top 10 tips - service guide ten... · 2019-08-19 · 2 top 10 tips for troubleshooting the...

Models CB2426 thru UGP 8

1992 to current

Top 10 Tips - Service Guide

2245 Wyecroft Road #5, Oakville, Ontario Canada L6L 5L7 Ph: 905-827-6157 Toll Free: 1-877-427-2266 Fax: 905-827-2027

www.UniqueOffGrid.com

03/26/10

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TOP 10 Tips for Troubleshooting the TOP 10 Tips for Troubleshooting the Consul/Unique FridgeConsul/Unique Fridge(these tips can be used as a general guide for all absorption appliances)

There are a few rules that must be followed when troubleshootingthe Consul fridge. If these rules are followed most problems can &

will be rectified.

Listed are points that must be followed before trying to troubleshoot an absorption fridge. The following pages outline the

Top Ten Tips, and explain “why” and “how” to troubleshoot.

"Personal Service & Knowledge Makes Us Unique""Personal Service & Knowledge Makes Us Unique"

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IMPORTANT INFORMATIONIMPORTANT INFORMATION

Regular maintenance (at least annually as a minimum) is critical

not only for a well performing unit, but also from a safety

standpoint.

The warning sticker found inside the Consul/Unique fridge states:

This product can produce carbon monoxide. Carbon

Monoxide has no odor and can kill you. The burner and

flue system must be kept clean.


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Carbon Monoxide Warning LabelCarbon Monoxide Warning Label


This label found inside all fridge and freezers

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1. Fridge is level

2. Ensure pressure is 11" W.C. (water column)

3. Burner must be cleaned

4. Orifice must be cleaned

5. Gas supply tube from thermostat to burner must be cleaned

6. Chimney & Boiler tube must be clean of debris

7. Deflector/Strangler must be clean of debris

8. Filter in Thermostat Gas control needs to be cleaned or replaced

9. Adequate ventilation around fridge

10. Thermocouple connections to be snug, not over tightenedTo reduce problems during summer season, (i.e.. weekend use), it is best to leave the fridge running on low setting during the week. If shut down on a Sunday, spiders may seek the propane odor (mercaptin), and create a restriction of the gas flow. This in turn will reduce/stop the operational efficiency of your absorption fridge/freezers.

Note: Installation and service must be by licensed gas fitter in accordance with local codes or must comply with Propane Installation Code.


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The importance of leveling the fridge is to ensure that the

solutions in the absorption unit flow freely and mix correctly.

Without proper leveling, you will not achieve adequate cooling

inside the fridge, and/or cause damage to the system.

1. Fridge is level1. Fridge is level


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SolutionSolution


Ensure the fridge is level by using a 2ft level and adjusting the feet at the bottom of the front or back of the fridge until desired level is reached

Left to Right Front To Back

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SolutionSolution



9

SolutionSolution



See leveler bolt and leveler cover, which fits onto the bottom of the bolt. These are located at the four

corners of the fridge.

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2. Ensure pressure is 11" W.C.2. Ensure pressure is 11" W.C. (water column)(water column)

When gas pressure is low the following problems could

exist - poor cooling, or fridge shutting down when switching to

low flame. When pressure is too high, the unit will overheat and

failure will occur within 36 hrs.


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SolutionSolution


Using a Manometer, take the pressure at the inlet side on the on/off valve. It is important the pressure reads 11” WC, not lower or higher.

Union NutOn/Off Valve

Step 1:Remove the On/Off valve, place a ¾” wrench on the floating nut as well a 11/16” wrench on the on/off valve. Turn the nut counterclockwise. This will allow you to go to the next step

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SolutionSolution


Step2: Hook up Manometer to the downstream side of gas line, off of the On/Off Valve to take pressure reading

Removed from Gas Control Manometer hooked up to downstream side of the gas

line

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SolutionSolution


Step 3: Depending on the Manometer you have you can place it on the side of the fridge or wherever it will be balanced.

Hook this to the downstream side of your gas line

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SolutionSolution


Step 4: Adjust regulator to achieve the 11” mark on the manometer (adjust slowly)

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3. Burner must be cleaned each time fridge is serviced3. Burner must be cleaned each time fridge is serviced

A dirty burner will create carbon build-up, along with

carbon monoxide gases. It will also cause low heat to

be produced from the flame, which in turn will cause

poor cooling.


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SolutionSolution

Each time the fridge is serviced, the burner must be cleaned.

Use a small brush to clean out the burner tube to free it of any

spider webs, use a wire brush to clean any build up that has

clogged the screen, and finish by blowing it out with

compressed air.


