View Full Version : Cheap SS Build - First Attempt
4Qman
10-02-2006, 10:10 AM
Ive read the guides and spent long enough reading and getting the correct tools to build my first unit. So me and my friend have come across some bits which will be enough to build our first unit.
Id like to say at this point there is still alot im learning so dont expect i know everythink. Also ive read all the saftey aspects and am taking the correct precautions. SoddemFX has been my main man regards help and some bits. Without him id still be reading guides. Thanks Mate ;)
Compressor
Not sure how good this compressor will be but it works perfect. Anyone know how good it is.
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2850/dscf0036rs9.jpg
Condensor
Got this Condensor from a dumped Freezer, I believe its big enough for a decent SS unit.
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/2391/condensorgv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Im stuck regards the length of Cap- tube that would be best for the unit. I plan to use 0.031 cap tube with R404a for 200w tuning?
Thanks,
aasmaukr
10-02-2006, 10:49 AM
The compressor is made for use with R600a, and will probably not take the higher pressure refrigerants we use. It'll die quite fast :(
But the condenser looks nice.
As for captube length, try starting with about 2,8 metres.
4Qman
10-02-2006, 11:00 AM
Ok thankyou,
I plan to use the R404a i have and altho i want it to work im not to fussed how long :)
The condensor was out a huge fridge, Im tempted to add a better fan and shroud as that one is a bit poor.
n00b 0f l337
10-02-2006, 11:37 AM
Yeah r600 :(
That compressor won't live long at the pressures other untis deal with.
piotres
10-02-2006, 11:55 AM
R600a comp probably won't even start-up with another refrigerant than R290 or R600a (even R22 not worked in R600a comp which I had) :(
Peter
4Qman
10-02-2006, 01:01 PM
R600a comp probably won't even start-up with another refrigerant than R290 or R600a (even R22 not worked in R600a comp which I had) :(
Peter
Ok thanks, i think ill use R290 then and get it built and have a play. Ill then use it along with another R600 compressor for my Ghetto Vacum Pump.
Brettbeck
10-02-2006, 01:34 PM
I notice in your avatar you have that 404 bottle upright. I know you said you may use R290 at first, but R404a is liquid charged :). So you would need to turn that bottle upside down if you do use it :).
But good start anyway, I hope to get my unit put together by the end of this week :D.
Marvin
10-02-2006, 01:47 PM
Couldnt you find a good R134A compressor since you have 404A ?
Or maybe another one and change to POE oil.
aasmaukr
10-02-2006, 01:52 PM
I don't think that R600a compressor will run R290 for long either. R290 is pretty low pressure, but R600a is much lower..
R600a condensing pressure at 30*C: About 4,5bar
R290 condensing pressure at 30*C: About 11,5bar
i have 6 or seven compressors kicking around drop me a pm
if you want on to get started
Brettbeck
10-02-2006, 02:02 PM
I'll be using an R600a compressor with R290 shortly. I hope it can last long enough for it to get marked by my teacher :D:D. (My SS will be for a school project btw).
Gray Mole
10-02-2006, 04:07 PM
Normally I'd agree that a R600 compressor wouldn't be likely to last...
But this is an NL series compressor. A 15cc version at that.
It makes me more than curious if it would handle higher pressure gasses. If it would, could it be just as quiet as NL11F and even more powerful?
If this compressor get's to taste 404a or better I'll be watching with great interest :D
Oh and good luck 4Q :toast: hope it goes well :)
Cheers
Gray
4Qman
10-03-2006, 01:05 AM
Many thanks for the input guys., Ive gone from knowing more or less nothink to getting the tools and this far within around 8-9weeks.
Couldnt you find a good R134A compressor since you have 404A ?
Or maybe another one and change to POE oil.
Im keeping a eye out at the moment, may take a while before somink pops up. As you agree i dont want to buy anythink yet as id sooner play with others junk and have to wait :D
i have 6 or seven compressors kicking around drop me a pm
if you want on to get started
Very kind Bazx, seeing your cascade you built from just 6mths of learning was awsome and ill dream off getting to that stage so fast.
Normally I'd agree that a R600 compressor wouldn't be likely to last...
But this is an NL series compressor. A 15cc version at that.
It makes me more than curious if it would handle higher pressure gasses. If it would, could it be just as quiet as NL11F and even more powerful?
If this compressor get's to taste 404a or better I'll be watching with great interest :D
Oh and good luck 4Q :toast: hope it goes well :)
Cheers
Gray
Many thanks Gray, The compressor is actually quite and is definatly powerful. I got it from a huge Bosch Fridge Freezer :D
cold_ice
10-03-2006, 01:31 AM
The R600a have a high displacement but a very weak motor. Maybe you can try R134a.
Very kind Bazx, seeing your cascade you built from just 6mths of learning was awsome and ill dream off getting to that stage so fast.
It would be unfair if I did not tell you I have been a mechanical engineer for 27 years
So I do have some background knowledge
Before I took an interest in this subject
4Qman
11-02-2006, 03:38 AM
I finally got my first unit built and finished the weekend gone after going from knowing nothink within 8weeks :D .
Id like to say a big thanks to SoddemFX "he rules" as he has helped me as every single stage, without him id still be reading. :toast: On with the Show...
I didnt use the R600a compressor "sorry Gray although ill charge it when i am bored one weekend ;) " as i found this nice Danfoss in a dumped fridge.
This was a Test build to gain the principle and learn.
GPU Cooler at the moment. Although the Compressor is quite so possible a CPU cooler if temps are ok.
Spec..
