How to replace the filter drier in the air conditioning system?

The filter-drier is a structural element of refrigeration units, which is used to remove moisture from the coolant. The device is installed between the capillary tube and the condenser, protecting these parts from solid blockages.

What is a filter drier?

The functional element has the form of a sealed metal cartridge. The internal space of the device is filled with adsorbent. Most often, the latter is a synthetic zeolite, a granular material that absorbs moisture well.

On the condenser side of the air conditioner, the filter drier contains a grid with large cells. It serves to protect the system against the ingress of zeolite granules. There is also a mesh on the side of the capillary tube. Its small holes hold small particles that accumulate in the liquid refrigerant as it passes through the split system.

Principle of operation

The filter drier functions in a similar manner, regardless of the air conditioning system in which it is installed. When the air conditioner starts, an electromagnetic clutch is activated , which compresses the gaseous freon. The compressor drives the refrigerant to the condenser, where it is cooled. Further, freon falls directly into the filter drier. Here, the moisture is eliminated from the coolant, it is cleaned of fine debris, after which the substance moves along the system.

Replacement of the filter-drier

Replacement of the functional element may be required in the development of its life, or in the event of depressurization of the air conditioning system. The following tools allow you to cope with the task:

• Vacuum pump;
• burner;
• Pipe cutter;
• Cylinder for replenishing the system with freon.

The work is carried out in several stages. To begin with, using a burner and a pipe cutter, the old filter drier is removed and must be replaced. Then, the surfaces for attaching the new device are thoroughly cleaned. Finally, the drying element is soldered into place, the system is evacuated by means of a pump, after which the refueling system is refilled.

Quite often, the presence of debris in the system can cause clogging of the new filter-drier and the capillary tube of the air conditioner. Therefore, after performing the work on replacing the element, it is necessary to maintain the main components of the freon loop.

Helpful Tips

The reliability of the filter-drier in many respects determines the used adsorbent. Some fillers absorb moisture better, others do not do it efficiently. For this reason, replacements should be selected from trusted manufacturers, such as the Danfoss filter drier. Because the difference in the absorption of moisture in different filters can be up to 20-30 g of liquid, which is a critical indicator for any air conditioner.

Filters-dehumidifiers have a limited service life. Therefore, the masters introduced such a requirement as their mandatory replacement. To determine how long a filter drier is capable of operating, it is sufficient to carefully study the technical documentation when choosing it.

Most manufacturers of air conditioners recommend replacing the dehumidifier each time the system is serviced, even if there are no failures in the operation of the unit. The cost of the filter is negligible. Therefore, it is worthwhile to listen to such advice, which will avoid more embarrassing waste in the future.

Finally

As can be seen, in the presence of a specialized tool and equipment, the replacement of the filter-drier is not a very difficult task. At the same time, trust the work better to the master who already dealt with this kind of tasks. Independent dismantling of the filter-drier can lead to damage to the compressor, other determining nodes of the system.