The question of how to make an Atlant refrigerator a two-chamber one often arises among owners of old single-chamber models that no longer meet the family’s food storage needs. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply partition the internal volume with a plastic panel and connect an additional fan to get a full-fledged No Frost system or at least a separate freezer. However, design of the compressor-condensing unit is initially designed for a specific evaporator volume and thermal load, which makes simple mechanical alteration a technically difficult task.
Brand refrigerators Atlant, especially Soviet and early post-Soviet models of the MXM series were equipped with a freezer compartment located inside the main cabinet, or a small separate chamber on top. Transforming such a device into a full-fledged two-chamber unit requires not only a change in the internal space, but also serious modification refrigerant circuit. This involves installing a second evaporator, recalculating the amount of freon and, in most cases, replacing the compressor itself with a more powerful one or installing a second circulation circuit.
Before proceeding with any actions, it is necessary to clearly understand that the factory layout does not allow for easy expansion functionality. Single-chamber Atlant models do not have technological holes and channels for routing freon pipes into the second volume, so any modernization will require drilling the metal case, which violates the tightness and thermal insulation. Without professional skills in working with copper tubes and evacuation of the system, such an operation is doomed to failure.
Analysis of the technical feasibility of the alteration
The first step for any master who undertakes such The task becomes a deep analysis of the technical documentation for a specific model Atlant. You need to find out what type of refrigerant is used in the system (usually R134a in newer models or R600a) and what the compressor capacity is. Single-chamber units are often equipped with low-power compressors, which are absolutely not enough to service the increased volume of chambers, even if they are separated by a partition.
There are two main ways to solve the problem: creating a pseudo-two-chamber refrigerator using additional thermal insulation and active air exchange, or a full-fledged insertion of a second evaporator. The first option is technically simpler, but does not provide a real separation of temperature zones - the products in the “freezer” will depend on the operation of the main circuit. The second option requires intervention in refrigeration circuit, which is equivalent to a major overhaul.
⚠️ Attention: Intervention in the sealed circuit of the refrigerator without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station) leads to instant loss of refrigerant and moisture entering the system, which disables the compressor in a matter of hours of operation.
It is also important to take into account the state of the thermal insulation of the housing. Old models Atlant may have caked glass wool or polyurethane foam with a broken structure. If you plan to create a second chamber by cutting off part of the volume, you need to make sure that the walls of the new compartment will be sufficiently insulated, otherwise the compressor will work without stoppingtrying to compensate for heat inflows.
- 🔍 Check the rated capacity of the compressor - it should be not less than 1/4 hp for two-chamber operation.
- ❄️ Assess the condition of the main evaporator - if it is a crying type, conversion to No Frost is impossible without a complete replacement.
- 🔌 Make sure that the electrical wiring and thermostat can withstand the increased load or the possibility of installing additional equipment.
Necessary tools and materials
To implement the project of converting a refrigerator Atlant into a two-chamber one, you will need not just a set of screwdrivers, but a full-fledged workshop. The basis of the work will be working with metal and copper tubes, so the presence of a grinder, drill and tools for rolling copper is a prerequisite. Without high-quality tools, it is impossible to ensure tight connections, which is critical for cooling systems.
Special attention should be paid to materials for thermal insulation. Since the internal space will be redistributed, you will need sheets of penoplex or high-density polystyrene foam with a thickness of at least 3-5 cm. The use of thin materials will lead to freezing of the walls and the formation of condensation between the body and the new partition, which over time will cause metal corrosion.
List of main equipment:1. Manometer station (collector)
2. Vacuum pump (minimum 2 stages)
3. Torch for soldering copper pipes (oxygen-propane)
4. Pipe cutter and rolling for copper
5. Refrigerant leak detector
You will also need to purchase components for the refrigeration circuit: a new evaporator (can be taken from a faulty two-chamber refrigerator), filter drier, refrigerant in a cylinder and oil for the compressor. Don't forget about consumables: solder, flux, insulation for wires and sealant for processing seams. All components must be compatible with the type of freon used in your Atlanta.
☑️ Preparing for remodeling
Step-by-step instructions: creating a partition
The process of dividing the internal volume begins with dismantling all internal elements: shelves, boxes and the main evaporator (if it is located inside the chamber). After freeing up the space, the dividing line between the future freezer and refrigerator compartments is accurately marked. Usually the freezer is made in the upper part, since cold air tends downwards, which will simplify natural circulation in simplified schemes.
A partition is cut out of sheet metal (galvanized or aluminum) that will separate the volumes. It should fit snugly against the walls of the housing. It is better to attach it to self-tapping screws with a press washer, having previously drilled holes in the walls of the refrigerator. All joints and cracks must be coated with silicone sealant or special adhesive foam in order to prevent air flow between zones.
