R-Pro › Field cases › Air conditioning
Water Hammer / Flare Leak — Vibration & Pulsating Pressure
Likely causes
Pulsating pressure loosens flare nut, cracks copper
Check: **Symptoms**: ① 'Click-click-click' rhythmic with compressor RPM. ② Leak after 1 yr (passed initial commissioning). ③ Oil stain/dust near flare nut. ④ Copper bend crack (microscopy). **Causes**: ① **Insufficient install torque** (hand-tight). ② **Startup impact** (R-410A start = 500 psi spike). ③ **Old inverter board firmware** (large RPM oscillation). ④ **External vibration** (roadside, train passing). ⑤ **R-32 = more sensitive** (wider pressure variation).
What to do: **Fix**: ① **Re-torque** with torque wrench (1/4=17-24, 3/8=33-41, 1/2=49-62 N·m). ② **Rubber damper** next to flare nut (₩3k each). ③ **Inverter firmware update** via OEM service (RPM avoid, vibration reduction). ④ **Add chassis sponge mount (50T)** = vibration absorb. ⑤ **R-32 system** = +10% torque (pressure variation compensation). **Repeated leak**: copper crack → partial or full replace (≥300mm section; hard if embedded). Installer's responsibility (1-yr warranty).
Korea KS B 8050 = R-410A flare torque standard. Without torque = KS violation = installer 100% liable. R-32 = recommend 0.8mm → 1.0mm copper thickness. Roadside/train vibration env = quote 'extra mount + damper' (₩30-50k extra) mandatory. Note 'vibration env reinforcement' on receipt = prevent disputes.
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