Cylinder jamming refers to the phenomenon that the relative moving parts of the compressor cannot operate due to poor lubrication, impurities, etc. when the compressor is running. Cylinder jamming indicates that the compressor has been damaged. Compressor cylinder jamming often occurs on the friction surfaces of the bearing and crankshaft with relative sliding friction, the cylinder and the lower bearing, and the friction surfaces of the piston and cylinder with relative rolling friction.
Common causes of cylinder jamming
1. Insufficient or poor quality lubricating oil
The function of lubricating oil is to form a protective film between the various moving parts inside the compressor to reduce friction and wear. If the lubricating oil is insufficient, the direct contact between the piston, crankshaft and other moving parts will increase, resulting in accelerated wear. If the lubricating oil is of poor quality, it may not provide sufficient lubrication, and may even decompose at high temperatures to produce harmful substances such as carbon deposits, further deteriorating the working environment of the compressor and eventually leading to cylinder jamming.
2. Foreign matter enters the cylinder
In the working environment of the compressor, any external tiny particles may enter the compressor through various channels (such as refrigerant circuit, air filter failure, etc.). Once foreign matter enters the cylinder and contacts the piston, it will cause the piston to move obstructed, and severe cases will cause cylinder jamming. In addition, metal fragments or other debris in the system may also enter the cylinder during the operation of the compressor, causing damage.
3. Overload operation
The compressor is designed to have a certain working range. If it is operated for a long time beyond its rated capacity, such as excessive load or unstable voltage, the compressor will be subjected to additional pressure, resulting in an increase in internal temperature, a decrease in lubrication performance, and increased wear, which may cause cylinder jamming problems.
4. Improper refrigerant charging
Overcharging or undercharging the refrigerant will have an adverse effect on the compressor. When overcharging, liquid refrigerant may directly enter the compressor. Due to the incompressibility of liquid, this will cause the so-called "liquid hammer" phenomenon, dilute the refrigeration oil, and impact the moving parts to cause cylinder jamming. Insufficient charging will lead to a decrease in refrigeration efficiency, and the compressor will need to work longer to reach the set temperature, increasing the risk of wear.
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5. Manufacturing defects or assembly errors
If the compressor has manufacturing defects during the production process, such as improper material selection and insufficient processing accuracy, it may cause problems in the use of the compressor. Similarly, if errors occur during installation, such as incorrect installation of parts or insufficient tightening, the compressor may also malfunction during operation, which may eventually lead to cylinder jamming.
6. System blockage
When a blockage occurs, the flow of refrigerant is obstructed, which will cause uneven pressure distribution in the system, and the pressure on the high-pressure side will increase significantly, causing the compressor to be in an overloaded state, causing the motor temperature to rise. When running in an overloaded state, the temperature inside the compressor will rise, which will affect the performance of the lubricant. High temperature may cause the lubricant to become thinner or evaporate, resulting in a decrease in lubrication effect, which may cause cylinder jamming.
