Howden WCV255 & WRV255 Interchangeability

[desaipt2003]

Hello All,

Can anybody inform about difference between WCV255 & WRV255 type oil flooded screw compressor of Howden make? We had a WCV255 installed at site and O&M catalogue supplied is of WRV255 type. Are both the model interchangable? Howden is telling that WCV255 are old age model and catalogues are no more available. Do anyone can help getting maintenance catalogue of WCV255?

[US Iceman]

It has been a while since I have looked at the Howden model numbers, but I will try to remember. I think the WRV series has more oil injection required than a WCV. If I remember correctly, the WCV series is used for hydrocarbon gases where you need less oil injection due to lower operating discharge temperatures than what you might see with common refrigerants which require the WRV series.

I think the two compressors are identical, but you should check with Howden...

[Ambrish_bajpai]

US Ice man is correct and there is little difference between the two models. WCV requires less oil injection than WRV .
It is used for some compressors operating on dense gases such as R12 and R22, propane etc. where the reduced oil quantity supplied to the compressor does not result in excessive discharge temperatures.

[desaipt2003]

Thanks US Icemean % Ambrish,

WCV255 is used with R134a for a chiller unit. I am not getting any infromation on website of Howden also about WCV models.

[Gerben]

WRV compressor, for ammonia use, has 6 small holes drilled in the top of the slide valve. For hydrocarbon, you can use both WCV and WRV, just don't connect the main oil injection.

[Gerben]

WRV discharge temperature can easily be regulated, by using a regulating valve in the main oil injection line. That is what the holes are for.

[Thermo23]

I'm in need of service manuals for Howden screw compressor.