Refrigeration Compressor
medium
Compressor for provision cooling and refrigerated cargo systems
8000h
Service Interval
20 yr
Typical Lifetime
Typical Manufacturers
Bitzer
Bock
Carrier
Sabroe
Known Models (33)
Bitzer 4HE-18Y
42 kW cooling
· 18.0 kW
· Refrigerant R404A
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate cracking
- • Oil logging in evaporator
- • HP cutout tripping
- • Compressor overheating
Service: Semi-hermetic reciprocating; check oil level sight glass and superheat.
Spares: Bitzer: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bitzer 6GE-34Y
95 kW cooling @ R-134a
· 30.0 kW
· Refrigerant R-134a
· Open Piston 6-Cyl
medium: Refrigerant R-134a
power_kw: 30
type: Open Piston 6-Cyl
Common Failures:
- • Shaft seal leakage
- • Valve plate fatigue
- • Oil dilution from liquid floodback
- • Bearing wear
Service: Open-type for belt or direct drive. Check crankcase heater function. Oil analysis every 4000 hrs.
Spares: Bitzer: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bitzer CSH8571
250 kW cooling
· 75.0 kW
· Refrigerant R-134a
· Screw Compressor
medium: Refrigerant R-134a
power_kw: 75
type: Screw Compressor
Common Failures:
- • Slide valve actuator failure
- • Rotor bearing wear
- • Oil separator element saturation
- • Capacity control malfunction
Service: Screw compressor — low vibration, continuous duty. Slide valve allows 25-100% capacity. Oil change every 10000 hrs.
Spares: Bitzer: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bitzer HSK8571
300 kW cooling
· 90.0 kW
· Refrigerant R-134a/R-513A
· Screw Compressor Marine
medium: Refrigerant R-134a/R-513A
power_kw: 90
type: Screw Compressor Marine
Common Failures:
- • Vi ratio actuator failure
- • Rotor wear
- • Oil foaming
- • Discharge temperature alarm
Service: Variable Vi for optimal efficiency across load range. Integral oil separator. Marine-certified vibration.
Spares: Bitzer: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bitzer (Germany) Ecoline Series (Marine)
10-200 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a / R507A
type: Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['2GES-2', '4FES-3', '4HE-18', '6FE-40', '8GE-60']
power_range_kw: [1.5, 40]
variant_count_approx: 15
period_start_year: 2005
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, semi-hermetic, suction gas cooled motor
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a', 'R507A', 'R449A']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Motor winding burnout from liquid slugging / low superheat
- • Valve plate failure from liquid carryover
- • Oil pump failure on larger models (4HE and above) after 20,000 hrs
- • Shaft seal leakage on older units (>10 years)
Service: Oil level check daily. Suction/discharge pressure monitoring. Valve plate inspection every 10,000-15,000 hrs. Oil change every 5,000 hrs or annually. Complete overhaul 30,000-40,000 hrs.
Spares: Bitzer global network — excellent availability. Standard parts from any refrigeration supplier. Keep onboard: valve plate set, gasket kit, oil charge. Lead time: 1-2 weeks worldwide.
Bitzer (Germany) OS Series (Screw Compressor)
50-800 kW cooling
· R404A / R134a / R507A / R717 (Ammonia)
type: Open-Drive Screw Compressor
size_range: ['OS.53', 'OS.74', 'OS.85', 'OS.95', 'OS.A15']
power_range_kw: [30, 250]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 2000
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (external motor via coupling)
construction: Cast iron housing, twin-screw rotor, oil-injected
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R134a', 'R507A', 'R717']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Screw rotor bearing failure after 30,000-50,000 hrs
- • Oil separator element clogging
- • Capacity slide valve actuator failure
- • Shaft seal oil leakage after 15,000-20,000 hrs
Service: Oil analysis every 2,000 hrs. Oil separator element every 8,000-10,000 hrs. Bearing inspection at 25,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 40,000-50,000 hrs.
Spares: Bitzer global network. Screw compressor parts more specialized — lead time: 2-4 weeks for bearings, 4-6 weeks for rotors.