Danfoss TL4G 4cc Compressor "Found Dumped"
R404a
Ricky's Evap
Capliary Tube "Around 2m once i can tune"
Johanna's - Suction Line
Large Condenser - "Found Dumped"
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/7820/1sr6.jpg
I triple Vacuumed, with my Gheto Vacuum pump. Had to come indoors due to the heat required for the Pump to boil off water. ;)
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4449/2vp1.jpg
YIPPEEEE, took a little more Refrigerant than i thought it would. Then again it was the first time so must be whats required.:)
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9651/3mz5.jpg
Static Charge "after a few hours Off"
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3268/4qa7.jpg
I am currently making a Load tester and awaiting for my Fluke so i can read temps and tune. This is more for learning as ill strip down the setup onto a better platform once i get this correct. ;)
Temps Will come soon hehe
Looking good, giving me the temptation to give it a go
jinu117
11-02-2006, 05:17 AM
Go for it Pete. I still haven't forgotten about the idea of competition for cheap SS with prizes.. Just... need time :)
Glad to see your helping hand there Soddem and definitely nice to see another DIY having some fun :)
Getting hold of the gas, do you need to be HAVC (sp) or have nay certs to do it?
I can braze very well. I use to work for Argos racing Cycles and use to always be the one that did the final full fillet brazing as i was the neatest.
I hate messy brazing!
What is the best tipcal unit good unit to get a compressor out of would you say?
Duniek
11-02-2006, 06:17 AM
good job for the first system but 4ccm compressor maybe too small for high loads
No, anyone can legally buy it. Next year (IIRC) it becomes compulsory for wholesalers to make sure you have at least City and Guilds safe refrigerant handling certificate before they can sell to you. Most are already doing this, so it makes no difference. You can buy disposeable 10.9Kg tanks of r404a on ebay very cheaply, r134a in disposeable 10.9Kg tanks or 1Kg bottles also.
Find anything with a r134a compressor, large freezers are good go for about 4cc or over. Dave has become adept at "recycling" :D
With your brasing skills you should be fine :)
Tom
hi tom i just talked to a school about this cert and they want £275+vat for a 2 day course
Q4man well done
its a great feeling when you get that first frost
Boiller
11-02-2006, 07:56 AM
This is making me also do the jump into DIY phase-change, simple SS's are just great for a good start.
Small question though, I've read quite a bit on phase-change, but never read what are the usual dangers involved in single stages (just read about cascade's dangers)?
quintus
11-02-2006, 09:31 AM
nice done dude, u can still use the r600 compr with a shot of r290 mixing it with the r600a
have fun!!!
regards,
q
expansionvalve
11-02-2006, 10:24 AM
The irony is that the vast majority of the non professionals here could take the exam and pass without any studying...
That I would love to see Tom, reading some of the questions many post here I would have to disagree somewhat.:eek:
That I would love to see Tom, reading some of the questions many post here I would have to disagree somewhat.:eek:
hi EV
as you are in the trade will you have to take this cert or will your qualifications
already stand
expansionvalve
11-02-2006, 01:18 PM
Hi bazx, I have to conform to new regulation as and when it appears, usually well in advance as customer require it for site work...
an ever changing industry and I can see it getting allot tighter before long, the basic C&G is just the start...
Hi bazx, I have to conform to new regulation as and when it appears, usually well in advance as customer require it for site work...
an ever changing industry and I can see it getting allot tighter before long, the basic C&G is just the start...
i wonder how this will be greeted within the industry this cert will just cost more next year
me thinks it will be good to do it early
4Qman
11-03-2006, 12:13 AM
Thanks for the Well dones Guys.
Regards the C&G course. Im leaving the armed forces soon so i think i can get on the course with them paying.hehe
Boiller
Regards building a unit, many bits can be obtained cheap altho the costs certainly mount up. In total ive spent way more than what a decent SS unit would cost from a To UK builder.
The Fun and self achievement factor means its worth it tho. :D
Oh my new Vacuum Pump.
1.3 CFM High Definition Vacuum Pump
2 Stage Vacuum Pump
http://img312.imageshack.us/img312/9512/0f1pl1.jpg
Yeah the force will offer to traine you up for a trade once you leave them. They do pay for it all and loads of other stuff too!
4Qman
11-03-2006, 12:31 AM
Yeah the force will offer to traine you up for a trade once you leave them. They do pay for it all and loads of other stuff too!
Spoken from a man who sounds like he has experience in the matter ;)
I think they give £1000 a year for 4 years to spent on courses etc.:banana:
Spoken from a man who sounds like he has experience in the matter ;)
I think they give £1000 a year for 4 years to spent on courses etc.:banana:
LMAO i failed my medical when i went for the Navy. Said i had ashma! Army i passed but i got a better offer! How ever my little brother is in the SAS and he's told me etc, other family mebers are in,and have left along with mates! I've read it in the booklets too.
They payout soemthing silly and belive you can kinda stay onsite too!!!
wdrzal
11-03-2006, 04:30 AM
Yeah, thats the going rate :( In some places you can get a one day quick course for less, it's not much less tho. The irony is that the vast majority of the non professionals here could take the exam and pass without any studying...
Single stages are pretty safe as long as you stick to the low and medium pressure non flamable refrigerants. Main danger is in construction, but if you follow sensible precautions (goggles, ventilation etc) you're pretty safe...
Tom
Well maybee a class 1 tom that systems< 5 pounds which all these are. But since this is XS they are many aspects of class 2 & class 3 that should also be known. Holding all 3 classes gives you a "universal" certification.
When I first recomemded guys to get a cert .I had in mind a 8 hour course to get a class 1 at least,I didn't even know a open book online test was offered.Or I would have kept shut up. Answering 50 questions with a open book in30 min. you don't learn much. At least not as much as a live instructor who you can interact with during explanations followed by question and answer sesions.