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Solution Solution –– Removal Of Burner AssemblyRemoval Of Burner Assembly


Step 1: Locate nut to remove the burner cover plate, use a 1/4” nut driver to remove it. This will then give you access to the burner for cleaning.

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Solution Solution –– Removal Of Burner Assembly contRemoval Of Burner Assembly cont……


Here is a view of the parts and their locations. All these parts will be removed for cleaning.

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STEP 2: Make sure you put one 1/2” wrench on the burner tube nut and one 10mm wrench on

the orifice itself. Turn burner nut counter clockwise in order to loosen from orifice.

After you have removed the burner tube from the orifice as seen below, the next step will be to remove the orifice from the orifice holder.

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Step 3: Place a 10mm wrench on the orifice and one ½” wrench on the orifice holder nut, turn the orifice wrench counter clockwise to remove orifice.

The picture below shows the orifice removed from the orifice holder, now we are ready for the next step which is to remove the burner tube.

21"Personal Service & Knowledge Makes Us Unique""Personal Service & Knowledge Makes Us Unique"

Step 4: We now need to remove the burner tube from the outlet side of the gas control. Use two wrenches, a ½” wrench on the union and a ½” wrench on the burner tube nut, turn the wrench in a counter clockwise direction. Once off, retain for cleaning.



Solution Solution –– Removal Of Burner Assembly contRemoval Of Burner Assembly cont……Step 5: We now have to remove the electrode from the burner assy in order for the next step which is to remove the thermocouple. Using a ¼” nut driver remove the nut and clamp which holds the piezo in place, once removed clean the electrode tip with emery cloth, or fine sandpaper.

**Remember after removing the electrode, clean the tip with emery cloth to remove any carbon buildup or oxidization


Step 6: Remove the thermocouple from the burner assembly in order to remove the burner from the bottom of the coil.

Turn 12mm wrench counter clockwise



Step 7: Locate the burner bolts at the front and the back. With a 3/8”ratchet remove bolts in a counterclockwise direction and once removed retain burner for cleaning.

Front Bolt Back Bolt



Solution Solution –– Cleaning of the burnerCleaning of the burnerTools required for cleaning the burner

Canned Air to blow out burner after cleaned.

Pipe Cleaner and Wire Brush to remove dirt and scale.


Solution Solution –– Cleaning of the burner contCleaning of the burner cont……

Step 1:Take your burner and soak it in Isopropyl (rubbing)Alcohol or paint thinners for at least 10-15 minutes. Soak your orifice and burner tube at the same time.



Step 2: After soaking for 15 minutes, take the brush and clean the screen of the burner. Your goal is to remove any scale buildup that may have occurred which would have reduced the size of the screen holes.



Step 3: Ensure the burner screen looks close to this image after it has been cleaned well. The next step will be to run the pipe cleaner through the burner.



Step 4: Run a pipe cleaner all the way up to the screen to ensure any spider webs have been removed and also to clean the walls of the burner tube.



Step 5: Take a can of compressed air and blow through both ends of the burner. Burner is now cleaned. Set aside and clean orifice next.

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4. Orifice must be cleaned each time fridge is serviced4. Orifice must be cleaned each time fridge is serviced


The orifice supplies the correct amount of gas flow to the

burner. If the orifice is clogged, the flame will burn low

causing poor cooling and thermocouple drop out.

(fridge shuts down).


SolutionSolution

**Do not stick any sharp object into the orifice - it will pop out the ruby and you will create incomplete combustion problems.

Each time the fridge is serviced, the orifice must be cleaned by soaking it in isopropyl

alcohol or paint thinners, then blowing it out with compressed air. Blow orifice from both

ends with a can of compressed air. If the sludge cannot be removed during cleaning, a new

orifice must be installed.

Blow out each end of

orifice

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5. Gas supply tube 5. Gas supply tube (from outlet side of thermostat to (from outlet side of thermostat to orifice)orifice) is recommended to be cleaned each time is recommended to be cleaned each time

fridge is servicedfridge is serviced ..


The gas supply tube leading from the thermostat gas control to

the orifice/burner can become clogged with scale or debris. A

clogged tube will also cause poor cooling and thermocouple drop

out at low fire (fridge shuts down) due to low gas pressure

leading to the burner.


SolutionSolution

Each time the fridge is serviced this “S” shaped tube needs to be

removed and cleaned. Bang this tube against a hard surface to loosen

the scale that builds up inside. Then soak in isopropyl alcohol and

proceed to run a pipe cleaner through the tube, followed by compressed

air to help dislodge any dirt or spider webs. Compressed air will not

remove spider webs on its own.


Solution cont..Solution cont..

Step 1: Before sticking the tube into the paint thinners or isopropyl alcohol, bang the tube against a hard surface to loosen the scale that builds up inside

After banging tube on hard surface you will see the scale that can fall out!!