Bock HGX6/1410-4S
38 kW cooling
· 15.0 kW
· Refrigerant R404A
Common Failures:
- • Suction valve leakage
- • Oil foaming on start
- • Shaft seal leak
Service: Open-type reciprocating; shaft seal is the main wear item.
Spares: Bock: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bock HGX44
44 kW cooling @ R-134a
· 15.0 kW
· Refrigerant R-134a/R-404A
· Semi-Hermetic Piston
medium: Refrigerant R-134a/R-404A
power_kw: 15
type: Semi-Hermetic Piston
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate cracking
- • Motor winding burnout
- • Oil foaming at startup
- • Suction/discharge valve leakage
Service: Semi-hermetic — field-serviceable motor. Check oil level at sight glass. Acid test oil every 4000 hrs.
Spares: Bock: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bock F16
16 kW cooling
· 7.5 kW
· Refrigerant R-404A/R-134a
· Open Piston
medium: Refrigerant R-404A/R-134a
power_kw: 7.5
type: Open Piston
Common Failures:
- • Shaft seal leakage
- • Valve plate wear
- • Oil charge loss
- • Coupling vibration
Service: Open type — check shaft seal for refrigerant leaks. Compact for provision plant rooms.
Spares: Bock: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Bock (Germany) HG Series (Marine)
5-80 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a / R290 (Propane)
type: Semi-Hermetic / Open-Drive Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['HG22e', 'HG34e', 'HG44e', 'HG56e', 'HG66e']
power_range_kw: [2, 40]
variant_count_approx: 6
period_start_year: 1995
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral or external motor)
construction: Cast iron, modular design
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a', 'R290']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate failure from liquid slugging
- • Motor winding burnout from high discharge temperature
- • Oil foaming at startup
- • Suction gas filter clogging
Service: Oil level check daily. Valve plate inspection every 12,000-15,000 hrs. Oil change annually. Complete overhaul 30,000 hrs.
Spares: Bock (Frickenhausen, Germany). Good European network. Lead time: 2-3 weeks. Some valve parts interchangeable across HG range.
Carrier 06DR337
90 kW cooling
· 37.0 kW
· Refrigerant R404A
· Semi-hermetic compressor
Common Failures:
- • Unloader solenoid failure
- • Oil pressure differential low
- • Motor winding fault
Service: Semi-hermetic for larger reefer ships; Carrier-specific oil required.
Spares: Carrier: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
✔ Pros
- • Suitable for large reefer ships due to its semi-hermetic design
- • Specific oil requirement ensures compatibility and potentially better performance
- • Carrier's reputation for quality and reliability in marine refrigeration systems
⚠ Cons
- • Unloader solenoid failure and motor winding faults have been reported
- • Requires specific oil, which might be more expensive or harder to find than standard oils
- • Oil pressure differential issues can lead to maintenance challenges
Typical Vessels:
Reefer shipsContainer ships with refrigerated cargoCruise ships with extensive refrigeration needs
Decision Guide: Choose if you prioritize a reliable, semi-hermetic compressor from a well-known manufacturer for your refrigeration needs on larger vessels. Avoid if you are looking for a more versatile compressor that can use standard oils or if you have had negative experiences with Carrier's specific oil requirements.
Use Cases: Typically deployed in the refrigeration systems of large reefer ships and other vessels requiring significant cooling capacities, such as those carrying perishable goods over long distances.
Carrier / Carlyle (USA) 06D/06E Series
10-80 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a / R22
type: Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['06DA', '06DR', '06DS', '06DM', '06ET']
power_range_kw: [5, 45]
variant_count_approx: 6
period_start_year: 1980
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, semi-hermetic, reed valve
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a', 'R22']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve reed breakage from liquid slugging
- • Motor winding burnout from excessive discharge temperature
- • Crankcase heater failure causing oil migration
- • Suction strainer clogging from system contamination
Service: Oil level check daily. Valve inspection every 15,000-20,000 hrs. Oil change annually. Crankcase heater function check weekly during standstill periods.
