Hello, you need to be a little more specific with the fault. "Bearing Failure" is not a recorded fault. I expect you are using a laptop with software yeah? So you should download the fault and events, then post a little more.

 

Yep sounds like the second compressor is surging. Need to figure out why.

 

Agree with R123, alot more info is required. Bearing Failure is a fault generated by the Chiller? ( dont see alot of Smardt kit here in the UK ).
The SMT will provide a much clearer fault for you to investigate.
The fault and event log will provide a snapshot of Compressor operation at time of fault.
Are both Compressors in operation at the time of fault?

 

some more info. Compressor is going off on front radial fault. Had smardt look at compressor they suggested worn IGV, Took compressor out and looked at IGV all working fine.
Put compressor back in and its running on the surge line . Both compressors have a demand of 78%. stage one running on choke line and 60 Kw. suction temp around 43F. stage two running at 10 kw and suction temp of 95 to 100. This thing will not load up. I cannot find out whats controlling the ramp speed on unit . monitoring tool says compressor demand at 78% but not loading .
Checked discharge pressure across check valve about 1 psi difference . Not sure if this is electronic or mechanical. Anyone have any insights

 

Front radial fault is typically due to surge. Common during lead lag or light load without condenser relief.
TurboCor software will not permit loading when operating in choke areas.
Near essential to have 3-way tower by-pass controlled by the chiller. Compressors larger than the TT300may need lead-lag relief.
Refer to the application guide for operating envelops, condenser entering water temps below 68-70 can keep the compressors in choke above 44*f lwt.
Extended operation in choke can cause high motor temps & long term cause rotor de-mag.

 

Loading is being limited by something. Check all pressure transducers on the turbocor and make sure that there is above a 1.5 pressure ratio while running. I’d be curious to see approaches as well, is it air cooled or water cooled?

 

Check to see that the IGV LEDs are all flashing on the backplane board. The BMCC and Serial Driver add on boards can have an influence on the IGV operations. If it's surge line it could be a failed check valve if it's a TT model. We have 5 of those here at work tricky little guys at times.

 

Just an update . we decided to replace the BMCC board . Compressor loaded up and has been running fine for three weeks .
Thanks for the info . By the way not impressed with Smart tech support . How do you guys finding their support

 

Was replacing bmcc advised by tech support, or how did you draw the conclusion that bmcc was bad?

 

BMCC holds the operating software, version on board changes with updates.

Could call turbocor in FL. Their web site has service bulletins and manuals. Access to some literature requires that you have been thru their or equipment mfg class.

 

Have and air cooled single circuit , dual compressor flooded cooler Smardt chiller that is on its 2nd summer and cannot run correctly with 2nd compressor online.
The local rep that sells ( what I consider garbage ) these machines has done nothing but blame it on external issues , flow etc. which are spot on .
Unit would probably work fine if circuits were independent.

 

Their aircooled are pretty dialed in. What are the faults?

 

Unit has carel controls , and generally will run fine on one compressor but the problems arise when 2nd compressor comes online the discharge check sometimes chatters , and compressors will fault on bearing faults , machines flows are within spec. , but approach temp is always high 6-8 . Suction pressure seems low for load on machine 28 psi both running . I see the 2nd compressor start and it appears to ramp up to get out of choke mode than sometimes trips on current . Both compressors do it.The manufacturer’s rep. is useless , the factory says it was bad refrigerant ( non condensables ) but that’s not the case because we had it lab tested.
Thanks fro any guidance

 

Is that approach temp at steady state or when it’s trying to load? Does this chiller have a liquid level sensor in the evaporator? Is it able to maintain the level set point and what % does the EXV run at? Does this machine have staging valves and if so are they working properly?

 

Approach is always 6-8 steady state , has a level sensor that is able to meet its setpoint , TXV between 35 to 55 if I recall correctly.