Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to find out the exact brand of the working substance, especially when it comes to diagnosing faults or routine maintenance. For refrigerators of the brand Biryusa this issue becomes critically important, since the plant has produced and continues to produce models operating on different types of freon. An error in determining the type of gas can lead to serious consequences for the compressor and the entire cooling system.
Understanding what what refrigerant is used in your specific unit allows you to correctly plan the budget for repairs and choose a qualified technician. Modern environmental standards dictate their own rules, and manufacturers are gradually switching to safer mixtures, abandoning old but time-tested formulations. In this article we will analyze in detail the evolution of the use of gases in the equipment of this brand.
It is worth noting that visually determining the type of gas without markings is almost impossible, since the appearance of the cylinders and even some design features of the system may be similar. However, knowing the year and model often provides an accurate answer. Let's dive into the technical details and figure out what exactly circulates inside the circuit of your refrigerator.
Main types of refrigerants used
Historically, the plant Biryusa (formerly the Krasnoyarsk Refrigerator Plant) used several types of working fluids in its units. Today, two main types are most common, each of which has its own unique physicochemical properties. The first and most widespread in old models is R134a (tetrafluoroethane).
This gas replaced freon R12, which was banned due to its destructive effect on the ozone layer. R134a non-flammable, (safe when inhaled in small doses) and has excellent refrigeration characteristics. However, it requires the use of synthetic oil to lubricate the compressor, which makes the system more sensitive to moisture.
The second type, which has been actively introduced in the last 15-20 years, is R600a (isobutane). It is a hydrocarbon refrigerant that is highly energy efficient and has minimal environmental impact. The main feature of R600a is its flammability, which requires special care when carrying out repair work.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to replace R600a refrigerant yourself without special equipment and skills. Due to the high flammability of isobutane, a spark from soldering or static electricity can cause an explosion in a confined kitchen space.
The difference between these two types is fundamental, and mixing them is strictly prohibited. If a system designed for one type of gas contains another, the compressor may fail within minutes of operation. Therefore, before any refueling, it is necessary to carry out a complete evacuation and flushing of the system.
How to determine the type of freon by marking
The most reliable way to find out whether what refrigerant is filled in your refrigerator is to study the technical documentation or the factory tag. The manufacturer is obliged to indicate this information, since operational safety depends on it. Usually the marking plate is located inside the refrigerator compartment.
Most often it is located on the side wall, behind the shelves or on the inside of the door. The sticker contains the serial number, production date, electrical parameters and, most importantly for us, the type and amount of refrigerant. Look for a line with a designation Refrigerant or just a letter R with numbers.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can focus on the year of manufacture of the model, although this method is less accurate. Until the mid-2000s, the vast majority of models Biryusa worked on R134a. The transition to isobutane began later and was finally established in modern lines.
The type of compressor can also serve as an indirect sign. Models with compressors that have a smaller black casing and a specific shape are often designed to work with isobutane, as it requires less volume to circulate. However, you should not rely only on the appearance of the motor.
What to do if the marking is not readable?
If the nameplate is damaged, try to find the product passport or warranty card. The full model is always indicated there. Knowing the exact model (for example, Biryusa 133), you can refer to the spare parts catalogs or the official website of the manufacturer to clarify the type of freon used.
Model and refrigerant correspondence table
To simplify the identification task, we have compiled a summary table that covers popular series of refrigerators Biryusa. Please note that during transition periods the plant could use different components for the same model, so double-checking the tag is mandatory.
| Series / Model | Production period | Type refrigerant | Charging mass (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 6, 8, 9 (classic) | until 2005 | R134a | 180 - 220 |
| Biryusa 101, 102 | 2005 - 2010 | R134a / R600a* | 110 - 140 |
| Biryusa 133, 134 | 2010 - 2015 | R600a | 60 - 80 |
| Biryusa 355, 455 (Side-by-Side) | 2016 - present | R600a / R134a | 150 - 200 |
| Biryusa 108, 109 | 2012 - present | R600a | 50 - 70 |
The table shows that the mass of the refill for isobutane (R600a) is significantly less than for tetrafluoroethane. This is due to the high cooling capacity of hydrocarbons. To refuel such systems, high-precision scales are required, since an error of 10-15 grams can disrupt the operation of the unit.
Models marked Side-by-Side or two-compressor options may have a combined system, where different gases are used in different circuits, although for Biryusy this is the exception rather than the rule. Typically, in such cases, both circuits are charged with the same type of gas to unify the service.
⚠️ Attention: The data in the table is for reference only. The plant could make changes to the design depending on the availability of components. Always check the information on the nameplate of the specific unit.
