Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: on February 05, 2003, 08:53:28 pm
I am at the planning stage of putting a refrig unit into my WE-6. It came with the evaporator coil inside the cooler, but no compressor or condensor. I have a compressor and a decent (not great) understanding of refrig principles. Does anyone have input on the best way. 2 ideas I am considering are;
1) Connect the compressor to the existing evap coil and craft a condensing coil to go below. Will the existing evap coil cool enough to where water is not needed (air cooled)?
2) Connect the compressor to a newly crafted evap coil placed inside the unit and condensing coil below. Idea here being that it would be air cooled.
Also is R22 the typical refrigerant in these units?
1) Connect the compressor to the existing evap coil and craft a condensing coil to go below. Will the existing evap coil cool enough to where water is not needed (air cooled)?
2) Connect the compressor to a newly crafted evap coil placed inside the unit and condensing coil below. Idea here being that it would be air cooled.
Also is R22 the typical refrigerant in these units?
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: johnieG on February 05, 2003, 09:24:56 pm
In short as follows: 1: No, the water cooling coils don't have enough surface area to properly cool the cabinet even if you added a fan/motor to circulate the air.
2: Yes, this would be the better idea to convert the wet-box to a dry box. and lastly about the R22 NO! R22's cooling properties aren't suited to this task, use R134a, or a blended refrigerant like Hot-Shot, R404a, etc. Have a talk with Eric over at Global compressors, he's a great resource of idea's and information, if you don't have the access & training & tool's for the job you're "asking for it"
2: Yes, this would be the better idea to convert the wet-box to a dry box. and lastly about the R22 NO! R22's cooling properties aren't suited to this task, use R134a, or a blended refrigerant like Hot-Shot, R404a, etc. Have a talk with Eric over at Global compressors, he's a great resource of idea's and information, if you don't have the access & training & tool's for the job you're "asking for it"
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: on February 05, 2003, 09:38:13 pm
Good info. Thank you for your advice. I'll give Greg a call.
The compressor I plan to use is from a 6 cu ft frig that used the older type refrig, not the 134a. I understand that the older freon is more efficient. While I have someone in mind to help with drawing a vacuum and recharging, I want to put the unit together and get it ready.
Do you have an idea on what freon was used in the pre 134a units? I thought it was R22, but your info makes me wonder.
The compressor I plan to use is from a 6 cu ft frig that used the older type refrig, not the 134a. I understand that the older freon is more efficient. While I have someone in mind to help with drawing a vacuum and recharging, I want to put the unit together and get it ready.
Do you have an idea on what freon was used in the pre 134a units? I thought it was R22, but your info makes me wonder.
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: johnieG on February 06, 2003, 08:54:02 am
It was R-12, but a system (compressor) that was made for
R-22 won't work with R-12, there are pressure, and oil compatabilty problems, so stick with whichever refrigerant that goes with your compressor, and if you start to think about how that refrigerator worked (that you took the compressor out of) you must remember that the cold air for the food section of the 'fridge, is actually made in the freezer compartment and blown down to the lower cabinet area. most R-22 systems are freezers, and BIG "reach-in" coolers, and of course building air conditioners. food for thought!
R-22 won't work with R-12, there are pressure, and oil compatabilty problems, so stick with whichever refrigerant that goes with your compressor, and if you start to think about how that refrigerator worked (that you took the compressor out of) you must remember that the cold air for the food section of the 'fridge, is actually made in the freezer compartment and blown down to the lower cabinet area. most R-22 systems are freezers, and BIG "reach-in" coolers, and of course building air conditioners. food for thought!
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: MoonDawg on February 06, 2003, 09:50:15 pm
Mash, I know nothing about this refrigeration language, but wanted to comment on your first question about using the existing evaporator coil. I had a 6 case master with working refrigeration. I wanted to eliminate the water and use air cooling. Johnie is right, a fan didn't work by itself.
My sheet metal friend made a neat enclosed stainless steel shroud housing the coil, and added a small "pancake" fan to blow air across the coils and a curved plenum to direct the air around the rest of the box and return it to be re-cooled. It worked great.
The advantage was it took up much less space inside than most available replacements I could find. I think he still has the blueprints if anyone is interested. Glen
My sheet metal friend made a neat enclosed stainless steel shroud housing the coil, and added a small "pancake" fan to blow air across the coils and a curved plenum to direct the air around the rest of the box and return it to be re-cooled. It worked great.
The advantage was it took up much less space inside than most available replacements I could find. I think he still has the blueprints if anyone is interested. Glen
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: on February 08, 2003, 07:25:40 am
Johnie - I called Eric @ Global. Very helpful. He is sending me info on a replacment system. Hopefully you do not mind a few more questions. I'd like to come to terms with a few issues relating to reusing the parts that I already have before I spend the $$$ to buy a replacement.
I think I understand that the old WE-6 probably used R12. Also I think I picked up somewhere that R22 was most likely the Freon in the old frezzer that I'm considering using for parts. Correct so far?
I am also gathering that using R22 parts in my project could result in a cooler that is a freezer, ie too cold. Also correct?
Lastly, to convert from freezer to fridge is an art in choosing a different cap tube. A bit complicated.
Does this all sound right?
I think I understand that the old WE-6 probably used R12. Also I think I picked up somewhere that R22 was most likely the Freon in the old frezzer that I'm considering using for parts. Correct so far?
I am also gathering that using R22 parts in my project could result in a cooler that is a freezer, ie too cold. Also correct?
Lastly, to convert from freezer to fridge is an art in choosing a different cap tube. A bit complicated.
Does this all sound right?
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: on February 08, 2003, 07:27:48 am
Moondawg - Thanks. I would like the blue prints. Are they e-mailable? - mashenden@cavtel.com. To be clear, are you saying that using this shroud, you were able to use the original coils to cool the beverages using only air? Please confirm.
Also what can you tell me about the original system? HP of compressor, type of freon, etc.
Also what can you tell me about the original system? HP of compressor, type of freon, etc.
Title: We-6 refrig options
Post by: MoonDawg on February 08, 2003, 11:16:39 am
Don't know about the H/P etc of the compressor.
Steve made one unit for me and at the same time made an extra that I sent to my friend in Michigan. Was a complete welded 1 piece unit, needed only 2 holes drilled above the water line, and the wires from the old fan connected to the new fan.
Can find out the price of the assembly and shipping to you. Can reduce the unit price if I can get multiple requests.
I don't think he wants to share blueprints,but rather make parts.
Yes the unit cools the whole cabinet capturing temperature of the round coils.
Will get back to you on this next week. Glen
Steve made one unit for me and at the same time made an extra that I sent to my friend in Michigan. Was a complete welded 1 piece unit, needed only 2 holes drilled above the water line, and the wires from the old fan connected to the new fan.
Can find out the price of the assembly and shipping to you. Can reduce the unit price if I can get multiple requests.
I don't think he wants to share blueprints,but rather make parts.
Yes the unit cools the whole cabinet capturing temperature of the round coils.
Will get back to you on this next week. Glen