This scale can become dislodged and clog the orifice, this tube should be cleaned every

time the orifice is cleaned or the fridge is serviced.


Solution contSolution cont……

Step 2: Remove the tube from the paint thinners or isopropyl alcohol, then run a pipe cleaner through both sides of the tube to dislodge spider webs, scale or

sludge that has built up inside. Then proceed to blow out tube with compressed air to remove any leftover debris


ReRe--assembly of Burner Systemassembly of Burner System

You have now cleaned the burner assembly (orifice, burner tube, and burner). Before reassembling it, it is a good idea to go to tip #6, Chimney & Boiler tube must be cleaned of debris each time

fridge is serviced. After this has been done reassemble the burner assembly.

Here is a reminder of the burner components locations

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6. Chimney & Boiler tube must be cleaned of debris 6. Chimney & Boiler tube must be cleaned of debris each time fridge is servicedeach time fridge is serviced


Cleaning is required to avoid debris from falling down the boiler

tube and onto the strangler assembly and burner. A clean chimney

ensures less chance of overheating and carbon monoxide gases

developing.


SolutionSolution

First lift off top of chimney, and then remove the

deflector/strangler. Take the chimney brush and clean the boiler

tube to remove any scale built up in the tube. You must cover or

remove the burner so no debris will fall on it. Clean the chimney

with the chimney brush (supplied on the back of the fridge).

Reassemble


SolutionSolutionStep 1: Locate the nut on the panel which is located on the right side of the fridge while facing the back. Take a ¼” nut driver to remove the screw that

secures the chimney.

Nut located here


SolutionSolution

Step 2: Remove upper section of chimney, remove the deflector/strangler and set aside for cleaning after the following steps are complete.

Remove strangler and set aside in

order to clean the

boiler tube


SolutionSolutionStep 3: Cover the burner if the burner has not been removed to eliminate any

debris falling into the burner.

Cover the burner with paper towel

or any type of material that will stop any debris falling

into the burner


SolutionSolutionStep 4: Run the chimney brush down the burner tube about 10-15 times, ensuring the brush

peeks through the bottom of the tube. Run the brush up and down more, if scale continues to fall.

Run chimney brush up and

down the boiler tube to

remove all scale build

up.

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7. Deflector/Strangler must be cleaned of debris each 7. Deflector/Strangler must be cleaned of debris each time fridge is servicedtime fridge is serviced


The deflector/strangler is a wire with a bend in the top, a diskshaped piece about a couple of inches down and a piece of flat

metal bent in a spiral shape. The function of this piece is to slow the rising heat to obtain a specified range of heat in the boiler tube, in

turn obtaining the correct boiling temperature for the ammonia solution. If the saucer-shaped disk at the top of the

deflector/strangler is dirty, it may block/impede the correct functioning of the chimney. This may not allow the proper

temperature to be obtained, which in turn may over-boil the system.


SolutionSolution

The length of the deflector/strangler from the bend at the top of the

wire down to the bottom of the baffle should be 25 3/8" for all 2-Door

models (CB2426, SC21F, CQE22A,B,D,F & UGP 8) - the 1-Door model

length is 28 ¼” (Models QM2808 – 58, with strangler hooked at the top

of the boiler tube, not the top of the chimney). The baffle shaped disk

can be cleaned at the edges with a fine file or emery cloth (a clean disk

allows the correct amount of restricted heat up the chimney).


SolutionSolution

Tools needed to clean the deflector/strangler are shown below. The file is to clean the disk at the top of the wire assembly, the brush is to remove any large build up in the

chimney and emery cloth is to clean the wire and the deflector(baffle).


SolutionSolution

Step 1:Take the file and clean any scale buildup that has accumulated on the saucer shaped disk. This will allow the heat to move freely around the disk and will not restrict the heat flow.

File the edges of the disk with the file to remove scale build up.


SolutionSolution

Step 2: Use the brush to clean the baffle part of the assembly. Once this is done, clean the wire and the baffle with the emery cloth.

Clean with brush and finish off with emery cloth.


SolutionSolution

Step 3: After cleaning the deflector/strangler assembly, place it back into the boiler tube ensuring that the bend at the top of the wire hooks over the lip of the boiler tube.

Hook wire over lip at top over the boiler tube.

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8. Filter in Thermostat Gas Control needs to be 8. Filter in Thermostat Gas Control needs to be cleaned or replaced approx every two years.cleaned or replaced approx every two years.


This filter is located at the inlet side of the thermostat gas control

down-stream of the On/Off valve. When this filter is clogged, it will

slow the flow of gas to the gas control therefore causing low

pressure to the burner (low flame).


