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In this episode, we’re diving deep into compressor troubleshooting with Horace Park and Andy Schoenberger from CMP Corporation. We cover key topics like remanufacturing vs rebuilding compressors, understanding superheat, and common causes of compressor failure. We also share tons of advice for refrigeration technicians on preventive maintenance, electrical troubleshooting, and the importance of proper startup procedures.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Compressor remanufacturing vs. rebuilding

-About cmp corporation

-Common technical support issues in compressors

-Importance of superheat in compressor performance

-Evacuation and moisture management in compressor systems

-Diagnosing compressor failures: liquid slugging and vibration issues

-Electrical troubleshooting

-Importance of proper connections

-Mechanical vs electrical failures

-Part-winding start systems

-Scroll compressors and phase issues

-Compressor overheating causes

-Creating a compressor startup checklist

-Oil analysis and maintenance

-Resources and training opportunities

Helpful links & resources:

Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting

Episode 255. Compressor Troubleshooting: Demand Cooling and Refrigerant Injection

Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

https://www.cmpcorp.com/

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this special episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, we celebrate World Refrigeration Day (June 26) with industry experts John Schwarzer, Noah Walker, Aidan Lucey, and Andrew Freeburg. The conversation dives deep into their personal career journeys, passion, skills, and practical advice for new technicians from these longtime refrigeration professionals. We also cover challenges and opportunities in the field, the transition to environmentally friendly technologies, and the critical role refrigeration professionals play in everyday life.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Celebrating the refrigeration industry and its impact

-Getting started in refrigeration

-Challenges and rewards in the refrigeration field

-Why refrigeration is a great career choice

-Investing in personal development

-Tips for new technicians

-Common mistakes and how to avoid them

-Importance of communication and teamwork

-The future of refrigeration

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 301. Lessons From a Long Career in Refrigeration with John Shartzer

Episode 250. Service Call Stories and Troubleshooting Tips with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 237. Tips for New Technicians Getting Into Supermarket Refrigeration with Aidan Lucey

https://worldrefrigerationday.org/

John Shartzer on LinkedIn

John on Instagram

Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn

Aidan Lucey on LinkedIn

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is the third in our CO2 Design Fundamentals series and is about how to avoid costly mistakes. We’re joined by Chris Griffiths, UK Technical Manager for Omega Solutions, who covers critical areas such as proper pipe sizing, correct material selection, and effective oil management techniques. We also go through proper installation practices, minimizing pressure drops, and ensuring compliance with local codes, all to help technicians avoid common pitfalls and design more efficient and cost-effective CO2 refrigeration systems.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Common costly mistakes in CO2 design

-Importance of proper pipe sizing

-Oil management in CO2 systems

-Material selection for CO2 systems

-Effective pipe routing and layout

Helpful Links & Resources:

(Part 1) Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths

(Part 2) Episode 318. Designing High Pressure Valves for Summer Heat and Winter Challenges with Chris Griffiths

Episode 194. Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems: Sizing Pipework with James Bailey of Omega Solutions (Part 4 of 5)

Learn more about Omega Solutions

Connect with Omega Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Email Chris: chris@omega-solutions.co.uk

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This is Part 2 of a CO2 Design Fundamentals series, this one delving into high pressure valves (HPV) with Chris Griffiths, UK Technical Manager for Omega Solutions. HPV’s are crucial for supermarket commercial refrigeration design. This session covers the purpose and function of HPV’s, their role in regulating gas cooler pressure, and the importance of proper sizing to avoid efficiency losses and noise issues. Chris also shares expert advice on control strategies, the use of stepper type valves, and how to use manufacturer software for accurate component selection.

In this episode, we cover:

-Understanding high pressure valves

-Control strategies for high pressure valves

-Seasonal strategies for CO2 refrigeration systems

-Practical tips for maintenance and troubleshooting

-Valve selection and sizing

Helpful Links & Resources:

(Part 1) Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths

Episode 58. CO2 High Pressure Valves, Flash Gas Bypass and Ejectors controlled by a pRack300T

Episode 144. Troubleshooting CO2 High Pressure Valves Using Trend Graphs with the CAREL Boss System

Episode 30. CAREL's CO2 Electronic Valves and CO2 Controllers with Timo Kaufhold

Learn more about Omega Solutions

Connect with Omega Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Email Chris: chris@omega-solutions.co.uk

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This is the first in a  CO2 Design Fundamentals series, starting off with a deep dive on technical piping design with Chris Griffiths, UK Technical Manager for Omega Solutions. We cover proper pipe sizing and design tips to avoid common pitfalls such as insufficient mass flow, oil return issues, and excessive pressure drops. Chris also shares real-world troubleshooting examples and info on software tools to help refrigeration technicians in the field fix issues more efficiently and understand CO2 refrigeration systems better.

