Automotive Air Conditioning Condensers
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- CONDENSER AND AIR FLOW (HEAT EXCHANGE)
-
One of the major problems with retrofits to R134a is high head pressure
caused by poor heat exchange at the condenser.
Any heat exchange and air flow improvement you can make will only help the
operation of the A/C system!
Things that should be considered:
- Make sure it has clean fins and good air flow.
- Add seals around the condenser to improve the air flow through it.
- Increase the air flow by changing the fan clutch or the coolant fan
motor.
- Make sure that any air dams etc. are not missing.
- When To Replace?
- The need to change the condenser will be on a vehicle by vehicle bases.
The need will depend on the climate, conditions of use, the size of the
vehicle, and the other components as evaporator(s).
If it is necessary to replace the condenser, try to use a newer improved
version (multiflow model).
The head pressure of the air conditioning system will tell you if the old
condenser is sufficient.
Any head pressure over 250 PSI will hamper cooling and any head pressure
over 325 PSI should be considered overheating.
- Design Changes
Air conditioning manufactures have made design changes to
condensers for use with R134a.
The design changes provide more heat exchange by being larger and
having more vaporous flow capacity.
Many companies that make add on air conditioning systems found they could
not use R12 condensers with R134a.
The company I bought air conditioning systems from used serpentine condensers with
most of their systems.
They quickly recalled and changed to multiflow condensers.
- Serpentine Condensers
Serpentine condensers have very small continuous passages that zig
zag through it like a snake.
New serpentine condensers are out and are advertised as being ideal for a
R134a retrofit.
They are advertised as having a six channel serpentine tube that provides
more primary heat exchange surface than the typical four channel tube.
- Multiflow Condensers
You will notice that R134a condensers have more flow capacity for vaporous
refrigerant.
Multiflow condensers as I have seen them called, have a header that is
connected to at least four passes at the top of the condenser.
This is reduced gradualy until there is only one pass at the bottom of the
condenser.
Note:
By the time the refrigerant reaches the bottom of the condenser it should
be liquid and not need as much room.
- Parallel Folw Condensers
Thes condensers are cross flow, with the header on the end connected to all passes.
The are made out of aluminum and are very efficent!
- Condenser Companies
-
They are not going to make thier R-12 condensers obsolete.
- Four Seasons
Four Seasons has a complete line of air conditioning parts, amont
them condensers.
- Modine
Modine is a very large supplier of radiators and condensers.
They are the source I use for OEM replacements.
Many of their condensers will be designed for R-134a, but you will not
know until you see them.
- Rahn Industries
Rahn Industries designs and tests condensers for use with R134a.
They are an excellent choice for hard to get condensers.
- Superior Manufacturing Corporation
Superior is a good source of universal R-134a condensers.
-
Check my Address page for a List of Vendors
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