SRL Service Manual
Revision 00
July 2007
Page 18 of 56
3.2.3 Condenser
The condenser cools the refrigerant causing it to
condense back to a liquid.
The SRL-700 through 6000 (60Hz) and SRL-220 through
1800 (50Hz) can be purchased with either an air cooled
or water cooled condenser.
In an air cooled condenser, the refrigerant is fed through
finned coils (copper pipes, aluminium fins) across which
ambient air is blown by one or more axial fans.
In a water cooled condenser the refrigerant is fed through a brazed plate heat exchanger where it is
cooled by the water.
On all air cooled models the condensing coils are protected by a wire mesh pre-filter. This significantly
reduces dirt accumulation on the condenser, thereby reducing the need to shut the dryer down for
condenser cleaning, while at the same time reducing energy consumption.
In addition the condensing section is completely separated from the rest of the dryer, thereby allowing
maintenance even when the dryer is in operation.
The heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the Air-to-Refrigerant Heat Exchanger and produced during
compression, is rejected to the ambient in the condenser. If the condenser is unable to reject all the
heat absorbed (i.e. due to fouling), the refrigerant system will overheat and over pressure, resulting in
shutdown. For further information see Section 10.
3.2.4 Refrigerant
Filter
The refrigerant filter is of a solid desiccant type construction that removes
solid and liquid contaminants from the refrigerant. Without it,
contaminants would re-circulate throughout the circuit continuously. Solid
contaminants could damage the compressor or block the flow of
refrigerant. Moisture could cause the compressor oil to become acidic.
The filter/dryer catches any solid contaminants in the system and absorbs
any moisture.
It is important to replace the filter if it becomes blocked, if the refrigerant system has been open to
atmosphere for an extended period of time, or if the compressor has been replaced.
