How long can a compressor run?

[ysh1317]

Hi all,
I need to know is it safe for a compressor to run for 18 hours nonstop?

Thanks.

[Lodiev]

If the system was designed by a someone who know what hes doing, then yes. If not then make sure that all capacity's haze been worked out right. What is the application and what brand compressor is it?

[ysh1317]

Lodiev,
Thanks for the reply, the compressor brand is Kultron (Thailand). All of them are used for chiller unit (koi pond, aquarium etc).
I wanted to know if there's a maximum safe non-stop running time for a compressor?

Thank you.

[Lodiev]

The running time depends on the design conditions but normally with a refrigeration compressor it is designed to be able to run non stop as the system cools the compressor down with the gas returning from the evaporator, thus reaching a operating temp and maintaining it.
In short it should be able to run non stop 24/7

[Lodiev]

It is actually better for the mechanical side of a compressor to run as long as possible and not stop and start the whole time.
We have compressors that have been running non stop for 3 to 6 months depending on the service schedules witch is the only time we stop them.
Some new air conditioning units also have speed drives on them to control their capacity and they also run non stop for days.

[ysh1317]

Thank you so much Lodiev for the useful info!

[cool runings]

.

I'll agree with what has been said.

Compressors are designed to run.

On average they should be off as long as they are on.

What compressors don't like is stopping and starting. So running for 18 hours will be
fine but how long will it be off for? What happens when the thing gets down to the
correct temperature?

All the best

coolrunnings

.

[Sumit]

Compressors are designed for non stop working, but still it will be beneficial for you to ask the manufacturer regarding the same.As you said earlier that it runs for 18 hours a day ; then it is normal.Preventive maintenance of chiller is mandatory.

Kind Regards
SUMIT

[chemi-cool]

Your best example is refrigerated air driers, some of them run continually for over 15 years.

[D.D.KORANNE]

I work with an international brand compressor manufacturer in india and would say that compressors can be operated non-stop for more than 18 hrs. Ensure all the design parameters are maintained reasonably within limits ,oil returns to compressor and have provision for system balancing ( part load condition) etc . System is clean and healthy etc .
Compressors have been noted operational for long years on ...

[Carolinas]

Everything posted here is pretty solid. For hermetics, remember that the designed refrigerant is what is cooling the electrical windings in the compressor. (superheated suction gas returning to the compressor) On systems larger than sealed refrigerators, it is important that the entire refrigerant "system" be tight without leaks. Low temp, medium temp, and high temp have different superheat settings. It is more than just throwing gas in. You use gauges. You use temperature meters either that calculate it automatically or you use charts and do mental calculation.
I have 12 20 year old cold rooms still using R-12 and Copeland compressors that run 24 /7. Compressor failure is extremely rare with suction accumulators and superheat set correctly. Here is what kills compressors: starting them more than 2 or 3 times an hour, without allowing them 2 hrs + to electrically cool down; refrigerant overcharging and flooded starts, running out of oil because of an uncorrected system leak, not using pump down, and electric compressor belly band heaters, and single phasing on 3 phase power where you do not have proper 3 phase electrical protection that shuts off the compressor quickly when a loss of phase occurs. Pay attention to all of the above and even an inefficient piston compressor with valve reeds in the head can run 30 years non stop.