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2 | © Danfoss | DCS (CC) | 2018.06

8510284P01C - FRCC.PI.048.A3.02

Danfoss can accept no responsibility for possible errors in catalogues, brochures and other printed material. Danfoss reserves the right to alter its products without notice. This 

also applies to products already on order provided that such alterations can be made without subsequential changes being necessary in specifications already agreed. All trade-

marks in this material are property of the respective companies. Danfoss and the Danfoss logotype are trademarks of Danfoss A/S. All rights reserved.

Danfoss A/S

6430 Nordborg

Denmark

1 – Introduction

These instructions pertain to the MLZ   scroll com-

pressors used for refrigeration systems. They provide  

necessary information regarding safety and proper 

usage of this product.

2 – Handling and storage

  •  Handle the compressor with care. Use the dedi-

cated handles in the packaging. Use the compres-

sor lifting lug and use appropriate and safe lifting 

equipment.

 •  Store and transport the compressor in an upright posi-

tion.

 •   Store the compressor between -35°C and 70°C / 

-31°F and 158°F.

 •   Don’t expose the compressor and the packag-

ing to rain or corrosive atmosphere.

3 – Safety measures before assembly

 Never use the compressor in a flammable atmosphere.

 •   Mount the compressor on a horizontal flat sur-

face with less than 7° slope.

 •   Verify that the power supply corresponds to the com-

pressor motor characteristics (see nameplate).

 •  When installing a compressor for R404A, R507 

R407A, R407F, R448A/R449A, R513A, R452A or 

R134a, use equipment specifically reserved for 

HFC refrigerants which was never used for CFC 

or HCFC refrigerants.

 •  

Use clean and dehydrated refrigeration-grade 

copper tubes and silver alloy brazing material.

  •   Use clean and dehydrated system components.

 •   The piping connected to the compressor must 

be flexible in 3 dimensions to dampen vibra-

tions.

 •   The compressor must always be mounted with 

the rubber grommets supplied with the com-

pressor.

4 – Assembly

 •  

Slowly release the nitrogen holding charge 

through discharge and suction ports.

 •  Connect the compressor to the system as soon as pos-

sible to avoid oil contamination from ambient moisture.

 •   Avoid material entering into the system while 

cutting tubes. Never drill holes where burrs can-

not be removed.

 •  

Braze with great care using state-of-the-art 

technique and vent piping with nitrogen gas 

flow.

 •  Connect the required safety and control de-

vices. When the schrader port, if any, is used for 

this, remove the internal valve.

5 – Leak detection

 Never pressurize the circuit with oxygen or dry 

air. This could cause fire or explosion.

  •   Do not use leak detection dye.

  •   Perform a leak detection test on the complete system.

 •   The low side test pressure must not exceed 31 

bar /450 psi.

 •   When a leak is discovered, repair the leak and 

repeat the leak detection.

6 – Vacuum dehydration

  •   Never use the compressor to evacuate the system.

  •   Connect a vacuum pump to both the LP & HP sides.

 •  

Pull down the system under a vacuum of 

 

500 µm Hg (0.67 mbar) / 0.02 inch Hg absolute.

  •   Do not use a megohmmeter nor apply power to 

the compressor while it is under vacuum as this 

may cause internal damage.

7 – Electrical connections

  •   Switch off and isolate the main power supply.

 •   All electrical components must be selected as 

per local standards and compressor require-

ments.

 •  Refer to electrical connections details. For three 

phase applications, the terminals are labeled T1, 

T2, and T3. For single-phase applications the ter-

minals are labeled C (common), S (start), and R 

(run).

 •   Danfoss scroll compressors will only compress 

gas while rotating counter-clockwise (when 

viewed from the compressor top). Since single-

phase motors will start and run in only one di-

rection, reverse rotation is not a major consid-

eration. Three-phase motors, however, will start 

and run in either direction, depending on the 

phase angles of the supplied power. Care must 

be taken during installation to ensure that the 

compressor operates in the correct direction.

  •   Use ø 4.8 mm / #10 - 32 screws and ¼” ring terminals 

for the power connection with ring connect screw 

terminal (C type). Fasten with 3 Nm torque.

  •   Use ø 6.3 mm tabs for quick connect spade ter-

minals (P type).

 •   Use a self tapping screw to connect the com-

pressor to earth.

8 – Filling the system

  •   Keep the compressor switched off.

 •  Keep the refrigerant charge below the indicated 

charge limits if possible. Above this limit; protect 

the compressor against liquid flood-back with a 

pump-down cycle or suction line accumulator.

 •  Never leave the filling cylinder connected to the cir-

cuit.

Compressor models

Refrigerant charge limit 

MLZ015-019-021-026

3.6 kg / 8 lb

MLZ030-038-045-048

5.4 kg / 12 lb

MLZ058-066-076

7.2 kg / 16 lb

9 – Verification before commissioning

 Use safety devices such as safety pressure 

switch and mechanical relief valve in compliance 

with both generally and locally applicable regula-

tions and safety standards. Ensure that they are 

operational and properly set. 

