Vapochill Modification: Evap above Compressor, access ports.

[Fushyuguru]

I would like to talk this over a little bit with some of you knoledgeable peoples about this Vapochill modification before I start cutting pipes.

Also, no offense, but please keep the " buy a prometeia" comments to a minimum please. This thread is about a Vapochill mod, not a buying decision. Sorry.

First off, the idea is to convert the Vapochill PE system to run underneath, next to or anywhere it wants to in relation to the compressor and evaporator orientation. Then to add fill ports so refridgerant can be added, drained and tweaked at will (I just passed section 609 cert several nights ago so I can buy some refridgerants.).

If you dont already know, Asetek left out of their design, a return line loop that will acumulate excess refridgerant dripping down from the evap when the system is off. The loop acts as a trap, much like the s-shaped trap underneath your sink, this way refridgerant doesnt go strait into the compressor as a liquid and create starting problems.

So, the task at hand is to drain the system, and splice in an extra 360 degree loop/low spot into the return line. What I would also like to do is to extend the return line about 3-4" upwards and then reatach the flex hosing onto this. That way, the Vapochill can run underneath of a computer case, like a prometeia (but isnt a prometeia).

Heres some pictures of the return line and flex hosing:
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/~mswartou/zero/172.jpg

The capillary tubing:
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/~mswartou/zero/171.jpg

The evaporator:
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/~mswartou/zero/175.jpg

and where the capillary tubing enters the return line:
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/~mswartou/zero/173.jpg

Now what I would like to talk about, is the best approach to this. The big problem being that the cappilary tubing runs down the center of the flex hosing and then exits at the spot in the picture above.

What would be the best solution is one that would involve not cutting the cappilary tubing. But if necissary, will be done.

If you have worked on Vapochills before, any suggestions would be welcome on how to approach this, as I would love to be sure on what to do before attacking the solution.

Also, Im not sure how the capilary tube attaches to the evaporator, I prob wouldnt find out until I cut into the system.

Thanks ahead of time XS.

[bowman1964]

well there is a thread discussing what you want to do excatly in here somewhere.
anyways you should have a small coil of cap tubing infront of the compressor.if not you will have to unwind some of it around the larger tube.then take 8 or so inches of copper tubing and bend yourself a new section that will connect to the tube at the compressor and put your bend in it,then reconnect to the other tube,this should give you enough to do what you need to do.if you are carefull you wont have to cut the cap tubing.

number one thing.think of all possablities before you make the first cut.

have fun :D

[Fushyuguru]

What purpose is that larger section of tubing providing, as there is already a strainer/drier (Im assuming thats what it is, before the cap tube on the other side of the compressor.

Because if I can just relocate that larger piece of tubing then I should be good.

Also, does anyone know if Asetek brazed or soldered those connections? I can tell exactly. Looks more like brazing. If its solder I should just be able to heat the joint up and seperate the tubing correct?

BTW thanks Bowman.

[bowman1964]

Originally posted by Fushyuguru
What purpose is that larger section of tubing providing, as there is already a strainer/drier (Im assuming thats what it is, before the cap tube on the other side of the compressor.

Because if I can just relocate that larger piece of tubing then I should be good.

Also, does anyone know if Asetek brazed or soldered those connections? I can tell exactly. Looks more like brazing. If its solder I should just be able to heat the joint up and seperate the tubing correct?

BTW thanks Bowman.

i was brased...you can solder it with a 95/5 solder but you will need a good 1/4" of slip fitt to be sure it will hold.
that larger piece i am thinking is a small accumlating bulb of some type.
there is only one drier on those systems.at the condensor.

you will have to install charge ports one at the top condensor line and the other at the unconnected tube at back of the compressor.

take your time you get this thing working great:D

[asetek Inc.]

If the hose is long enough for your purpose, it CAN be bent in an opwards direction, and the system will handle it just fine. BUT be VERY careful - it's a warranty void operation, but we just wanted to inform, that the cooling system will have no problems handling an evaporator located above the compressor.

[bowman1964]

Originally posted by asetek Inc.
If the hose is long enough for your purpose, it CAN be bent in an opwards direction, and the system will handle it just fine. BUT be VERY careful - it's a warranty void operation, but we just wanted to inform, that the cooling system will have no problems handling an evaporator located above the compressor.

glad to see you guys in the forum today.:D

[asetek Inc.]

Yeas once in a while we do some "browsing" :D

[Fushyuguru]

Originally posted by asetek Inc.
If the hose is long enough for your purpose, it CAN be bent in an opwards direction, and the system will handle it just fine. BUT be VERY careful - it's a warranty void operation, but we just wanted to inform, that the cooling system will have no problems handling an evaporator located above the compressor.

Yeah I dont mind voiding the warranty. Its good to hear the compressor has enough to work in that orientation.

Regardless for my specific application, the hose needs to be lengthened. So while IM lengthening I might as well add a low spot loop.

One question, can that accumulator be oriented vertically, that would make my life much easier, or does that defeat its purpose?

[bowman1964]

Not sure if it makes a differance or not.as it may be one of these accumulators by parker.my spec book doesnt say much about this type.this is what i am looking at,not sure it it helps you or not.

[Fushyuguru]

Yah, Ill have to do a little footwork, check around. Though if its just for collecting excess refridgerant, then it may be ok vertically. Itll be oriented with a 90deg bend just below it. Ill make some drawings up for what Im gonna change the system to tonight, then Ill post em here and see what you guys think.

Thanks for all the help. Ill post pics of the process too.