Info on Seacold or DCM 8 controller

[momo]

Called out to look a 1989 20' container (converted from R12 to 134A) branded Seacold. The company apparently ceased to exists.

It is not cooling despite bubbly sight glass after a small charge and condenser out temperature is 22C in & 35 out. Hi: 9Bar and Lo about 0.5 - high for freezing, which it is sometimes used for. I suspect the expansion valve or its controls are faulty, yet liquid is flowing...
But here is the sticky: no info on controller and access difficult to evaporator to check expansion valve and since the controller referes to modulation and hot gas so it must be this that controls the valve according to temperature.

The panel has a Reefer test button, push but nothing happens.
The defrost hourse and temperature are set by means of a numeric mechanical push/up down selector, temperature by a small LCD.

Controller is model DCM 8 - associated with RMC Cargo - ANY info. welcome.

[cadwaladr]

what is the ambient ,hp and lp sound low ,can you find a data plate ,giving the correct wieght of charge,recover it and recharge,

[modvalve]

Hi Momo its been a while since I worked on a container the model you refer to is a 12A the modulation and hot gas only work in chilled mode above -4.2 and also in chilled mode the evap fans run on high speed. The original tx valves were Sporlan .You need to remove the large hatch above the condenser to access the tx valve. space is very limited as the fan motors are in the way of the valve. If you can get inside the container it is much easier to work on the tx valve which is located by opening the right hand plenium door
hope this helps

[Brian_UK]

Some info here, haven't downloaded it myself yet but...

http://www.corp.carrier.com/static/ContainerFiles/Files/Literature/Manuals/Refrigeration_Unit_Parts_Lists/62-11191.pdf

2.62MB PDF

[momo]

Thanks folks for interest. Background is that it is land use for dry food storage to avoid product spoiling in hot season.

cadwaladr: data plate is near unreadable and refers to R12 only, but symptoms indicate incorrect flow, charge level may indeed need to be adjusted down if valve is faulty and replaced/adjusted.

modvalve: helpful guidance. Helps to indicate client which part to empty! I looked at cover plate and inside; since container is partly full - decided to seek advice before causing un-needed physical exersions :D...

Brian_UK: I also found that reference. Seems there is a small specialist market in repairing this control gear available. The manuals are evidently mostly lost and pre pdf and internet ! Unless some one scans bits in.

Still intrigued by the "Reefer Test" button... and how to start the test. Will keep posted after second visit.

[Sophoslim]

Hi momo!! To start the test on this controller you have to switch off the reefer container unit from the on-off switch. Then turn on the unit again from the on-off switch and hold the test button for 3 seconds. Hope to be helpful. Have a nice day.

[momo]

Just to thank those who helped with info etc. Final situation is that the unit is to be replaced: it had now served 10 extra years land duty in "semi-retirement" (!) and the cost of leaking condenser repairs, faulty TXV, dismantling etc. was too much medical expense. The alternative of installing a dual temperature (+15/-15C.) system has been considered and may be investigated further. According to the usage of stock both T. ranges are needed. Any reasonable offers of refrigerated containers in Europe you may PM me to pass on to client.

[Mungo]

Hi momo, appreciatethat unit is going to be replaced now but I still work on these units so just for the record. The TX Valve in these units give very little problem. If you had lots of bubbles in sight glass but high suction pressure I would have checked the Hot Gas valve. These do give problems and jam open, often with bits of valve from compressor head. We converted many to R134a and closed down TX Valve 1 complete turn and changed oil and they ran generally well. Compressor valves are our bigest bug bear.
Cheers mate.
Regards
Mungo