Spares: Carrier/Carlyle global network. Good availability. Keep onboard: valve plate set, gasket kit. Lead time: 1-3 weeks.
Carrier Transicold (USA) PrimeLINE / NaturaLINE Series
3-5 kW cooling per unit
· R404A / R452A / R744 (CO2)
Voltage: 380-460V 3ph
type: Reciprocating / Scroll Compressor in Reefer Container Unit
size_range: ['PrimeLINE', 'NaturaLINE (CO2)']
power_range_kw: [3, 5]
variant_count_approx: 2
period_start_year: 2000
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (ship reefer plug)
construction: Hermetic compressor, integrated controller, container end-wall
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R452A', 'R744']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Compressor motor burnout from power quality issues
- • Controller board failure — moisture/vibration
- • Evaporator coil icing from defrost system failure
- • NaturaLINE: CO2 high-pressure safety valve weepage
Service: PTI before each loading. PrimeLINE: standard refrigeration service. NaturaLINE (CO2): requires CO2-certified technician. Controller diagnostics via Carrier DataCOLD display.
Spares: Carrier global reefer service network — largest in the world. Lead time: 1-2 weeks in major ports. NaturaLINE CO2 parts: 2-4 weeks.
Copeland / Emerson Climate Technologies (USA) Discus Series
5-100 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a / R22
type: Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor (Discus Valve)
size_range: ['3DS', '4DL', '6DL', '6DJ', '8DT']
power_range_kw: [3, 55]
variant_count_approx: 8
period_start_year: 1990
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, Discus valve technology, suction gas cooled
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a', 'R22']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Discus valve reed breakage from liquid slugging
- • Motor winding failure from overheating (blocked condenser)
- • Oil foaming at startup after long standstill
- • Terminal plate cracks from vibration
Service: Oil level check daily. Discus valve inspection every 15,000-20,000 hrs. Oil change every 5,000 hrs. Suction filter check monthly. Complete overhaul 30,000-40,000 hrs.
Spares: Emerson/Copeland global network — widest availability of any refrigeration compressor. Keep onboard: valve plate set, gasket kit. Lead time: 1-2 weeks worldwide.
Daikin (Japan) Marine Chiller Series
50-500 kW cooling
· R134a / R407C / R410A
type: Semi-Hermetic Screw / Scroll Compressor (Marine AC Chiller)
size_range: ['UWHA30', 'UWHA50', 'UWHA80', 'UWHA120']
power_range_kw: [20, 180]
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 2000
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Packaged marine chiller unit with screw/scroll compressor
refrigerant_types: ['R134a', 'R407C', 'R410A']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Compressor motor overheating from high seawater condenser temperature (>32°C)
- • Refrigerant undercharge from slow leaks at flare connections
- • Chilled water pump seal failure
- • Control board failure from voltage spikes
Service: Refrigerant charge check monthly. Condenser seawater side cleaning every 3-6 months. Chilled water pump seal inspection annually. Control board inspection at annual survey.
Spares: Daikin Marine service (Japan, Singapore, Dubai). Lead time: 2-4 weeks for standard parts, 6-8 weeks for compressor units.
Daikin (Japan) Marine Container Reefer Unit
3-5 kW cooling per unit
· R134a / R404A / R452A
Voltage: 380-460V 3ph
type: Scroll Compressor in Reefer Container Unit
size_range: ['20ft Reefer', '40ft Reefer', '40ft HC Reefer']
power_range_kw: [3, 5]
variant_count_approx: 3
period_start_year: 2005
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (ship reefer plug)
construction: Hermetic scroll compressor, integrated in container end-wall
refrigerant_types: ['R134a', 'R404A', 'R452A']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Scroll compressor burnout from power supply issues (voltage/frequency)
- • Evaporator fan motor bearing failure from vibration
- • Controller board failure from moisture ingress
- • Defrost heater failure causing ice buildup
Service: Pre-trip inspection (PTI) before each loading. Compressor runtime monitoring. Controller diagnostic via integrated display. Fan motor bearing inspection annually.
