The watch engineer finds the cargo refrigeration compressor has blown the shaft seal, with the noticeable presence of oil leaking. In this situation, what should be done?
• Safety first when refrigerant and oil leaks are present (protecting personnel and avoiding loss of charge) • Normal pump-down procedures on cargo refrigeration systems • Correct sequence of: shutting down machinery, pumping down, and closing/isolation valves
• Think about what happens to system pressure and refrigerant movement if you immediately stop the compressor versus if you pump the system down first. • In a shaft seal failure, where is the leak located in relation to the suction and discharge sides of the compressor? How does that affect the safest way to isolate it? • Which action minimizes both refrigerant loss and the risk of damage to the compressor or personnel?
• Does the option you choose secure the leak area (shaft seal) in a controlled way rather than just hoping the leak will slow down? • Does the sequence of steps follow standard pump-down and isolation practice for refrigeration systems, rather than operating with a known serious leak? • Make sure the choice does not suggest continued normal operation with a failed shaft seal or only a partial/temporary fix.
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