Location of the capillary tube in Atlant refrigerators

Finding the location of capillary tube in a brand refrigeration unit Atlantis often the first step in diagnosing complex cooling system malfunctions. Owners of two-chamber models are faced with a situation where the compressor operates continuously, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop below positive values, which indicates a violation of the refrigerant circulation.

In most household models Atlant this part hidden inside the thermal insulation of the housing or foamed together with the evaporator, which makes its visual detection without opening the panels impossible. Understanding the basic flow diagram of freon will help you determine the exact location of the circuit failure and plan further repair actions.

The capillary is a thin copper pipeline that connects the condenser and the evaporator, creating the necessary throttling (pressure drop) for the refrigerant to boil. It is in this unit that critical blockages most often occur or depressurization occurs, requiring the intervention of a technician or qualified home repairs.

Principal diagram of the location in the system

To understand where to look for the capillary, it is necessary to imagine the path of freon movement. After being compressed in the compressor, the refrigerant gas enters the condenser (a grill at the back or hidden in the walls), where it cools and turns into a liquid. Next, the liquid freon enters drying filter, and then directly into the capillary tube.

In refrigerators Atlant with one compressor, the capillary often has a complex configuration, passing through the freezer and refrigeration compartment. In modern models with the system No Frost the tube can be wound in a spiral around the main evaporator or glued into its channels.

• 🔴 The entrance to the capillary is always located after the filter-drier, which is located next to the motor.
• 🔵 The outlet from the capillary is connected to the inlet pipe of the evaporator, which in older models is sealed in the rear wall.
• 🟢 The length of the capillary tube in household refrigerators varies from 2 to 4 meters, although outwardly it seems compact due to dense winding.

Important It should be noted that the diameter of this element is only 0.6–0.9 mm, which makes it extremely sensitive to any contamination. The slightest moisture or copper oxides that get inside the system can completely block the cross-section and stop cooling.

⚠️ Attention: The capillary tube is made of soft copper. Any mechanical impact, bending or attempt to clean it mechanically (with a brush) will lead to irreversible damage and flattening of the channel.

Visual localization in Atlant models

If you plan to look for the connection point capillary with an evaporator, you will have to partially dismantle the inner lining of the refrigeration chamber. In classic two-chamber models Atlant (KShD, MKhM series), the evaporator is often built into the back wall of the refrigerator compartment or is a separate box in the freezer.

The entry point of the capillary tube is usually located in the upper part of the evaporator or on the side where the copper pipeline exits polyurethane foam layer. In some modifications, this area may be hidden by a plastic casing or a layer of additional thermal insulation, which must be carefully removed.

To accurately determine the location of a rupture or blockage, technicians use thermal imagers or the method of alternately heating sections of the tube. However, visually you will only be able to see the inlet and outlet pipes, since the main length is hidden in the body of the refrigerator.

It is worth considering that in models with a “crying” evaporator, the capillary can be glued with aluminum tape to the surface of the cooling panel. When defrosting ice with a knife, it is easy to damage the thin wall of the tube, which will lead to freon leakage.

Signs of a malfunctioning capillary circuit

You can determine a problem with a capillary by indirect signs even before opening the case. The most characteristic symptom of a blockage is the operation of the compressor in constant mode without reaching the set temperature, while the motor itself may be hot and the condenser may be barely warm.

If a complete blockage occurs, the circulation of freon stops. In this case, you may hear a characteristic gurgling or hissing sound that comes from deep within the housing when the engine stops. This indicates that the refrigerant cannot pass through the narrow section of the tube.

Bloating of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment may also indicate a problem. This occurs when, due to a circulation disorder, oil or freon accumulates in one place, causing local expansion of thermal insulation or deformation of the plastic.

Diagnostics of blockage and rupture

For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to connect a pressure gauge station to the process pipe of the compressor. If, when you turn on the engine, the pressure gauge needle shows the deepest vacuum (below -1 bar) and does not rise, this is a sure sign clogging of the capillary tube.

In the event of a rupture or leak, the pressure in the system will be atmospheric, and when the compressor is turned on, a whistle of escaping gas will be heard from the point of damage. In models Atlant leaks often occur at soldering points or in the channels of the foamed evaporator.

• 🔍 Check the filter drier: if it is colder than usual or covered with frost, the blockage is located directly in front of it or in the filter itself.
• 🔍 Heating the inlet section of the capillary with a hairdryer can temporarily restore circulation, confirming the presence of an ice plug or paraffin blockage.
• 🔍 The absence of vibration on the capillary tube when the compressor is running indicates a complete blockage of the flow.

Sometimes the blockage is not caused by dirt, but and by the solidification of oil at low temperatures if the wrong oil was used in the system or moisture occurred. In such cases, a complete flushing of the system is required.

Replacement and repair technology

Repairing the capillary circuit at home is only possible if you have special tools: a torch, solder, a vacuum pump and a nitrogen cylinder. The process begins with dismantling the old evaporator or cutting out the damaged section of the foamed circuit.

If the capillary is built into the wall (foamed), it is often not removed, but is plugged and a new external evaporator is installed (crying type or No Frost). The new capillary is selected strictly according to the diameter and length specified in the technical documentation for a specific model Atlant.

Soldering sequence:
1. Clean the tubes until shiny.
2. Apply flux.
3. Warm up the connection with a torch.
4. Add solder (silver or copper-phosphorus).

A critical step is to evacuate the system. It is necessary to remove all moisture and air from the circuit by creating a deep vacuum for 20-30 minutes. Without this step, the remaining moisture will freeze in the capillary and cause the blockage again after a few days of operation.

⚠️ Attention: Filling the refrigerator “by eye” without a scale is unacceptable. A lack of freon will lead to overheating of the compressor, and an excess will lead to water hammer and destruction of the motor valves.

Prevention and recommendations for operation

To avoid problems with the capillary system in refrigerators Atlant, you should follow the operating rules. The main enemy of the system is moisture, which gets inside during poor-quality repairs or storage of equipment in a damp room.

Regular defrosting (for drip systems) at least once every 6 months helps maintain the efficiency of heat exchange and reduces the load on the compressor. Do not place hot foods in the chamber, as a sharp temperature change can cause moisture condensation in hard-to-reach places.

When transporting the refrigerator, be sure to secure the compressor and do not tilt the unit more than 40 degrees. Oil displacement into the circuit can lead to the formation of plugs in the capillary immediately after switching on.

Make sure the integrity of the door seal. The suction of warm air leads to the formation of excess condensate and frost, which, flowing down, can cause corrosion and microcracks in the system elements.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)