Spares: Daikin Reefer service worldwide. Controller boards: 2-3 weeks. Scroll compressors: 1-2 weeks in major ports.
Danfoss / Turbocor (Denmark/USA) Turbocor TT/TG Series
200-1,400 kW cooling
· R134a / R513A / R1234ze
type: Oil-Free Centrifugal (Turbo) Compressor with Magnetic Bearings
size_range: ['TT300', 'TT400', 'TG310', 'TG390', 'TG490']
power_range_kw: [50, 400]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 2010
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (variable speed, magnetic levitation bearings)
construction: Aluminum impeller, magnetic bearings, oil-free
refrigerant_types: ['R134a', 'R513A', 'R1234ze']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Magnetic bearing controller failure — compressor shuts down immediately
- • Variable frequency drive power module failure from voltage spikes
- • Impeller erosion from liquid carryover
- • Communication bus errors with building/ship management system
Service: No oil changes needed (oil-free). Magnetic bearing controller diagnostics via remote monitoring. VFD inspection annually. Impeller inspection at 40,000 hrs.
Spares: Danfoss/Turbocor network. Highly specialized — bearing controller: 4-8 weeks. VFD modules: 2-4 weeks. Requires Danfoss-certified technician for service.
Dorin (Italy) H Series (Semi-Hermetic)
5-50 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a / R744 (CO2)
type: Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['H150CS', 'H200CS', 'H250CS', 'H380CS', 'H500CS']
power_range_kw: [2, 30]
variant_count_approx: 6
period_start_year: 1998
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, semi-hermetic, also available for CO2 transcritical
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a', 'R744']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate failure from liquid return
- • Motor winding burnout from overheating
- • Oil return issues at low ambient condensing
Service: Valve inspection every 10,000-15,000 hrs. Oil change annually. CO2 models: high-pressure safety checks per EN 378.
Spares: Dorin (Compignano, Italy). European network. Lead time: 2-4 weeks. CO2-rated parts: 4-6 weeks.
Frascold (Italy) S/Q Series (Marine)
5-60 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a / R449A
type: Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['S5.5', 'S7.5', 'S10', 'S15', 'Q10', 'Q15', 'Q20']
power_range_kw: [3, 30]
variant_count_approx: 7
period_start_year: 2000
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, semi-hermetic, scroll or reciprocating
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a', 'R449A']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate failure from liquid carryover
- • Motor winding degradation from voltage fluctuations
- • Oil return issues in low-load operation
Service: Valve inspection every 10,000-15,000 hrs. Oil change annually. Suction filter check monthly. Complete overhaul 25,000-30,000 hrs.
Spares: Frascold (Milan, Italy). Mediterranean and European network. Lead time: 2-4 weeks.
Grasso / GEA (Netherlands) RC Series (Reciprocating)
30-300 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22 / R404A
type: Open-Drive Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['RC6', 'RC9', 'RC11', 'RC12']
power_range_kw: [15, 150]
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 1975
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (external motor via coupling)
construction: Cast iron, open-drive, V/W-arrangement
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22', 'R404A']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate fatigue cracking after 8,000-12,000 hrs
- • Shaft seal leakage on NH3 systems
- • Connecting rod bearing wear after 20,000 hrs
- • Oil pump gear failure on older RC11/12 models
Service: Valve overhaul every 6,000-10,000 hrs. Shaft seal inspection every 4,000 hrs (NH3). Oil change every 3,000-5,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 25,000-30,000 hrs.
Spares: GEA Refrigeration (formerly Grasso, 's-Hertogenbosch). Service network in Europe and Asia. Lead time: 2-4 weeks.
