The appearance of ice in one corner of the freezer or a complete lack of cold when the compressor is running often indicates a serious problem in the refrigerant circulation system. In most cases, when it comes to models Atlant, the culprit is clogging of the narrow channel through which freon passes from the condenser to the evaporator. This part, known as capillary tubehas a microscopic diameter, which makes it extremely sensitive to any foreign inclusions in the system.
An attempt to fix a malfunction yourself requires not only theoretical knowledge, but also the presence of a specific tool, since the system sealed and under pressure. Before taking active steps, it is necessary to clearly understand the physical nature of the blockage: it could be an ice plug formed from moisture, or solid particles of oxides and oil that entered the circuit during poor-quality repairs. Accurate diagnosis of the type of blockage determines the choice of cleaning method, since mechanical penetration of the ice plug can lead to rupture of the tube.
Owners of units should immediately be prepared for the fact that the work ahead will be painstaking and require attentiveness. Errors at the diagnostic or disassembly stage can lead to the need to completely replace the heat exchanger or even the compressor. Next, we will look at the algorithm for identifying the problem and methods for solving it, which are used by professional craftsmen.
Diagnostics of a clogged capillary system
The first sign that should alert the owner of the refrigerator Atlantis uneven cooling or its complete absence with the sound of a running motor. If the compressor is humming, but the condenser grille on the rear wall remains cold or only partially warms up, this indicates a circulation problem. Often in such situations, you can hear gurgling sounds coming from the depths of the housing, which indicates the movement of gas through an obstacle. freon. Often in such situations, you can hear gurgling sounds coming from deep in the housing, which indicates the movement of gas through an obstacle.
To more accurately determine the location of the blockage, technicians use the tactile method, checking the temperature of various sections of the circuit. The blockage is usually localized precisely at the junction of the capillary tube into the evaporator, where the diameter of the channel is minimal. If you touch the filter drier and the beginning of the capillary, they may be warm, while the rest of the system will be at ambient temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Before carrying out any diagnostics, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances in disassembled form carries the risk of electric shock.
There are several characteristic symptoms that help distinguish a clogged capillary tube from other faults, such as a freon leak or a compressor breakdown. It is important to correctly interpret the behavior of the equipment so as not to do unnecessary work.
- 🔊 The compressor works continuously without turning off, but there is no cold inside the chambers.
- ❄️ A local area of frost appears on the back wall of the freezer, and the rest of the surface is dry.
- 🌡️ The filter drier has a temperature higher or lower than the expected norm, depending on the type of blockage.
- 🔇 Complete absence of the characteristic noise of refrigerant flow after turning off the engine.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality cleaning of the capillary tube in the refrigerator Atlant is impossible without a set of specialized equipment. Amateur methods such as blowing with your mouth or using a bicycle pump are ineffective and dangerous, as they can introduce moisture and dirt into the system. For a professional approach, you will need vacuum pumpto create a deep vacuum and remove residual refrigerant and moisture.
It is also critical to have a cylinder of nitrogen or dry air on hand for purging the system under pressure. Mechanical cleaning is often done using a special spring or thin wire, but this method requires extreme care to avoid damaging the thin walls of the tube. All connections must be tight, so stock up on quality solder, flux and torch.
☑️ Repair tools
Preparation of the workplace plays no less a role than the availability of tools. The process involves the use of open fire and chemicals, so the room must be well ventilated. Provide access to the rear of the refrigerator in advance by removing protective covers and the condensing unit, if necessary to access the soldering area.
Methods for eliminating ice plugs
The most common reason for a refrigeration system to stop working is the formation of an ice plug inside the capillary tube. This occurs due to moisture entering the circuit, which freezes at low temperatures and blocks the passage for freon. Eliminating such a malfunction often does not require disassembling the system if you act competently and consistently.
The safest and most effective way to deal with moisture is long-term vacuuming of the system. After pumping out the air and remaining gas, leave the vacuum pump running for several hours. This allows moisture to evaporate even at room temperature thanks to the low pressure. In some cases, technicians additionally heat the filter-drier and capillary with a hairdryer to speed up the evaporation of water.
| Parameter | Normal | When clogged with moisture | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure in the system | Depends on freon | Vacuum does not hold | Continue pumping |
| Filter temperature | Room | Maybe lower | Warming up with a hairdryer |
| Operation sound | Uniform | Gurgling, then silence | Check circulation |
| Ice | Uniform | Local or absent | Defrost 24 hours |
If vacuuming does not help, you can try the freezing method. To do this, the refrigerator is left to defrost for a day in an open state. Sometimes moisture has time to migrate and evaporate naturally. However, if the system has been opened, replacement filter drier is mandatory, since the old one will no longer be able to absorb moisture effectively.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to heat the capillary tube with an open flame of a burner without temperature control. Overheating can lead to deformation of the tube or ignition of the oil in the system.
