Strange sound in centrifugal? 1

[DOX638]

Hi'
I have a 2 stage carrier centrifugal 3000ton(17fa599/drive murray turbine)
Over the summer it developed a muffled "sound".
vibration analsis,alignment and refigerant sample were taken.turbine bearings/thrust were ALSO inspected.
All were within limits except refrigerant(water was found/500ppm). The oil cooler was leaking and is in the process of being repaired along with reclaiming the charge.
Would 500ppm/water cause a compressor to sound different,with no lose in capacity or exccesive head press.? Also what would be an acceptable ppm of water in the charge?


Thank you, I appreciate your comments.

 

[imok2]

To illustrate the range of values among refrigerant types, at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, R-11, R-123 and R-134a will become fully saturated at the following levels:

CFC-11 - 44 ppm

HCFC-123 - 470 ppm

HFC 134a - 600 ppm

so looking at these perameters it's very possible that with 500 ppm the total chemistry change in your refrigerant could very well created sound you were hearing.