Characterization of Solid Contaminants in Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Residential Split Systems and Their Effect On Compressor Reliability

This paper describes the study conducted to characterize the solid contaminants that are present in residential split systems. New systems and service systems were evaluated. The study identifies the sources and the effect of these contaminants on compressor reliability. The paper describes the device and the techniques to entrap the solid contaminants in actual field installations. The laboratory evaluation procedures to characterize the weight, size distribution, and elemental analysis of solid residue particles are described. This paper includes comments on currently available protection devices and .their use in systems to maintain system cleanliness.