Compressors

What does a refrigeration compressor do?

The compressor is the heart of every refrigeration and air conditioning system. It draws in low pressure refrigerant vapour from the evaporator, compresses it to a high pressure and temperature, and pushes it to the condenser, where the heat is released outside.

Different designs suit different jobs. Reciprocating compressors are common in fridges and small cold rooms, rotary compressors in small split ACs, and scroll compressors in larger ACs, chillers and cold rooms. Each compressor is built for a specific refrigerant, voltage and temperature range, so a replacement must match all three.

How to choose a replacement compressor

• Read the model number on the old compressor nameplate first.
• Match the refrigerant, for example R22, R410A, R134a, R404A or R600a.
• Match the application: high, medium or low back pressure (AC, chiller or freezer).
• Match capacity in BTU/h, kW or HP, not physical size alone.
• Check the power supply: single phase or three phase, and voltage.
• Replace the filter drier, flush the system and use the correct oil when fitting.

Applications of refrigeration compressors

1. Split air conditioners. Rotary and scroll compressors in 9,000 to 24,000 BTU and larger units.
2. Ducted and packaged AC. Scroll compressors in offices, malls and hotels.
3. Chillers. Scroll compressors in water-cooled and air-cooled chillers.
4. Cold rooms. Cold room compressors for meat, dairy, fish and produce stores.
5. Freezer rooms. Low temperature compressors for frozen storage.
6. Display chillers and cabinets. Small hermetic compressors in supermarket and drinks coolers.
7. Domestic fridges and freezers. Fractional HP compressors for R134a and R600a appliances.
8. Ice makers. Compressors for ice machines and blast freezers.
9. Flower and horticulture stores. Cold room cooling for export produce.
10. Repair and replacement. Replacing failed compressors during AC and refrigeration service.

Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts

1. Gases, oils and parts togetherRefrigerants, compressor oils, copper pipe, driers and tools come from one counter, so a repair needs one trip.
2. Brands technicians knowOur range includes names such as Danfoss, Maxron, Suniso and Emkarate.
3. Compatibility checksWe point out refrigerant, oil and voltage compatibility before you buy, which helps avoid costly mistakes.
4. Tools for the whole jobGauges, flaring kits, brazing torches and gas are stocked alongside the parts they install.
5. Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
6. Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
7. Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
8. Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
9. Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
10. Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.

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