Results 1 to 19 of 19
Thread: fridge gut dies...
-
10-01-2006, 07:15 PM #1
fridge guy dies...
http://www.nbc25.com/main/modules/ne...p?storyid=1314
sad news
cheers
richardLast edited by rbartlett; 10-01-2006 at 10:25 PM.
-
10-01-2006, 07:27 PM #2
Re: fridge gut dies...
Forgive me if Im wrong Richard, but ***** is not flammable?
How did it catch fire?Any opinions, statements and facts expressed in this message do not constitute legal advice in any shape or form and is given for a general outlook in nature. You are advised to seek appropriate and specific professional assistance from a regulated and authorised advisor for definitive advice.
-
10-01-2006, 07:31 PM #3
Re: fridge gut dies...
Without knowing more details I suspect the refrigerant and oil was suddenly released and the oil ignited. With the oil providing an ignition source, the ***** probably burned right in the poor guys face. The oil is probably the main culprit, since it's ignition point is lower than the refrigerants.
Someone from the service company will have a lot of questions to answer from officials and family.
This was a DA*N shame and should not have happened.
-
10-01-2006, 07:38 PM #4
Re: fridge gut dies...
Shame. Another thing for apprentices and bosses to learn.
ChillinIF AT FIRST YOU DON`T SUCCEED.
DESTROY ALL EVIDENCE THAT YOU TRIED!
and go get a cuppa
-
10-01-2006, 08:54 PM #5
Re: fridge gut dies...
Very tragic. Pure speculation here but I'm guessing he was using a blow-torch to defrost the coil & managed to perforate one of the pipes, igniting the resulting oil mist which must have been emitted like an aerosol. Makes me think twice about defrosting coils with a turbotorch Also makes me thank my lucky stars for the lucky escapes I had when I was starting out.
Noah had to leave the dinosaurs behind as they would've sunk the boat.
-
11-01-2006, 08:07 AM #6
Re: fridge gut dies...
This is other peoples opinion on the subject.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young man is thawing unit with torch, overheats a fitting, fitting comes apart spraying high pressure oil laden refrigerant directly onto tech who is similtaneously overcome with phosgene and ignited oil.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So if I read that "news story" right, the "*****" caught fire and he died with the torch still in his hand minutes after he arrived.
Hmmm. Is this one of the units the HO 'converted' to use propane refrigerant?
Was he trying to braze the system WITHOUT recovering the charge?
Enquiring minds want to know...
------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------The primary function of the design engineer is to make things difficult for the fabricator and impossible for the serviceman.
-
11-01-2006, 08:25 AM #7
Re: fridge gut dies...
Originally Posted by Aiyub
Please read the news thoroughly. Pitied the guy, why so young?
Safety first
-
11-01-2006, 10:20 AM #8
Re: fridge gut dies...
I have never used a torch to defrost , a coil, but thank God Richard posted this, as I once saw an experienced tech do it.
Lesson that has come to the fore in my mind,
Never use a blow torch on an evap whilst it is under pressureAny opinions, statements and facts expressed in this message do not constitute legal advice in any shape or form and is given for a general outlook in nature. You are advised to seek appropriate and specific professional assistance from a regulated and authorised advisor for definitive advice.
-
11-01-2006, 06:15 PM #9
Re: fridge gut dies...
Never use a blow torch on an evap whilst it is under pressure
-
11-01-2006, 06:20 PM #10
Re: fridge gut dies...
Frank has a good point. As long as the heat is directed towards the ice and in constant motion, it is unlikely that this would have occurred.
Now using the torch on the bare coil surface is another story...
Knowing the difference is experience.
-
12-01-2006, 06:27 AM #11
Re: fridge gut dies...
Marc,
In the first place did someone here mention the oil flame or flame from the oil that burns the lad and than he supports another thread, I think I've aged sporadically.
Oil ignited (my foot).Last edited by abdulazman; 12-01-2006 at 06:31 AM.
-
12-01-2006, 06:53 AM #12
Re: fridge gut dies...
Is it possibe a previous tech droped a touch of propane in the system? I've been told that a touch of propane ie. 3% in an R22 system keeps the system clean and gives the lubricant better properties.
-
12-01-2006, 06:56 AM #13
Re: fridge gut dies...
Fridge,
Do you know where that link is of that experiment here in Australia where ole bud blows up the car?
-
12-01-2006, 07:04 AM #14
Re: fridge gut dies...
Here is the direct link to the video DOGMA
http://www.vasa.org.au/images/movies/hc_demo.mov
Here is the link to the site
http://www.vasa.org.au/
abdulazman
Registered User
I am just settling in to : Refrigeration-Engineer.com Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Johor
Posts: 41
Re: fridge gut dies...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc,
In the first place did someone here mention the oil flame or flame from the oil that burns the lad and than he supports another thread, I think I've aged sporadically.
Oil ignited (my foot).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by abdulazman : 34 Minutes Ago at 04:31 PM.
abdulazman does oil ignite
i am an apprentice can you please explain
i have seen oil burn , in this situation and the oil type
(i am Australian) from what you are saying it is not
possible.
Why ?Last edited by fridg; 12-01-2006 at 07:10 AM.
The primary function of the design engineer is to make things difficult for the fabricator and impossible for the serviceman.
-
12-01-2006, 12:58 PM #15
Re: fridge gut dies...
Personally I've always used a Paint striping heat gun.
Never had any probs melting fins etc.
I have seen a few instances of oil ignition but only when the pipework had been evacuated and open, never seen or heard of escaping oil/refrigerant mist igniting.
Many a tech will agree the blow torch leak detectors when the flame went green where very common.
Also if this guy was outside I dont think refrigerant could have suffocated him and anyone who has had a face full of phosgene normally moves pretty sharpish.
All round a mystery this one.
Luke
-
13-01-2006, 05:27 AM #16
Re: fridge gut dies...
Originally Posted by Marc O'Brien
now i understand a little better
Could this bloke which i have heard and seen reports in
America that people are inhaling refrigerants
I could be wrong and i would not like to defamate
this poor blokes name
is it possible that he just inhaled some refrigerant
passed out , and fell on to his torch , burning and
asphyxiating him.Last edited by fridg; 13-01-2006 at 05:33 AM.
The primary function of the design engineer is to make things difficult for the fabricator and impossible for the serviceman.
-
14-01-2006, 12:08 PM #17
Re: fridge gut dies...
Takes a licking, keeps on ticking.
-
14-01-2006, 10:25 PM #18
Re: fridge gut dies...
Fridg,
In the begining have you read the first thread pertaining to this column and incident?
-
14-01-2006, 10:37 PM #19
Re: fridge gut dies...
Fridg,
Yeah mate, you put oxy in an enclosed container with small amount of oil in it and sit beside it. See what'll happen.
Maybe I got some brief detail on oil ignition, I'll put it in pdf format and post it here.
Similar Threads
-
fridge warm freezer cold?
By babsnsarah in forum DomesticReplies: 25Last Post: 30-04-2011, 04:24 PM -
Looking for air temp sensors for Toshiba GR334 fridge (have part number)
By Cluster in forum DomesticReplies: 1Last Post: 19-02-2006, 12:08 AM -
Help! fridge freezer probs
By Glenreed in forum Trouble ShootingReplies: 2Last Post: 06-01-2006, 10:51 PM -
help- my bar fridge is wacko?!
By ben in forum Trouble ShootingReplies: 3Last Post: 25-01-2002, 12:06 AM -
is my fridge working properly?
By vincec in forum Trouble ShootingReplies: 1Last Post: 15-01-2002, 09:55 PM