What is the primary purpose of a crankcase heater in a refrigeration system?

The primary purpose of a crankcase heater in a refrigeration system is to prevent refrigerant from mixing with compressor oil. When a refrigeration system is not operating, the refrigerant can migrate to the compressor crankcase and become trapped in the oil. This can lead to the formation of a mixture of oil and refrigerant, which can result in improper lubrication and potential compressor damage upon startup.

The crankcase heater helps by providing a small amount of heat to the compressor’s crankcase, maintaining the oil at a higher temperature than the refrigerant. This keeps the refrigerant in a gaseous state rather than allowing it to dissolve into the oil, thus ensuring that the compressor remains properly lubricated and minimizing the risk of damage during operation.

This critical function helps enhance the reliability and longevity of the refrigeration system by preventing oil dilution and ensuring efficient operation of the compressor.