R-ProField casesComponents

Oil Return Line Check Valve Seized — Compressor Fails to Start

Likely causes

Foreign matter wedged in check valve ball/disc causes failure to close

Check: Measure pressure before and after check valve — reverse pressure above 0.05 MPa confirms seizure; touch oil return line during startup — warmth indicates backflow heating oil

What to do: Close oil return ball valve → remove check valve, inspect ball, spring, and seat → clean with solvent if sludge stuck; replace entire valve if ball surface scratched → manually verify directional flow after reassembly

Return line orifice clogged — oil level rises excessively in separator

Check: Check oil level via sight glass — if above 1/2, suspect orifice clog; typical orifice diameter 0.8–1.2 mm

What to do: If orifice clogged, drill clear or replace orifice → drain oil to return level to 1/2 then resume operation

Field tip

When compressor fails to start, touch oil return line by hand — if warm, high likelihood of check valve backflow since reverse pressure heats the oil

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