Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation when the refrigerator stops freezing or works intermittently, and the first suspicion is a refrigerant leak. For refrigerators of the brand Biryusa, which have been produced at the Krasnoyarsk plant for many decades, the issue of choosing the right type of freon is especially acute due to changes in model ranges and technologies used.
Understanding what kind of gas is used in your unit is critical not only for effective repairs, but also for the safety of the entire system cooling. Incorrect selection refrigerant can lead to compressor failure or even an emergency, so before starting any work it is necessary to accurately identify the model.
In this article we will analyze in detail what types of freons were used in different years of production of equipment Biryusahow to independently determine type of gas and what to do if a leak is detected. You will learn about the physical properties of R600a and R134a, and also receive practical recommendations for diagnosing the system.
Main types of refrigerants in Biryusa technology
The history of refrigerator production Biryusa extends more than half a century, and during this time engineers have had to adapt to changing environmental standards and requirements energy efficiency. In modern and relatively new models, two main types are most often found refrigerants, each of which has its own unique characteristics and maintenance requirements.
The most common in old and middle-aged models is R134a. This is tetrafluoroethane, which replaced the banned R12. It is non-flammable, but requires higher system pressure and the use of synthetic oil. If your refrigerator was manufactured between the late 90s and the mid-2010s, the likelihood of using this particular gas is extremely high.
More modern models, especially those that correspond to energy consumption class A+ and higher, are equipped with a system based on R600a. This is isobutane, which is a hydrocarbon compound. Its main advantage is high cooling performance with a small amount of substance, however, it has one critical drawback - flammability flammability.
⚠️ Attention: Freon R600a is explosive at a concentration in air from 1.3% to 9.5%. It is strictly prohibited to carry out repair work related to soldering or opening the circuit in a room with an open flame source.
To accurately determine the type of gas filled in your specific refrigerator, it is not enough to rely only on the year of manufacture. Manufacturers could use different components depending on the availability of components on the market. Always check the technical documentation or stickers on the case.
How to determine the type of freon by marking
The most reliable way to find out which one Freon is used in your refrigerator Biryusa is to study the factory markings. Manufacturers are required to indicate the type and amount of refrigerant on a special information plate, which is usually located on the back wall of the unit or inside the refrigerator compartment.
Look for a metal or plastic plate with the plant logo. It will indicate the model, serial number, release date, as well as a line Refrigerant or Refrigerant. Next to this designation there will be a gas code, for example R600a or R134a, and its mass in grams.
If the sticker on the body is worn off or missing, you can use the model’s passport data found on the Internet by the number on the nameplate. However, it is worth remembering that in rare cases, during factory repairs, the type of gas could be changed, so a visual check of the system is also important.
Here are the main signs that will help you navigate:
- 🏷️ Inscription on the compressor: often the type of compatible oil and gas is stamped on the motor-compressor itself.
- 📏 Tube diameter: R600a systems often have thinner capillary tubes due to the smaller volume of gas required.
- 🔊 Noise work: Isobutane refrigerators are generally quieter than their tetrafluoroethane counterparts.
If there is no obvious marking and it is impossible to find information on the model, it is better to contact a professional technician who can determine the type of freon by the nature of the system operation or residual pressure.
Compatibility table and filling rates
The amount of freon required for normal operation of the refrigerator Biryusais strictly regulated by the manufacturer. A lack of refrigerant will lead to insufficient cooling and overheating of the compressor, and an excess will lead to water hammer and destruction of the mechanical parts of the engine.
The charging rate depends not only on the model, but also on the volume of the chambers, the number of compressors and the climate class of the device. Below is a reference table with approximate data for popular series.
| Refrigerator model | Refrigerant type | Charge rate (g) | Compressor type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 6 (Series 1990-2000) | R12 / R134a | 140 - 160 | Porshnevoy |
| Biryusa 118 / 119 | R134a | 115 - 130 | Porshnevoy |
| Biryusa 133 (Krasnoyarsk) | R600a | 55 - 65 | Porshnevoy |
| Biryusa 355 (No Frost) | R600a | 90 - 100 | Inverter/Piston |
| Biryusa 460 (Side-by-Side) | R600a | 180 - 220 | Two compressors |
It is important to understand that the data in the table are averaged. The exact number of grams is always indicated on the nameplate of your specific instance. When refueling isobutane (R600a), the error should not exceed ±1 gram, since the system is very sensitive to the amount of substance.
The use of high-precision scales when refueling is a prerequisite for high-quality repairs. Refilling "by eye" or by pressure in the system for household refrigerators is unacceptable, especially for gases with a low filling mass.
Signs of a freon leak in the system
Leak diagnosis refrigerant is the first stage of repair. If the refrigerator Biryusa is no longer cold, but the compressor continues to hum, this may indicate a leak in the circuit. The system ceases to maintain pressure, and the gas gradually evaporates into the atmosphere.
