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Float-Type Automatic Drain Valve Failure — Continuous Oil Discharge

Likely causes

Refrigerant penetration inside float ball — buoyancy change keeps valve continuously open

Check: Remove float ball and weigh by hand — if more than 10% heavier than a new one, refrigerant has penetrated; shake and listen for liquid sound inside

What to do: Replace float ball → remove foreign matter from valve seat and lap → confirm oil level returns to 1/3–2/3 on sight glass after replacement

Foreign matter wedged in valve seat — cannot close, continuous oil leak

Check: Check for continuous refrigerant gas discharge sound at oil drain pipe at bottom of separator — diagnoses continuously open drain valve; check orifice diameter 1.0–1.5 mm

What to do: If valve seat face damage exceeds 0.02 mm, replace entire valve; clean sludge from drain valve chamber and clean orifice

Field tip

Pick up the float ball by hand — if it feels heavy and full, refrigerant has penetrated — more than 10% heavier than a new one means replace immediately

All 565 cases work offline in R-Pro, with error codes for 62 brands and P-T data for 108 refrigerants.

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