Phase Question: Ice on suction at compressor

[eaglescouter]

My phase unit ran at -20.7 for about a week, no ice visible in the phase case at all.

I took the unit to a computer club meeting, then left it idle at home for almost a week.

Today I hooked it up. After 2 hours of runtime I hooked up my digital thermometer with a k probe at the cpu, and I discover -27.2 C.

I also discovered frost on the suction line leading to the compressor. The frost begins about 8" before the compressor (at the end of the armaflex tube) and runs to within 1/4 inch of the compressor body.

Obviously I need to improve my insulation in this area.

But is the colder temperature and the presence of frost in this area (under load) an indication of a problem?

[eaglescouter]

Concern that the frost could be a symptom of liquid headed back to the compressor caused me to block the air intake to the condenser. This promptly eliminated the frost from the suction line.

I'll be testing various percentages of condenser blocking to see where the sweet spot is (no frost on the suction line and minimum temperature in the socket).

[Strida]

Just because there's frost on the outside doesn't mean there's liquid coming back to the compressor. The evaporated refrigerant is still very, very cold.

I've never heard it myself but most claim liquid floodback gives off loud popping noises. You should be fine.

[lloydy]

is it a homebuild phase?

[eaglescouter]

is it a homebuild phase?


No, it is an old modified Mach1 Prometeia.

[JamesXP]

[o/t]

whats the ETA on your quads eagle

[o/t]

[eaglescouter]

[o/t]

whats the ETA on your quads eagle

[o/t]

Aug 8 estimated. Anticipation is killing me :-/