture:

1) Copper Plating

2) Slugged Valves

3) Rust

4) Contaminated compressor Oil