The question of what exactly your refrigerator is filled with often becomes relevant at the time of equipment breakdown or scheduled maintenance. For owners of brand refrigeration equipment Biryusa this is especially important, since the brand produces models of different generations that use different types of refrigerants. Understanding what substance circulates in the system is necessary for the correct choice of compressor, oil and method of eliminating leaks.
In modern realities, manufacturers are seeking to move away from the use of ozone-depleting substances, such as R12, in favor of more environmentally friendly analogues. Biryusa refrigerators in this context, they are no exception and follow global standards trends, switching to isobutane and tetrafluoroethane. An error in choosing the type of gas during repairs can lead to compressor failure or even an explosion if it is not handled correctly with flammable compounds.
In this article we will analyze in detail which brands of freon are used in various lines of this equipment, how to determine the type of refrigerant by the nameplate and what you need to know about the standards refills. This information will help you plan the repair correctly or make sure of the qualifications of the called technician.
Main types of refrigerants in Biryusa refrigerators
Historically, the Biryusa plant (formerly the Krasnoyarsk Refrigerator Plant) produced equipment operating on different types of refrigerants. Today in operation you can find models that use two main types of working substances: isobutane (R600a) and tetrafluoroethane (R134a). The choice of a specific gas depended on the year of manufacture of the model and its design features.
The most common in modern models is R600a. It is a hydrocarbon refrigerant that is highly energy efficient and has a low environmental impact. However, it has one critical feature - it is flammable. That is why refrigerators filled with this gas use special explosion-proof electrical circuit components and compressors with a low risk of sparking.
⚠️ Attention: Isobutane (R600a) is lighter than air and ignites at concentrations in air from 1.3% to 8.2%. When carrying out repair work associated with soldering tubes, it is necessary to ensure strong ventilation of the room and exclude any sources of open fire.
The second type - R134a - was often found in middle-aged models. This gas is not flammable, but requires the use of synthetic oil to lubricate the compressor, as opposed to the mineral oil that was used with the old R12 freon. Mixing oils or using the wrong type of refrigerant will create an acidic environment and quickly destroy the internal parts of the compressor.
How to determine the type of freon by marking
The most reliable way to find out what your refrigerator is filled with Biryusa, - This is an inspection of the technical sticker located on the body of the unit. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall, on the back wall between the shelves or on the plinth at the front. This source of information cannot be ignored when ordering spare parts.
The label contains the product passport, where the code of the substance will be indicated in the “Refrigerant” or “Refrigerant” column. Look for the designations R600a or R134a. Next to the type of gas, its mass in grams is always indicated (for example, 58 g). This value is critically important, since modern systems require high dosage accuracy.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can indirectly determine the type of gas by the year of manufacture and model of the compressor. Models released after 2010 are in the vast majority of cases filled with isobutane. Older models, especially two-compressor ones, could use tetrafluoroethane. However, a visual inspection of the compressor does not always give a 100% guarantee without reading the markings on the motor itself.
Compatibility table of models and charging standards
Refrigerant charging standards are strictly regulated by the manufacturer for each specific model. A lack of freon will lead to ineffective operation and overheating of the compressor, and an excess will lead to an increase in pressure and possible rupture of the system or tripping of the protection. The table below shows approximate data for popular series.
| Series / Model | Refrigerant type | Approximate charge weight (g) | Oil type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 6 (single-chamber) | R600a (Isobutane) | 45 - 65 g | Synthetic (POE) |
| Biryusa 10, 14 (double-chamber) | R600a (Isobutane) | 80 - 110 g | Synthetic (POE) |
| Turk 133, 135 (No Frost) | R600a (Isobutane) | 50 - 70 g | Synthetic (POE) |
| Old models (before 2005) | R134a (Tetrafluoroethane) | 120 - 160 g | Synthetic (POE/PAG) |
Please note that the exact number of grams may vary even within the same series, depending on the year of production and the installed evaporator. Refilling “by eye” is strictly not recommended. Professional craftsmen use electronic scales with an accuracy of 1 gram to control the process.
It is also important to consider the type of oil. For R600a and R134a, synthetic oils (polyester) are used, which are hygroscopic, that is, they actively absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, during repairs, you cannot keep the system open for a long time. Moisture inside the circuit will lead to the formation of ice plugs in the capillary tube and failure of the unit.
Features of repairing systems with isobutane (R600a)
Repairing refrigerators filled with R600arequires the technician to comply with strict safety regulations. As already mentioned, this gas is flammable. Unlike safe R134a, any spark in the work area can be fatal. Therefore, the first stage of repair always includes ventilating the room and checking the gas concentration.
The process of replacing a compressor or eliminating a leak in such systems is as follows. First, the technician must cut out the process pipe and allow the gas to escape completely. Only after this, having made sure that there are no gas leaks from the system, can you start soldering. The soldering method is often used in a nitrogen environment or using special solders with a low melting point.