Mechanical cleaning and nitrogen purging
In cases where the blockage is caused by solid particles, copper oxides or burnt oil, more aggressive intervention is required. Mechanical cleaning involves the use of a thin wire or a special spring, which is carefully inserted into the capillary tube to destroy the plug. This method is applicable only if there is access to both ends of the tube or the possibility of dismantling it.
After mechanical action, a mandatory procedure is to flush the system with nitrogen under pressure. This allows any remaining debris to be pushed out. The pressure during purging should not exceed the permissible standards for this type of tube, usually several atmospheres, but the exact values depend on the specific model Atlant and the state of the system.
The purging process is often combined with flushing the circuit with special liquids or alcohol if the contamination is caused by oil breakdown products. The liquid is poured into the system, kept for a certain time, and then carefully removed along with the dissolved dirt. After such a procedure, repeated, very thorough evacuation is necessary.
What is the danger of clogging with oil breakdown products?
When the compressor overheats, the oil can coke, forming solid particles that clog the capillary. This often happens with prolonged use or the use of the wrong refrigerant.
Microscopic scratches can become centers of moisture crystallization in the future, so this method is considered a last resort. If purging does not produce results, it is often easier to replace the capillary tube in the refrigerator with a new one. Atlant It's often easier to replace with a new one.
Replacing the capillary tube: when cleaning will not help
There are situations when cleaning is not practical or impossible. If the tube is damaged by corrosion, has multiple kinks, or the blockage is too dense and cannot be removed, the element is completely replaced. For refrigerators Atlant it is important to select a tube with similar geometric parameters: length, internal diameter and wall thickness.
The replacement process includes dismantling the old tube, which often requires careful defrosting of the evaporator if it is foamed. The new tube is installed along the same trajectory so as not to disrupt heat transfer and not create extra loops where oil can accumulate. After installing the new element, the system is sealed and subjected to a standard vacuuming and charging procedure.
- 📏 The length of the new tube must exactly match the original or be calculated using special tables.
- 🔩 The diameter is selected based on the power of the compressor and the type of refrigerant used.
- 🔥 Soldering of connections should be done using flux and solder with a melting temperature higher than the working temperature.
When replacing, the filter-drier must also be changed, since it is a disposable element. An attempt to preserve the old filter can negate all repair efforts, since its sorbent is already saturated with moisture and will not be able to protect the new tube.
Checking the tightness and filling the system
After successfully cleaning or replacing the capillary tube, the stage of assembling and checking the tightness of the assembled circuit begins. This is a critically important point, since even a microscopic leak will cause the refrigerator Atlant to fail in a short time. The test is carried out by nitrogen pressure testing, raising the pressure in the system to 10-15 atmospheres and monitoring the pressure gauge readings for several hours.
If the pressure drops, you need to look for the leak using a soap solution or a leak detector. Having eliminated the defects, vacuum is performed to remove air and moisture. Only after creating a deep vacuum is filling done freon in the amount indicated on the technical label of the refrigerator.
The correct filling is monitored by the current consumption of the compressor and the temperature of the evaporator and condenser. The technician must make sure that the refrigerant circulates freely, the capillary tube works correctly, and throttling with characteristic cooling occurs at its outlet.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect refrigerant dosage can lead to water hammer in the compressor or its overheating. Strictly follow the factory refueling parameters.
The final stage is the installation of all protective covers and a test run of the refrigerator. During the first hours of operation, it is necessary to periodically check the temperature in the chambers and make sure that there is no extraneous noise. If all parameters are normal, the repair can be considered successfully completed.
Why can’t you fill the refrigerator “by eye”?
The amount of freon is critical for the operation of the capillary system. An excess will lead to liquid freon entering the compressor, and a deficiency will lead to overheating and insufficient cold.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to clean the capillary tube without removing it from the refrigerator?
In most cases, cleaning requires access to the ends of the tube for inserting wire or connecting a hose with nitrogen. This involves dismantling part of the unit or unsoldering the tube. Complete cleaning without opening the circuit is impossible, although defrosting can help if the plug is icy.
What diameter of wire should be used for cleaning?
The diameter of the wire should be significantly smaller than the internal diameter of the capillary, usually 0.3–0.5 mm. Using a wire that is too thick can deform or break the tube, which will require its complete replacement.
Is it necessary to change the filter drier after cleaning?
Yes, replacing the filter drier is required whenever the system is opened. The old filter is already saturated with moisture and, when used again, will begin to release it back into the circuit, which will lead to the formation of a new ice plug.
How long does it take to vacuum the system?
To effectively remove moisture and air from the refrigerator system Atlant the vacuum pump must run for at least 2-3 hours. In complex cases with a large amount of moisture, the time can be increased to 5-6 hours.
Is it dangerous to repair the capillary system yourself?
Yes, it is dangerous. The work involves high pressure, the use of flammable gases (for soldering) and chemicals. In addition, incorrect actions can lead to permanent breakdown of expensive components, such as a compressor.