A layer of thermal insulation is mounted on the outside of the created partition (from the side of the refrigeration chamber). Penoplex is cut to size and glued to the metal partition. The ends are also carefully sealed. It is important that the insulation layer is continuous, otherwise the dew point will move inside the structure, and after a couple of months you will find ice inside the wall.
| Parameter | Refrigerator compartment | Freezer compartment |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature mode | +2...+5 °C | -18...-24 °C |
| Cooling type | Static / Dynamic | Intensive freezing |
| Humidity | High (for vegetables) | Low (dry cold) |
| Location | Bottom part (usually) | Upper part |
After installing the physical partition, you need to organize an air circulation system if you do not plan to embed a separate evaporator To do this, holes are made in the partition into which duct fans are installed. Their operation must be synchronized with the activation of the compressor so that the cold is distributed evenly.
Modernization of the refrigeration circuit
The most difficult part of the project is adapting the cooling system. Standard single-chamber evaporator Atlanta is not enough to freeze food in the second chamber. You will need to cut an additional evaporator (plate or tube) into the new freezer. To do this, holes are drilled in the back wall or through the top for the tubes to come out.
Connecting the new evaporator with the main circuit requires professional soldering. The tubes are connected in a series circuit: compressor output → condenser → filter drier → capillary tube → new evaporator → old evaporator (or bypass) → compressor inlet. It is important to choose the correct length capillary tubeas the pressure in the system and cooling efficiency depend on this.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect soldering of copper connections (overheating or underheating) leads to microcracks through which freon will evaporate in a few weeks, and air will get inside the system.
After assembling the circuit, the system must be vacuumized for 30-40 minutes to remove moisture and air. Then the refrigerant is charged by scale, strictly following the instructions on the compressor nameplate or selecting the pressure experimentally (which is risky for a beginner). The system is started under the control of pressure gauges.
Why can’t you just add a fan?
Simply mixing the air with a fan will not create a temperature of -18°C in a separate compartment if it does not have its own source of cold. The temperature will level out to average, for example, -5°C, which is not enough for long-term storage of meat.
Installation of a control and automation system
Single-chamber refrigerators are controlled by a simple mechanical thermostat that responds to the temperature in the main chamber. When a second chamber with a different temperature regime appears, the standard automation becomes insufficient. You will need to install an additional thermostat or electronic controller that will control the operation of the compressor or additional fan.
To implement separate control, you can use a circuit with a solenoid valve that will shut off the refrigerant supply to one of the chambers when the set temperature is reached. However, for home-made alterations, a simplified version is often used: the compressor operates according to the temperature of the freezer compartment (as it is more demanding), and in the refrigerator compartment the temperature is regulated by a damper or fan speed.
The electrical circuit must be assembled in compliance with all safety standards. Wires running inside the wet chamber must be double insulated. All connections are hidden in sealed junction boxes. The use of twists is not allowed - only soldering or reliable terminal blocks.
- 🔌 Use thermostats with a remote sensor for precise control in each zone.
- ⚡ Install a time relay to turn on the fans cyclically to avoid blowing food.
- 🛡️ Mandatory ground the metal case, as the humidity inside the chambers will increase.
Testing and possible problems
After assembly and first refueling, the refrigerator is left turned on for a day without loading food. This is necessary to stabilize temperature conditions and check the system for leaks. Use a soapy solution to check all solder joints; bubbles will indicate a defect. You should also monitor the current consumption of the compressor with an ammeter.
A frequent problem with homemade two-chamber refrigerators is excessive ice formation on the evaporator or walls. This indicates moisture has entered the circuit or the defrost system is not operating properly. In factory models Atlant with the No Frost system, the heating element and timer are responsible for this, which are absent in single-chamber versions. You will have to implement a defrost system manually or install a universal control unit.
Another problem is noise. Installing additional fans and changing the acoustics of an empty case can make the unit noticeably louder. To reduce noise, use vibration-isolating gaskets under the compressor and high-quality silent fans.
If after 24 hours of operation on the walls a uniform layer of frost does not form in the freezer, and the compressor operates jerkily, which means that the amount of freon is selected incorrectly or the capillary tube is clogged. In this case, repeated vacuuming and refilling are required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can it be made from Atlas full-fledged No Frost?
Theoretically, yes, but this requires installing an evaporator behind the rear wall, a fan for circulation and a defrosting heating element with a timer. The space in old buildings is usually not enough for this; a remote unit or a significant reduction in useful volume will be required.
How much will electricity consumption increase after the remodel?
Consumption will increase by 30-50%, since the compressor will have to work more intensely to cool the increased volume and compensate for the less effective thermal insulation of the homemade partition. Old motors are less energy efficient.
Is the game worth the trouble financially?
Probably not. The cost of a new evaporator, freon, tools (if they are not available), materials and time spent often exceeds the cost of a used two-chamber refrigerator. This only makes sense as an educational project or for the sake of sport.
Which freon is better to use for the conversion?
You need to use the type of refrigerant for which the compressor is designed (indicated on the nameplate). Changing the type of freon (for example, from R134a to R600a) requires changing the oil in the compressor and completely reconfiguring the system, which is extremely difficult to do at home.