Signs of a leak and the need for refilling
The refrigerator cooling system Biryusa is sealed, and in good condition the gas should not escape for years. However, mechanical damage, corrosion or manufacturing defects can lead to depressurization. You can understand that refrigerant has leaked using a number of indirect signs.
First of all, pay attention to the operation of the compressor. If the motor runs continuously without turning off, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10...+15°C, this is a sure sign of a leak. There may also be swelling of the rear wall inside the refrigerator compartment or the appearance of oily spots under the unit.
- 🔊 The compressor turns on for a few seconds and immediately turns off (the thermal relay is triggered due to the lack of gas cooling of the windings).
- ❄️ The evaporator (rear wall inside) remains warm or is only partially cooled (at the entrance of the tube).
- 🌡️ In the freezer, food begins to defrost, although the thermostat is turned up to maximum.
- 💧 The appearance of puddles of water under the refrigerator or on the floor around it.
If you notice an oil stain on the floor, this is almost There is a 100% guarantee that the leak occurred in the area of the compressor or condenser, since freon circulates in the system along with the oil. In the case of R600a the smell of gas with a small leak may not be felt, since it does not have a strong specific odor (unlike household gas), but at a high concentration a slight odor of solvent may be felt.
You can independently search for a leak using soapy water only in accessible places (at the bottom of the compressor). If bubbles do not appear, but there are symptoms, then the problem is in the foamed part of the body or in the evaporator, which requires complex repairs.
Features of replacing and refilling the system
The process of replacing refrigerant in refrigerators Biryusa requires a professional approach and special tools. This is especially true for models on R600a. Before starting work, the master must ventilate the room and exclude sources of open fire.
The first step is always vacuuming the system. It is necessary to create a deep vacuum to remove air and, most importantly, moisture from the tubes. Moisture in a system with R134a and synthetic oil leads to the formation of acids that corrode the compressor windings from the inside.
☑️ Algorithm of the wizard's actions
Refilling is carried out strictly by weight, using electronic scales. It is impossible to fill modern refrigerators by eye or by pressure, since the pressure depends on the ambient temperature. For R134a, blue gauge manifolds are used, for R600a - red (conditional division, but the tool is often marked).
After refueling, you need to let the refrigerator work and make sure the correct on/off cycle. The normal operating cycle of the compressor is from 10 to 40 minutes of operation and about the same amount of downtime, depending on the load of the chambers and the room temperature.
⚠️ Attention: When soldering tubes in a system with R600a, be sure to flush the soldering area with nitrogen or carbon dioxide to displace any remaining flammable gas. Neglecting this rule is a direct road to fire.
Environmental aspects and the future of refrigeration gases
The issue of ecology is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers of household appliances. Biryusa, following global trends, is gradually abandoning fluorinated gases in favor of natural refrigerants. R600a (isobutane) has zero ozone depletion potential and negligible global warming potential.
The transition to hydrocarbons allows not only to save nature, but also to increase the energy efficiency of refrigerators. Compressors running on isobutane consume less electricity, are quieter and have a longer service life. This makes modern models Biryusa more attractive to the buyer, despite the increased safety requirements during repairs.
In the future, new mixtures may appear that will combine the safety of R134a and the efficiency of R600a, but at the moment isobutane is the de facto standard for household small and medium volume refrigerators. Old models using R134a will be gradually phased out or transferred to recycling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to fill the Biryusa refrigerator with R134a instead of R600a?
No, this is strictly prohibited. These gases have different operating pressures, temperature characteristics and oil requirements. A compressor designed for isobutane will burn out or fail when operating on R134a, and vice versa. In addition, this will disrupt energy efficiency.
Where to buy a cylinder with freon for refilling?
Freon is sold in specialized refrigeration equipment stores or from companies that repair household appliances. R600a requires a flammable gas license, so cylinders may not be sold to private individuals. R134a is more freely available, but also requires knowledge to use.
Why does the refrigerator freeze worse after refilling?
There may be several reasons: the amount of refill was incorrectly selected (underfilling or overfilling), there is air left in the system (poor evacuation), a clogged capillary or filter-drier. It is also possible that not only part of the gas has leaked, but also the oil, which has disrupted the circulation.
Is it dangerous to store an old refrigerator on the balcony?
You can store it, but you cannot turn it on at a temperature below +10°C (for some models +5°C). The oil in the compressor thickens and the motor will burn out when you try to start it. Also, temperature changes and humidity can cause corrosion of the housing and condenser, which will lead to freon leakage.