Hanbell (Taiwan) RC2 Marine Screw Series
30-250 kW cooling
· R404A / R134a / R407C
type: Semi-Hermetic Screw Compressor
size_range: ['RC2-100B', 'RC2-200B', 'RC2-300B', 'RC2-410B', 'RC2-580B']
power_range_kw: [15, 120]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 2005
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, semi-hermetic, twin-screw, oil-injected
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R134a', 'R407C']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Screw rotor bearing wear after 25,000-35,000 hrs
- • Oil separator element clogging
- • Motor winding overheating from high condenser temperatures
- • Slide valve actuator malfunction
Service: Oil analysis every 2,000 hrs. Oil separator element every 6,000 hrs. Bearing inspection at 20,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 30,000-40,000 hrs.
Spares: Hanbell (Taoyuan, Taiwan). Growing service network in Asia. Lead time: 2-4 weeks Asia, 6-8 weeks elsewhere.
Heinen & Hopman (Netherlands) HVAC Chiller Packages
50-1,000 kW cooling
· R410A / R134a / R407C
type: Packaged Marine Chiller (Scroll / Screw Compressor)
size_range: ['Chiller 50kW', 'Chiller 100kW', 'Chiller 250kW', 'Chiller 500kW', 'Chiller 1000kW']
power_range_kw: [15, 300]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 1965
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric
construction: Packaged skid with Bitzer/Copeland/Danfoss compressors
refrigerant_types: ['R410A', 'R134a', 'R407C']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Compressor failures — dependent on OEM compressor brand (see respective entries)
- • Seawater condenser tube fouling/corrosion
- • Chilled water pump mechanical seal leakage
- • Control system PLC communication failures
Service: Per compressor OEM intervals. Seawater condenser cleaning every 3-6 months. Chilled water pump seal inspection annually. PLC software update at surveys.
Spares: Heinen & Hopman (Bunschoten, Netherlands). Compressor parts from OEM. System-level parts: 2-4 weeks. Lead time for custom chiller packages: 8-12 weeks.
Mycom / Mayekawa (Japan) N Series
30-500 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22 / R404A / CO2
type: Open-Drive Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['N4WA', 'N6WA', 'N8WA', 'N12WA', 'N16WA']
power_range_kw: [15, 250]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 1980
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (external motor)
construction: Cast iron, open-drive, W-arrangement
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22', 'R404A', 'CO2']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate cracking from liquid slugging
- • Shaft seal leakage on NH3 systems
- • Oil pressure differential switch malfunction
- • Capacity unloader solenoid valve failure
Service: Valve overhaul every 8,000-12,000 hrs. Shaft seal every 4,000-6,000 hrs (NH3). Oil analysis every 2,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 30,000-40,000 hrs.
Spares: Mycom/Mayekawa (Tokyo). Service in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Europe (Belgium). Lead time: 2-4 weeks Asia, 4-6 weeks elsewhere.
Mycom / Mayekawa (Japan) MYCOM Screw (F/G Series)
100-1,500 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22 / R404A / CO2
type: Open-Drive Screw Compressor
size_range: ['F100', 'F125', 'F160', 'F200', 'G160', 'G200', 'G250']
power_range_kw: [50, 500]
variant_count_approx: 7
period_start_year: 1990
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (external motor via coupling)
construction: Cast iron housing, twin-screw rotor, oil-injected
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22', 'R404A', 'CO2']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Screw rotor bearing failure after 40,000-50,000 hrs
- • Oil separator element saturation
- • Slide valve actuator wear
- • Shaft seal leakage on NH3 systems
Service: Oil analysis every 2,000 hrs. Oil separator every 6,000-8,000 hrs. Bearing inspection at 25,000-30,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 40,000-50,000 hrs.
Spares: Mycom/Mayekawa network. Lead time: 3-6 weeks for bearings, 8-10 weeks for rotors.
Noske-Kaeser / Daikin (Germany/Japan) Marine HVAC Chiller Range
50-2,000 kW cooling
· R134a / R410A / R407C
type: Packaged Marine Chiller (Screw / Scroll Compressor)
size_range: ['HVAC-50', 'HVAC-150', 'HVAC-500', 'HVAC-1000', 'HVAC-2000']
power_range_kw: [15, 600]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 1975
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric
construction: Packaged marine chiller, various compressor technologies
refrigerant_types: ['R134a', 'R410A', 'R407C']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Seawater condenser tube corrosion/erosion
- • Compressor motor burnout from power quality
- • Control system integration issues with ship automation
- • Refrigerant leakage from vibration-induced pipe cracking
Service: Per compressor OEM specification. Seawater system zinc anode check quarterly. Control system update at each survey. Complete system overhaul every 5 years.