One of the first symptoms is the inability of the unit to reach the set temperature. You may notice that food in the refrigerator compartment begins to spoil faster, and “porridge” forms in the freezer instead of solid ice. At the same time, the compressor works almost non-stop, trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
Visually, a leak can be detected by the following signs:
- 💧 Oil stains: freon circulates along with oil, so greasy marks often remain in place.
- ❄️ Local freezing: in place leaks, a snow coat or ice build-up may form.
- 🔊 Sound change: an idling compressor may produce a louder or intermittent sound.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or chemical smell near a running refrigerator, immediately unplug the appliance and ventilate the room. This may be a sign of a flammable gas leak or overheating of the insulation.
To search for microcracks, craftsmen use leak detectors or a soap solution. At home, you can carefully wash suspicious areas (pipe joints, foamed areas), but this is only effective if there is residual pressure in the system.
Why can’t you just add freon?
Adding freon without finding and fixing the leak is a temporary measure that will not solve the problem. The gas will escape through the crack again, and the compressor will operate in emergency mode. In addition, mixing different types of oils or freons can lead to the formation of acid in the system.
Instructions for replacing and refilling freon
The replacement process Freon in the refrigerator Biryusa requires special tools: a vacuum pump, pressure station, scales and burner. If you are confident in your abilities and follow safety precautions, you can try to restore the operation of the unit.
The first step is always to find and eliminate the leak. There is no point in refueling a system that has a hole in it. After soldering the damaged area, it is necessary to purge the circuit with nitrogen to remove moisture and flux combustion products.
The basic algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Remove the old compressor (if replacement is required) and filter drier.
- Evacuate the system for 20-30 minutes until deep vacuum.
- Fill the amount of refrigerant calculated by weight through the service patrol.
- Solder the pipe and check the tightness of the connections.
☑️ Checklist before starting
Pay special attention to the filter drier. Whenever the system depressurizes, it absorbs moisture from the air and ceases to perform its function. Installing a new filter is a mandatory rule, ignoring which will lead to freezing of the capillary tube and repeated repairs after a short time.
After refueling and starting the refrigerator, it is necessary to control the temperature on the evaporator and condenser, as well as the current consumption of the compressor. Normal operation is characterized by uniform heating of the condenser grid and stable cyclic switching of the motor.
Frequent errors during self-repair
Repairing refrigeration equipment Biryusa with your own hands often leads to aggravation of the situation due to ignorance of the intricacies of thermodynamics and the properties of gases. The most common mistake is trying to fill the refrigerator “by pressure,” ignoring the weight norm.
The pressure in the system depends on the ambient temperature, so the pressure gauge readings may be misleading. An excess of freon leads to liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, causing water hammer, which mechanically destroys the valves and piston group.
Other typical mistakes:
- 🔥 Overheating during soldering: using too powerful a flame without removing heat can melt the thin evaporator tubes inside the cabinet.
- 💧 Poor vacuuming: remaining moisture turns into an ice plug in the capillary, blocking circulation.
- 🛢️ Incompatible oil: filling R134a into a system where there was mineral oil (from R12), without flushing will lead to the formation of an emulsion and clogging.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and maintenance requirements may vary depending on the specific modification and year of manufacture. Always check the latest technical documentation on the manufacturer's official website or in the service book of your model.
If you do not have sufficient experience working with refrigeration equipment, it is better to entrust freon charging to professionals. The cost of a specialist’s services is often lower than buying a new compressor after an unsuccessful experiment.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to refill a Biryusa refrigerator freon from a can for refilling car air conditioners?
Absolutely not. Automotive refrigerants (often mixtures) and household refrigerants (R134a, R600a) have different properties, oils and purity requirements. In addition, cans for cars often contain additives (luminophores, dyes), which can clog the thin capillary of a household refrigerator.
How often do you need to change freon in a refrigerator?
Freon is not a consumable material. In a serviceable, sealed system, it circulates for decades without loss of properties. Replacement is required only if a leak is detected or after a major repair of the circuit.
Why does the refrigerator freeze after refueling, but gets very hot on the sides?
This may be a sign of an excess of freon or the presence of air in the system (poor evacuation). Also, strong heating of the side walls (the capacitor is built into the body) is characteristic of the active phase of operation, but if the walls are constantly hot and the freezer does not maintain the temperature, the filling needs to be adjusted.
How dangerous is freon R600a for humans?
Isobutane (R600a) itself is low-toxic, but it heavier than air and in high concentrations displaces oxygen, causing suffocation. The main danger is its explosiveness. A spark from a refrigerator relay or static electricity with a concentration of gas in the air can cause a bang.
Is it possible to replace R134a with R600a in an old Biryusa refrigerator?
Theoretically it is possible, but this requires a complete re-soldering of the system, replacing the compressor with a special one (with an explosion-proof relay) and installing new insulation. Economically and technically, such retrofitting at home is impractical.