R-ProField casesRefrigeration systems

Liquid Refrigerant Hammering (Liquid Hammer)

Likely causes

Expansion valve over-opened or faulty, supplying excess refrigerant

Check: Check suction pipe for frost during operation (frost = liquid ingestion)

What to do: Check suction pipe for frost during operation (frost = liquid ingestion) → Check expansion valve superheat setting (target 5–8K) → Verify refrigerant charge; recover some if overcharged → Check crankcase heater operation if equipped → Stop operation immediately if hammering recurs

Refrigerant overcharge

Check: Check expansion valve superheat setting (target 5–8K)

What to do: Check expansion valve superheat setting (target 5–8K) → Verify refrigerant charge; recover some if overcharged → Check crankcase heater operation if equipped → Stop operation immediately if hammering recurs

Refrigerant migrating to compressor during off cycle (crankcase heater failure)

Check: Verify refrigerant charge; recover some if overcharged

What to do: Verify refrigerant charge; recover some if overcharged → Check crankcase heater operation if equipped → Stop operation immediately if hammering recurs

Field tip

Banging is caused by liquid refrigerant entering the compressor. Identify and eliminate the cause immediately to prevent damage. Ignoring liquid hammer will cause severe internal damage including valve breakage and connecting rod bending.

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