SolutionSolution

To remove this filter, you must detach the on/off valve by putting one 11/16”

wrench on the on/off valve and a ¾” wrench on the floating nut. Turn union nut

clockwise while holding the valve in place with the 11/16” wrench.

Once the on/off valve is removed, you must remove the union nipple with an allen

wrench/key (3/16”). You will then see a yellow colored filter. It is to be cleaned with

isopropyl alcohol, or replaced with a piece of loosely packed cotton batten or the

end from a cigarette filter, loosened to the same consistency.

The purpose of the filter is to stop sludge and debris from entering the gas control.


SolutionSolution

Step 1: First start by removing the on/off valve from the gas control. This is done by placing a ¾” wrench on the floating nut and one 11/16” wrench on the on/off valve in front of it. Loosen

the nut by turning it counterclockwise until the valve comes off.

Place one

wrench on nut

and one on the on/off valve


SolutionSolution

Step 2: Once the on/off valve has been removed, remove the union fitting by turning it counterclockwise with a 3/16” allen wrench. This will now give you access to the filter

inside the valve.

Locate allen fitting and

remove by

turning counter

clockwise


SolutionSolution

Step 3: With the fitting now removed, look straight into the valve and locate the filter. Remove this filter and replace with a piece of loosely packed cotton batten of the same consistency. You can also

use a filter from a cigarette, loosened to the same consistency. When replacing the fitting ensure you use pipe dope on the threads to create a leak proof seal

With fitting now

removed you can

get access to

filter

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9. Adequate ventilation around fridge 9. Adequate ventilation around fridge (clearance to combustibles)(clearance to combustibles)


It is imperative that there is adequate ventilation around the

fridge for the absorption system to cool properly and to allow

proper operating temperatures within the cooling coil.


SolutionSolution

The specs required are under the section "Where to Locate your Refrigerator" in your manual Caring for Gas Refrigerator that was

supplied with your fridge (small grey manual). Clearances for all Consul & Unique models are as follows.

Facing Unit

LP only units

Right Side & Top. 6"

Left Side & Rear. 0“

Dual Powered UGP 8’s

Left, Right & Top. 6"

Rear. 3“

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10. Thermocouple connections must be 10. Thermocouple connections must be snug, not over tightenedsnug, not over tightened


The thermocouple connection into the gas control and/or

into the interrupter block needs to be tight, but not so tight

as to damage the thermocouple and interrupter block

insulator ring (black). If it’s loose, or the ring cracked, there

will not be a sufficient connection to allow enough

milli-voltage to be produced to hold the magnet in the open

position. The magnet keeps the gas valve open, allowing the

burner to stay lit.


SolutionSolution

When tightening the thermocouple connection into the

gas control (for all models), tighten it to the point where

you just start to get firm resistance. Do not over

tighten, especially on the CO monitored models where

there is an interrupter block between the valve and the

thermocouple connection.


Solution Solution –– without COwithout CO--Monitor hooked upMonitor hooked up

Step 1: See below the thermocouple connection without the Carbon Monoxide detector hooked up. Once you screw the thermocouple clockwise using a 5/16”

wrench into the gas control, you will start to feel it getting tight. Continue to turn it until you start to feel some resistance - at this point give it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn more.

This will ensure that you do not over tighten and damage the thermocouple .


Solution Solution –– with the COwith the CO--Monitor hooked upMonitor hooked up

Step 1: See below the thermocouple connection with the Carbon Monoxide detector hooked up. To re-assemble the connection first screw the interrupter

block clockwise into the gas control.

Interrupter block


Solution Solution –– with COwith CO--Monitor hooked upMonitor hooked up

Step 2: Once the interrupter block has been inserted into the gas control, try to position the block upwards. Note: it is ok that the block is a bit loose in order to obtain this position, once you screw in the thermocouple it will tighten itself. Next, insert the mosfet into the block with arrow facing inwards.

Mosfet


Solution Solution –– with COwith CO--Monitor hooked upMonitor hooked up

Step 3: Once the mosfet has been inserted proceed to screw the thermocouple into the block in a clockwise direction. Once you screw the thermocouple clockwise into the gas control using a 5/16” wrench, you will start to feel it getting tight. Continue to turn it until you start to feel some resistance - at this point give it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn more. This will ensure that you do not

over tighten and damage the thermocouple and interrupter block insulator ring (black).

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High Fire – 11” W.C Low Fire 2” W.C


Flame ImagesFlame ImagesUse for Technical ReferenceUse for Technical Reference

Correct Flame Appearances

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Weak Flame Clogged Burner Screen


Incorrect Flame Appearances

top 10 tips - service guide ten... · 2019-08-19 · 2 top 10 tips for troubleshooting the...

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