Planning on building the first system

[tnk45]

I'm in the process of building my first system. I have parts from a mini-fridge. I’m only going to use the compressor from the system, which is a Panasonic S30C50KAU6 http://www.panasonic.com/industrial/appliance/pdf/s30c50kau6.pdf . For this first system, I want to keep everything simple and make sure it works, so I will charge with R134a. As long as I get below 0 under load I will be happy. I have a few questions before I proceed.

1. The compressor still has oil in it. Should I drain it out and replace it? Is it really necessary?
2. I bought 10 feet of 0.028 ID capillary tubing, but the original system has capillary tubing as well. Should I use that tubing length? Or should I use the new tubing with the length of about 6’, according to Gary Lloyd’s thread? Will it make a difference?

Thank you for your help. I will post pictures up as I begin to build and piece things together.

[MeltedDuron]

I hate to break it to you, but I doubt that compressor will hold load at all, let alone below zero on 134a. also you should definitely replace the cap tube, as the unit would have been tuned for no load as a refridgerator. if the oil in the compressor has been exposed to air for more than a few minutes, you should definitely change it, as the POE oil used for r134a compressors absorbs moisture from the air and goes acidic when exposed to moisture if I am not mistaken. also what evaporator do you plan to use, and do you have all the tools? Seeing as you are in CA, maybe you might want to shoot Jinu a PM, and ask if he could help you, because to be honest, you shouldn't really be building a phase cooler if you're asking these questions. I don't mean to be harsh, but thats just the way it is, you will get hurt :(

[Xeon th MG Pony]

You have a very long way to go befor you start messing with this, start by going here: http://www.refrigerationbasics.com/1024x768/rb1.htm

Then when you under stand that theroughly, you'll be 1/100th the way there!, then comes learning about high pressure safety and brazing, then buying tools, ectra ectra.

[wdrzal]

That compressor will hold 117 at 0 F watts with 134a maybe that with a perfect tune so excepct less. a compressor out of a full size fridge may be better 1/4 or1/3. but with a better gas you could get 0 with that compressor . for your first build scrap a old compressor out of a frige or small window unit , even if they are not working ,most quit because of leaks not the compressor. That way spend your money on the tools needed,beside no ones first one is a masterpeice so go cheap on parts scrap around and make it look best you can while you learn to braze and more about refrigeration.

and you other guys don't be so harsh some others I know have asked much dumber questions long after their first post.

Welcome to Xs tnk45 we will help you !!!!!! by the way tnk45 your questions wern't dumb.;)

[Xeon th MG Pony]

I wasn't harsh, just realistic, that's how I started to swich to phase change was by reading that site till I understood it inside and out. So naturaly I sujest the same to others.

[tnk45]

Thank you for the replies and welcome. I don't really care how well this first system turns out as long as it works without problems. I bought a new filter\drier, cap tubing, schrader valves, and insulation from Froosty Freeze on ebay.

I made my own evaporator based on Chilly1's design. I will post more information and pictures of it when I get home tonight.

[wdrzal]

Let me recalculate the wattage for 0c I just relized the chart was for F.

[MeltedDuron]

I only sounded harsh because I care, dont want to see anyone getting hurt here walt :rolleyes: I didn't think the questions were dumb either, they were perfectly valid!

[wdrzal]

that should hold 234 watts at 0 .c according to the publishied chart.

I would want to spend more time calculating all the numbers to see if they work out, I only used the 3rd btu compared to temp chart. I still say use scrap parts . A old window unit is perfict, if working you can see how it work , if not figure out why, usually just a leak

[tnk45]

I didn't have access to a lathe, so I made do with a mill. After drilling 36 holes, 18 per twist, I got this.

49237

The cap tube will feed straight down through the suction line and to the bottom of the block.

49238

After 20 minutes with an angle grinder, I got this:

49235

49236

The two spirals form a double helix. I like to call it my DNA block. :D

@wdrzal. Thanks for the help. That should be good enough to meet my goal for this project. If I want better temps later on, I will tear it down and rebuild with a bigger compressor.

[wdrzal]

make the bottom the thinnest,fastter trabsfer of heat.

[tnk45]

yes the bottom will be the thinner polished side. The top side is really thick because I wanted to have some room to shove the hard copper tube into it for the suction line.

[johann]

not a bad looking home made evap atall :)

[the_new_guy]

i think it will preform pretty good, the evap.

[[XC] gomeler]

Evap looks good. Like the others have said you might want to grab a beefier compressor. For your first build find a 1/3 HP compressor, when you get better at tuning the systems then you can create more efficient designs. Just read and read and read and feel free to ask questions, even if people "flame" you it is because they care. We would hate for you to catch a piece of flying copper in the face when your high-side ruptures, sorry if that is a bit graphic. Single stage systems are simple, just ask a bunch of questions. Goodluck on the build, that evap looks a lot better than what I build with ;)

[martinjon666]

:toast: Cheers on the evap it has great surface area and i think it will do great for a first try. Yet i must concur and say that you need a better compressor, they are cheap from local shops so why not? My experience with r134a wasn't very impressive so for your first run give it a try, if all works out well you can adjust cap tube length and re-vaccume and try a different gas. But i must warn you, Once the "bug" has bitten you, Phase is all there is :D

[runmc]

Welcome to XS tnk45 :welcome:

By the looks of your evaporator and hands - I bet your experienced at using your head and hands. :)
Building a practice cooler is a good idea. :clap:

[tnk45]

I'm making slow progress on this system because I'm learning how to braze as I go along. This is what I have so far. The evaporator is also done. I'm waiting for my gauges to come so that I can pressure test it. Sorry about the crappy pictures, but I only have the camera on my cellphone right now.

49459

49460

49461

The condensor was bought from an ebay seller http://cgi.ebay.com/500-PSIG-Heat-Exchanger-Transmission-Cooler-NR_W0QQitemZ300006055333QQihZ020QQcategoryZ20598QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem for $25 shipped. The other components were bought from Frosty Freeze on ebay and local hardware supply stores.

[n00b 0f l337]

I think you have a nice quality system there.
Congrats.

[Xeon th MG Pony]

yes very good indeed, and great job at taking it slow :) it makes the first run all that better :D

[LukeXE]

Very nice looking unit, can`t wait to see some frost on the evap