 Check that the settings of high-pressure 

switches don’t exceed the maximum service pres-

sure of any system component.

 •  

A low-pressure switch is recommended to 

avoid low pressure operation. 

Minimum setting for R22, 

R452A and R513A

1.5 bar (absolute) / 22 psia

Minimum setting for R404A 1.8 bar (absolute) / 26 psia
Minimum setting for R407A 1.7 bar (absolute) / 25 psia
Minimum setting for R407F 1.9 bar (absolute) / 28 psia
Minimum setting for R134a, 

R448A and R449A

1.45 bar (absolute) / 21 psia

 

 •  Verify that all electrical connections are properly 

fastened and in compliance with local regula-

tions.

  •   When a crankcase heater is required, it must be 

energized at least 8 hours before initial start-up 

and start-up after prolonged shutdown. 

  •   Please respect a 90 Nm ± 20 Nm for tightening 

torque of all rotolock nut.

10 – Start-up

 •  Never start the compressor when no refrigerant is 

charged.

 •  Do not provide any power to the compresor 

unless suction and discharge service valves are 

open, if installed.

  •   Energize the compressor. It must start promptly. 

If the compressor does not start, check wiring 

conformity and voltage on terminals.

 •   Eventual reverse rotation can be detected by fol-

lowing phenomena; the excessive noise, no pres-

sure differential between suction and discharge, 

and line warming rather than immediate cooling. 

A service technician should be present at initial 

start-up to verify that supply power is properly 

phased and that the compressor is rotating in 

the correct direction. MLZ Scroll compressors are 

designed to operate for a maximum of 150 hours 

in reverse, but as a reverse rotation situation can 

go unnoticed for longer periods, phase monitors 

are recommended. For compressors MLZ048 and 

larger, phase monitors are required for all applica-

tions. Danfoss recommends phase protection for 

residential compressors.

 •   If the internal overload protector trips out, it must 

cool down to 60°C / 140°F to reset. Depending on 

ambient temperature, this may take up to several 

hours.

11 – Check with running compressor

 Check current draw and voltage. Measurement 

of amps and volts during running conditions must 

be taken at other points in the power supply, not in 

the compressor electrical box.

 •  Check suction superheat to reduce risk of slug-

ging.

 •   Observe the oil level in the sight glass (if pro-

vided) for about 60 minutes to ensure proper oil 

return to the compressor.

  •   Respect the operating limits.

 •    Check all tubes for abnormal vibration. Move-

ments in excess of 1.5 mm / 0.06 in require cor-

rective measures such as tube brackets.

 •  

When needed, additional refrigerant in liquid 

phase may be added in the low-pressure side as far 

as possible from the compressor. The compressor 

must be operating during this process.

  •   Do not overcharge the system.

  •   Never release refrigerant to atmosphere.

 •   Before leaving the installation site, carry out a 

general installation inspection regarding clean-

liness, noise and leak detection.

 •   Record type and amount of refrigerant charge 

as well as operating conditions as a reference 

for future inspections.

12 – Maintenance

 Internal pressure and surface temperature are 

dangerous and may cause permanent injury. Main-

tenance operators and installers require appropri-

ate skills and tools. Tubing temperature may exceed 

100°C / 212°F and can cause severe burns.

 Ensure that periodic service inspections to 

ensure system reliability and as required by local 

regulations are performed.

To prevent system related compressor problems, fol-

lowing periodic maintenance is recommended:

 •   Verify that safety devices are operational and 

properly set.

  •    Ensure that the system is leak tight.

  •    Check the compressor current draw.

 •    Confirm that the system is operating in a way 

consistent with previous maintenance records 

and ambient conditions.

  •    Check that all electrical connections are still ad-

equately fastened.

 •    Keep the compressor clean and verify the ab-

sence of rust and oxidation on the compressor 

shell, tubes and electrical connections.

  •   Acid / moisture content in system and oil should 

be checked regularly.

13 - Warranty

Always transmit the model number and serial 

number with any claim filed regarding this prod-

uct.

The product warranty may be void in following 

cases:

  •    Absence  of  nameplate.

 •   External modifications; in particular, drilling, 

welding, broken feet and shock marks.

  •    Compressor opened or returned unsealed.

  •    Rust, water or leak detection dye inside the compres-

sor.

  •    Use of a refrigerant or lubricant not approved by 

Danfoss.

 •  

 

Any deviation from recommended instructions 

pertaining to installation, application or mainte-

nance.

  •    Use in mobile applications.

  •    Use in explosive atmospheric environment.

  •    No model number or serial number transmitted 

with the warranty claim.

14 – Disposal

Danfoss recommends that compressors 

and compressor oil should be recycled by 

a suitable company at its site. 

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