The question of the exact amount of refrigerant in the cooling system arises among equipment owners most often at the time of breakdown or scheduled maintenance. Refrigerators Atlant are one of the most popular in the post-Soviet space, and their design involves the use of different types of gases depending on the year of manufacture and model. Normal operation compressor directly depends on whether the factory mass ratio of the substance is observed.
Many users mistakenly believe that refilling “by eye” will solve the problem of insufficient cooling. However excess or lack of freon can lead to failure of an expensive compressor. In this article we will look in detail at how to determine the required amount of gas, where to look for markings and why it is important to use specialized scales.
It is worth noting that modern environmental standards have greatly changed the composition of the substances used. If the old models ran on R12 freon, now they dominate R134a and R600a. Understanding these differences is critical for proper repairs, since the pressure and mass of the charge are radically different.
Where to look for information about the type and amount of refrigerant
The first place where the master or owner of the equipment should turn if repairs are needed is the technical plate. It is usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, on the inside side wall or on the base of the unit. It is there that the manufacturer indicates the brand of refrigerant and its exact mass in grams.
The information on the nameplate looks like the inscription “Refrigerant” or “Refrigerant” indicating the type (for example, R134a) and quantity (for example, 140g). These data cannot be ignored, since they are the only true guideline for a specific modification. In some cases, if the plate is erased or lost, you have to look for data in service documentation or the user manual.
It is important to understand that even within the same series of refrigerators Atlant the amount of freon may vary. This depends on the volume of the freezer, the length of the capillary tube and the power of the installed compressor. Therefore, relying on average values without checking the labeling is a risky undertaking.
⚠️ Attention: If the technical sticker on your refrigerator is unreadable or missing, do not try to guess the amount of freon. Refer to the official model catalog or call a technician with access to factory specifications, as an error of 10-15 grams can disrupt the cooling cycle.
What to do if the nameplate is damaged?
If the nameplate is not readable, try to find the serial number on the case. Using it, service centers can restore the original refueling parameters. You can also focus on the compressor model, but this is a less accurate method.
Differences between R134a and R600a refrigerants in Atlant technology
Modern refrigerators Atlant are most often charged with two main types of substances: tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and isobutane (R600a). The first is a more traditional, non-flammable gas that has been used in mass production for many years. The second is a hydrocarbon that has excellent cooling performance, but requires special care due to its flammability.
The amount of R600a gas in the system is always significantly less than R134a. For example, where tetrafluoroethane required 140 grams, isobutane will need only 50-60 grams. This is due to different molecular weights and operating pressures in the circuit. Using the wrong gas or the wrong dosage will cause compressor to work with overload.
When switching to isobutane, manufacturers changed the design of the system, making it more airtight. Therefore, when repairing such models, it is necessary to use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture before refueling. Residues of old oil or the wrong type of lubricant can cause a chemical reaction or blockage capillary tube.
Owners should be aware that the smell of gas when leaking R600a may not be noticeable, since it does not have a pronounced odor in its pure form, but when mixed with oil it can give a specific aroma. In the case of R134a, a leak is often detected by oily stains at the joints.
Freon charging rate table according to models
Below is a reference table containing data on the amount of refrigerant for popular series of refrigerators Atlant. This data is for reference only, and priority should always be given to the markings on a specific device.
| Refrigerator model | Refrigerant type | Filling rate (grams) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MKhM-2808 | R134a | 140 ± 5 | Single-compressor |
| Atlant MKhM-4008 | R134a | 160 ± 5 | With No Frost system |
| Atlant KSh-2106 | R600a | 55 ± 2 | Small-sized |
| Atlant MHM-1704 | R134a | 120 ± 5 | Two-chamber |
| Atlant 4502 | R134a | 175 ± 5 | Large models |
As can be seen from the table, the spread of values can be significant. For models with a system No Frost more precise dosage is required, since they use a more complex air and refrigerant circulation pattern. An error in calculations can lead to the formation of ice jams.
When refilling larger models such as the 4502 series, it is important to note that the process may take longer due to the volume of the circuit. It is also worth remembering that when replacing a compressor, additional oil is often added to the system, which may require adjusting the amount of refrigerant downward.
Consequences of incorrect dosage of refrigerant
Insufficient amount of freon in the system leads to the fact that the refrigerator ceases to reach the required temperature. The compressor in this case works continuously, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling capacity. This causes overheating of the windings and reduces the service life of the engine by times.
On the other hand, excess refrigerant (overfilling) is even more dangerous. The pressure in the system increases sharply, and the compressor may not start or the thermal protector may work. Liquid freon can enter the suction pipe, causing water hammer, which physically destroys the compressor valves. This is already irreversible damage.
Signs of improper refueling can be:
- 🧊 Constant operation of the motor without shutting down.
- 🔥 Strong heating of the condenser grille at the rear.
- ❄️ Freezing of only part of the evaporator or the return pipe of the compressor.
- 📉 Inability to reach the set temperature in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: If after repair you notice that the return pipe (suction) is covered with frost up to compressor, this is a sure sign of system overcharging. Immediately turn off the device and bleed excess gas through the manifold.
Refilling technology and necessary tools
To correctly refill a refrigerator Atlant it is not enough to simply have a gas cylinder. The process requires the use of a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and, most importantly, high-precision scales. First, the system must be completely vacuumed to remove moisture and air.
The process is as follows: after soldering the new fitting and checking the tightness with nitrogen, a vacuumizer is connected to the system. Pumping time depends on the power of the pump, but is usually at least 15-20 minutes. Only after creating a deep vacuum does the process of introducing refrigerant begin.
Gas is introduced in the liquid phase (the cylinder is turned upside down) if R134a is used, or in the vapor phase if we are talking about R600a (although many masters weigh isobutane in the liquid state for accuracy, observing safety precautions). The cylinder is placed on the scales, and the master controls the decrease in mass in real time.
☑️ Tools for refilling the refrigerator
It is important to use only the type of freon specified in the documentation. Mixing different types of gases is strictly prohibited, as this changes the physical properties of the mixture and can lead to the destruction of the oil and the formation of acids inside the circuit.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
Users often ask whether they can replace freon themselves. Technically this is possible, but it requires the purchase of expensive equipment (a vacuum kit costs more than calling a specialist). In addition, working with gas under pressure requires skills in soldering copper pipes.
If the refrigerator has stopped freezing, do not rush to buy freon. In 80% of cases, the problem lies not in a leak, but in a malfunction of the thermostat, start relay, or a clogged capillary. Diagnostics should begin with checking electrical circuit and listening to the operation of the compressor.
Freon leakage itself is rare, usually it is caused by corrosion of the evaporator (especially if it was defrosted with a knife) or poor-quality factory soldering. If a leak is found, simply refilling the gas means solving the problem temporarily; in a week the situation will repeat.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that knowing the exact amount of freon is only part of the success. High-quality refrigerator repair Atlant requires an integrated approach: searching for leaks, replacing the filter-drier, vacuuming and accurate filling by weight. Take care of your equipment and trust complex operations to professionals.
Is it possible to fill a refrigerator with another type of freon?
Absolutely not. R134a and R600a require different oils (polyester and mineral, respectively). Mixing will lead to a chemical reaction, the formation of acid and rapid failure of the compressor.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not freeze after refueling?
There may be several reasons: the vacuum has not been completed (air remains), the filter drier is clogged, the wrong amount of gas or the presence of moisture in the system, which has frozen in the capillary.
How often should you change the freon in the refrigerator?
Freon is not consumed during operation. If the system is sealed, the gas circulates forever. Replacement is required only if a leak is detected or after repair of the circuit.