Maintenance
56
OAU-SVX01K-EN
Condenser Coil Cleaning
Regular coil maintenance, including annual cleaning,
enhances the unit’s operating efficiency by minimizing:
compressor head pressure and amperage draw;
evaporator water carryover; fan brake horsepower, due to
increase static pressure losses; airflow reduction.
At least once each year, or more often if the unit is located
in a “dirty” environment, clean the condenser coils using
the instructions outlined below. Be sure to follow these
instructions as closely as possible to avoid damaging the
coils.
Round Tube Plate Fin (RTPF) Coils
To clean refrigerant coils, use a soft brush and a sprayer
(either a garden pump-up type or a high-pressure
sprayer). A high-quality detergent is also required;
suggested brands include “SPREX A.C.”, “OAKITE 161”,
“OAKITE 166” and “COILOX”. If the detergent selected is
strongly alkaline (pH value exceeds 8.5), add an inhibitor.
WARNING
Hazardous Chemicals!
Failure to follow all safety instructions below could
result in death or serious injury. Coil cleaning agents
can be either acidic or highly alkaline and can burn
severely if contact with skin occurs. Handle chemical
carefully and avoid contact with skin. ALWAYS wear
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including goggles
or face shield, chemical resistant gloves, boots, apron
or suit as required. For personal safety refer to the
cleaning agent manufacturer’s Materials Safety Data
Sheet and follow all recommended safe handling
practices.
AVERTISSEMENT
Produits chimiques dangereux !
Le non-respect de toutes les consignes de sécurité
indiquées ci-après pourrait entraîner des blessures
graves voire mortelles. Les agents de nettoyage pour
serpentin peuvent être soit acides, soit fortement
alcalins et peuvent entraîner des brûlures graves au
contact de la peau. Manipulez les produits chimiques
avec prudence et évitez tout contact avec la peau.
Portez TOUJOURS un équipement de protection
individuel (EPI), y compris des lunettes ou un masque
facial, des gants résistant aux produits chimiques, des
bottes, un tablier ou une combinaison conformément
aux exigences. Pour la sécurité personnelle, voir les
fiches de données de sécurité du fabricant pour l’agent
de nettoyage et suivre toutes les pratiques de
manipulation préconisées.
1. Remove enough panels from the unit to gain access to
the coil.
2. Protect all electrical devices such as motors and
controllers from any over spray.
3. Straighten any bent coil fins with a fin comb.
WARNING
Hazardous Pressures!
Failure to follow safety precautions below could result
in coil bursting, which could result in death or serious
injury. Coils contain refrigerant under pressure. When
cleaning coils, maintain coil cleaning solution
temperature under 150°F to avoid excessive pressure
in the coil.
AVERTISSEMENT
Pressions dangereuses !
Tout manquement aux consignes de sécurité
préconisées ci-dessous risquerait d’entraîner un
éclatement du serpentin susceptible de provoquer des
blessures graves voire mortelles. Les serpentins
contiennent du fluide frigorigène sous pression. Lors
du nettoyage des serpentins, maintenez la température
de l’agent de nettoyage pour serpentin à moins de 65,5
°C (150 °F) pour éviter toute pression excessive dans le
serpentin.
4. Mix the detergent with water according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. If desired, heat the
solution BUT DO NOT EXCEED 150ºF maximum to
improve its cleansing capability.
5. Pour the cleaning solution into the sprayer. If a high-
pressure sprayer is used:
a. do not allow sprayer pressure to exceed 600 psi.
b. the minimum nozzle spray angle is 15°.
c. maintain a minimum clearance of 6 in. between the
sprayer nozzle and the coil.
d. spray the solution perpendicular (at 90°) to the coil
face.
6. Spray the leaving-airflow side of the coil first; then
spray the opposite side of the coil. Allow the cleaning
solution to stand on the coil for five minutes.
7. Rinse both sides of the coil with cool, clean water.
8. Inspect both sides of the coil; if it still appears to be
dirty, repeat
9. Reinstall all of the components and panels removed in
and any protective covers installed in
.
Final Process
For future reference, you may find it helpful to record the
unit data requested below in the blanks provided.
(1) Complete Unit Model Number:
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