Spares: Noske-Kaeser (Hamburg, acquired by Daikin 2019). Daikin global service. Lead time: 2-6 weeks depending on component.
Panasonic / Sanyo (Japan) C-SB/C-SC Scroll Marine Series
3-15 kW cooling
· R407C / R410A / R134a
type: Hermetic Scroll Compressor (Marine AC)
size_range: ['C-SB263', 'C-SB373', 'C-SB453', 'C-SC603']
power_range_kw: [2, 8]
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 2005
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (hermetic)
construction: Hermetic scroll, compact, low vibration
refrigerant_types: ['R407C', 'R410A', 'R134a']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Scroll orbiting plate wear after 30,000+ hrs
- • Motor winding burnout from overheating (blocked condenser coil)
- • Hermetic shell — not field-repairable, must replace entire unit
Service: No field service on compressor itself (hermetic). System-level: refrigerant charge check monthly. Condenser coil cleaning quarterly. Replace compressor unit at failure.
Spares: Panasonic/Sanyo HVAC network. Replacement units: 2-4 weeks. Hermetic — no internal parts available.
Refrigeration Engineering International / REI (USA) YV/RV Series
20-100 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22
type: Open-Drive Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['YV4', 'YV6', 'RV4', 'RV6']
power_range_kw: [10, 55]
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 1970
period_end_year: 2005
drive_type: Electric (external motor)
construction: Cast iron, open-drive, V-arrangement
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate failure from age/fatigue
- • Shaft seal chronic leakage on NH3
- • Bearing wear from long service
- • Oil pump gear failure
Service: Valve overhaul every 5,000-8,000 hrs. Shaft seal every 3,000 hrs (NH3). Obsolete — specialist service only.
Spares: REI (Tacoma, WA) — company still exists but marine compressor production ceased. Parts from used-unit market or reconditioning. Lead time: 6-12 weeks.
Sabroe SMC 108L
120 kW cooling
· 45.0 kW
· Refrigerant R717 (NH3)
Common Failures:
- • Shaft seal leak
- • Oil separator malfunction
- • Liquid slugging
- • Valve plate damage
Service: Ammonia reciprocating; leak detection critical — NH3 is toxic.
Spares: Sabroe: Ventilsätze und Kolbenringe an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen. Ölfilter und Dichtungssätze als Standard-Bordvorrat.
Sabroe / Johnson Controls (Denmark) SMC Series
50-500 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22 / R404A / R134a
type: Open-Drive Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['SMC 6', 'SMC 8', 'SMC 100', 'SMC 104', 'SMC 108', 'SMC 112', 'SMC 116']
power_range_kw: [15, 200]
variant_count_approx: 7
period_start_year: 1970
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (external motor via coupling)
construction: Cast iron, open-drive, W-arrangement (larger models)
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22', 'R404A', 'R134a']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Shaft seal leakage (Ammonia — toxic, requires immediate attention)
- • Suction/discharge valve plate failure after 8,000-12,000 hrs
- • Oil pump wear after 20,000 hrs on older SMC 100+ models
- • Crankshaft bearing failure from oil contamination
Service: Valve overhaul every 6,000-10,000 hrs. Shaft seal inspection every 4,000 hrs on NH3 systems. Oil change every 4,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 25,000-30,000 hrs.
Spares: Johnson Controls/Sabroe service worldwide. Keep onboard: valve plate sets, shaft seal kit, oil charge. Lead time: 2-4 weeks. NH3-rated parts only from JCI.
