Optical oil sensor

[Fridgy Dave]

I was wondering with the optical oil sensors do they start the compressor then time out like a traditional oil switch??

[joe magee]

http://www.emersonclimate.com/Documents/FlowControls/pdf/oilcontrols/catalog/OMB.pdf

Not sure if this helps

[Tayters]

Hi Dave,

The ones I've messed about with (Emerson and Henry) will open the solenoid when oil is low, if it hasn't risen by a pre-determined time then it will alarm and open a safety circuit somewhere. When in this alarmed state it will still open the the solenoid valve. If the oil level then rises the alarm goes off.

Found this info on the Henry type.

http://www.henrytech.com/catalog/2010/r17.pdf

Got me thinking on the types found in Hussman Enviropaks though. They had an also optical sensor and oil was fed from a solenoid mounted on an oil manifold which housed solenoids for all the compressors.
On one paticular pack I got to know quite well (!), I can't say I can recall it working in the way I described.
Could be wrong though - wouldn't be the first time either:o


Traditional ones work on a pressure differential whereas optical ones just maintain a level in the compressor. Not much choice really as there are no oil pressure ports on a scroll. Perhaps it's a conspiracy between compressor manufacturers.
Cheers,
Andy.

[750 Valve]

Do you mean the Bitzer ones?