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Chapter 5
VIII.
Replacing Compressors in
Water-Utilizing Systems:
Preventing Explosions
In certain water-utilizing refrigeration systems,
water can leak into the refrigerant side of the system.
This can lead to an explosion of system compo-
nents, including but not limited to, the compressor.
If such an explosion occurs, the resulting blast can
kill or seriously injure anyone in the vicinity.
Water-utilizing systems that have single-wall heat
exchangers may present a risk of explosion. Such
systems may include:
•
water source heat pump/air conditioning sys-
tems, and
•
water cooling systems, such as icemakers, water
coolers, and juice dispensers.
Water-utilizing systems that have single-wall heat
exchangers present a risk of explosion unless they
have either:
•
a high pressure cut-out which interrupts power
to ALL leads to the compressor or
•
an external pressure relief valve.
Before replacing a compressor in a water-utilizing
system, read and follow “Prevention of Water-Utiliz-
ing System Explosions” on pages 6-7.