In this episode, we discuss:

-CO2 design fundamentals

-Importance of proper piping design

-Key tips for protecting compressors

-Pipe sizing and oil management

-Practical troubleshooting examples

-Software tools

-Common issues and troubleshooting

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 47. What To Know When Sizing Refrigeration Piping

Episode 273. CO2 Experts: Pipe Sizing with Chris Griffiths of Omega Solutions

Episode 191. Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems: Selecting Compressors and Gas Coolers with Chris Griffiths of Omega Solutions (Part 1 of 5)

Danfoss Coolselector®2

Bitzer Software

Learn more about Omega Solutions

Connect with Omega Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Email Chris: chris@omega-solutions.co.uk

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This conversation is on effective strategies to better balance on-call duties with personal life, with Aidan Lucey, Refrigeration Mechanic at RAC Services/The Arcticom Group. Aidan shares some great tips for scheduling, family support, and stress management techniques. This one really focuses on the softer skills of effective communication with customers, building a support network, and maintaining positivity on the job - crucial skills for both new and seasoned technicians.

In this episode, we discuss:

-On-call strategies

-Aidan's on-call experience

-Managing stress and prioritizing calls

-Building customer relationships

-Effective communication and integrity

-Handling weekend and urgent calls

-Taking on-call shifts: challenges and strategies

-Building a support network for on-call

-Balancing on-call duties with family life

-Effective communication and scheduling

-Managing stress and mental health during on-call

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 237. Tips for New Technicians Getting Into Supermarket Refrigeration with Aidan Lucey

Episode 226. How Busy Technicians Can Better Manage Work and Family Life

Episode 220. Improving Work-Life Balance (Without Compromising Your Success)

Aidan on LinkedIn

The Arcticom Group: https://thearcticomgroup.com/

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This conversation is a deep dive into RDM controllers with Kevin Mullis, Head of Product Engineering at Clade Engineering Systems. We discuss key considerations for setting up and commissioning these controllers, including probe placement, transducer settings, and parameter adjustments. Whether you’re dealing with new installations or troubleshooting existing ones, Kevin has some super valuable insights to help refrigeration technicians ensure your systems run smoothly and efficiently.

In this episode, we discuss:

-RDM controllers overview

-Initial setup and probe placement

-Controller power-up and network connection

-Configuring and testing probes

-Advanced controller settings and troubleshooting

-Understanding valve parameters

-Superheat problems and solutions

-Minimum opening settings

-Manual reading importance

-MOP configuration

-Fan management settings

-Temperature alarms and probes

-Defrost settings and procedures

-Commissioning and troubleshooting

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 281. CO2 Experts: Troubleshooting CO2 Systems using RDM Controllers with Kevin Mullis

Episode 246. CO2 Experts: Startup and Commissioning with Kevin Mullis

Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis

Kevin Mullis on LinkedIn

Website: Integral UK Ltd.

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this conversation, we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at tech support with Andrew Merritts from Pro Chiller. Andrew shares some awesome tips for technicians based on common tech support calls he receives on everything from checking glycol concentration, valve troubleshooting, and maintaining superheat and subcooling levels. We also discuss best practices for chiller operation and how to best communicate with and leverage remote support for better troubleshooting in the field.

In this episode, we cover:

-Technical support insights and processes

-Common technical support scenarios

-Glycol systems

-Advanced troubleshooting techniques

-Andrew’s most challenging support calls

-Tips for better technical support calls

-Chiller tech support tips

Helpful Links & Resources:

https://prochiller.com/

Episode 269. An Inside Look at Tech Support with Premnath Kangatharan of Danfoss

Episode 95. The Growth of Transcritical CO2 Chillers