- 🔥 Intrinsic safety tool: All work must be carried out with a tool that does not produce sparks, and soldering can only be done after complete vacuumization of the system.
- 💨 Purge with nitrogen: Before soldering, the system must be purged with dry nitrogen so that displace the remaining flammable gas from the tubes.
- ⚖️ Evacuation: After soldering, a long vacuum (at least 30 minutes) is required to remove moisture and air before refueling.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to seal a leak in a refrigerator with R600a yourself unless you have experience working with gas and a vacuum pump. The risk of fire due to improper preparation is too great.
Why can’t you use regular freon R12 or R134a instead of R600a?
The physical properties of these gases are radically different. R600a operates at lower pressure and has a different heat capacity. The replacement will lead to the compressor working with overload, the temperature in the chambers will not drop to the desired level, and the oil will not return to the crankcase, which will kill the engine in a few days.
Signs of a leak and the need for refilling
Understand that the refrigerator Biryusa requires refueling, based on a number of indirect signs. Since freon circulates in a closed circuit, its amount does not decrease during normal operation. If the gas has disappeared somewhere, it means that depressurization (leakage) has occurred.
The first signal is often incorrect operation of the temperature regime. Food in the refrigerator begins to deteriorate faster, and the ice in the freezer melts or water stops freezing. In this case, the compressor itself can work almost without interruption, trying to gain temperature, or, conversely, turn on rarely, but not cool.
- ❄️ Weak cooling: The rear wall of the refrigerator compartment does not freeze evenly or remains warm.
- 🔊 Noisy operation: The compressor hums continuously without going into mode rest.
- 🌡️ Case heating: The side walls (where the condenser is often located) remain cold, although they should be warm.
It is important to note that modern models with the system No Frost can hide the leak longer. The fan will circulate air, and the user may not immediately notice that there is no cold. Only the appearance of puddles under the refrigerator or complete defrosting of the contents will indicate a problem.
☑️ Symptoms of a freon leak
Is it possible to refuel the refrigerator yourself
The issue of self-refueling often arises among equipment owners who want to save money. Theoretically, having a pressure gauge station, scales and a freon cylinder, this is possible. However, in practice, for refrigerators Biryusa with isobutane, this is an extremely difficult and dangerous task for a non-professional.
The main problem is the need for vacuuming. You can't just release old gas and pump in new gas. Air and moisture will remain in the system, which will lead to blockage of the capillary tube with ice after several hours of operation. In addition, without a vacuum pump it is impossible to accurately measure the amount of gas, and for R600a the count is in grams.
If you decide to do the repair yourself, you will need:
- 🛠️ Tools: Pipe cutter, rolling, torch, solder, vacuum pump, pressure manifold.
- ⚗️ Consumables: Cylinder with the correct type of freon, filter-drier (must be changed when opening the circuit).
- 📏 Accuracy: Electronic scales for weighing the cylinder during the refueling process.
The cost of purchasing all the necessary equipment and gas often exceeds the cost of calling a specialist. In addition, there is no guarantee for such repairs, and the risk of damaging an expensive compressor is very high. For models with R134a, the risks are lower, since the gas is not flammable, but the requirements for cleanliness and vacuum remain the same.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a freon cylinder, make sure that the valve matches your hose. Cylinders with R600a often have a left-hand thread or special adapters to prevent errors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to fill a Biryusa refrigerator with R12 freon?
No, this is strictly prohibited. R12 (freon) was used in very old models and is banned from production due to harm to the ozone layer. Oils and design features of modern Biryusa compressors are not compatible with R12. Such a replacement will lead to breakdown.
How much does it cost to refill a Biryusa refrigerator by a technician?
The price depends on the region, the type of refrigerant and the complexity of the work (fixing a leak or simply replacing the gas). On average, the cost of work including materials ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles. Refilling R600a may cost more due to the complexity and danger of the work.
Where is the filling fitting on the Biryusa refrigerator?
On most modern Biryusa models there is no separate filling fitting (like on car air conditioners). Refueling is carried out through the process pipe of the compressor, which is sealed after completion of work. Previously, there were models with threaded valves, but now they are rare.
Why did the refrigerator start to freeze worse after refueling?
Most likely, the gas dosage was incorrect (underweight or overweight), moisture or air remained in the system, or the filter-drier was clogged. Also, the cause may be the wrong type of oil filled or poor-quality evacuation of the system before refueling.
Is it dangerous to breathe freon vapors from the refrigerator?
Short-term inhalation of small amounts of R600a or R134a freon is usually not fatal, but can cause dizziness, nausea and suffocation, because the gas displaces oxygen. R600a is also explosive. If a leak is detected, you must ventilate the room and do not turn on electrical appliances.