Sabroe / Johnson Controls (Denmark) SAB Series (Screw)
100-2,000 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22 / R404A / R134a
type: Open-Drive Screw Compressor
size_range: ['SAB 110', 'SAB 128', 'SAB 151', 'SAB 163', 'SAB 193', 'SAB 233', 'SAB 283']
power_range_kw: [50, 700]
variant_count_approx: 7
period_start_year: 1985
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (external motor)
construction: Cast iron housing, twin-screw rotor, oil-injected
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22', 'R404A', 'R134a']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Screw rotor bearing failure after 40,000-60,000 hrs
- • Oil separator element saturation
- • Capacity control slide valve actuator malfunction
- • Shaft seal leakage on NH3 systems
Service: Oil analysis every 2,000 hrs. Oil separator element every 8,000 hrs. Bearing inspection at 30,000 hrs. Complete overhaul 50,000-60,000 hrs. NH3 leak detection daily.
Spares: JCI/Sabroe service. Screw compressor parts — lead time: 3-6 weeks for bearings, 8-12 weeks for rotors. Keep onboard: oil separator element, shaft seal kit.
Shinko (Japan) RS Series (Provisions Refrigeration)
5-30 kW cooling
· R404A / R407C / R134a
type: Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['RS-2', 'RS-3', 'RS-5', 'RS-7']
power_range_kw: [1.5, 10]
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 1990
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral motor)
construction: Cast iron, semi-hermetic, compact marine design
refrigerant_types: ['R404A', 'R407C', 'R134a']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve reed breakage from liquid return
- • Motor winding failure from overheating
- • Oil return issues in long piping runs
Service: Valve inspection every 10,000 hrs. Oil change every 5,000 hrs. Refrigerant charge check monthly. Complete overhaul 25,000-30,000 hrs.
Spares: Shinko Ind. Ltd. (Hiroshima). Good availability in Japan. Lead time: 2-4 weeks Asia.
Stal / Alfa Laval (Sweden) S/F Series
20-200 kW cooling
· R717 (Ammonia) / R22
type: Open-Drive Reciprocating Compressor
size_range: ['S36', 'S46', 'S56', 'F36', 'F46']
power_range_kw: [10, 100]
variant_count_approx: 5
period_start_year: 1960
period_end_year: 2000
drive_type: Electric (external motor)
construction: Cast iron, open-drive, inline arrangement
refrigerant_types: ['R717', 'R22']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Valve plate fatigue cracking
- • Shaft seal leakage on NH3 — chronic issue on older units
- • Cylinder liner scoring from insufficient oil
- • Foundation bolt loosening from vibration
Service: Valve overhaul every 5,000-8,000 hrs. Shaft seal inspection every 3,000 hrs (NH3). Complete overhaul 20,000-25,000 hrs. Obsolete — specialist service only.
Spares: Stal brand discontinued — parts via Alfa Laval legacy service or reconditioning specialists. Lead time: 6-12 weeks. Some parts from used-unit stock.
Trane / Ingersoll Rand (USA) CenTraVac / CVGF Series (Marine)
500-5,000 kW cooling
· R134a / R513A / R1233zd
type: Centrifugal Water-Cooled Chiller
size_range: ['CVGF 800', 'CVGF 1200', 'CVGF 1600', 'CVGF 2000']
power_range_kw: [200, 1500]
variant_count_approx: 4
period_start_year: 1995
period_end_year: None
drive_type: Electric (integral centrifugal compressor)
construction: Hermetic centrifugal compressor, shell-and-tube heat exchangers
refrigerant_types: ['R134a', 'R513A', 'R1233zd']
successor_series: None
Common Failures:
- • Compressor motor insulation degradation after 15-20 years
- • Oil pump failure causing shutdown
- • Condenser tube fouling from seawater side
- • Refrigerant charge loss from tube sheet leakage
Service: Oil analysis annually. Condenser tube cleaning every 6-12 months (seawater side). Refrigerant charge verification annually. Motor insulation test every 2 years. Complete overhaul 60,000-80,000 hrs.
Spares: Trane/Ingersoll Rand global network. Marine-specific models — lead time: 4-8 weeks for major components. Oil pumps: 2-3 weeks.