Blast Chiller Not Reaching Temperature — Leaking Evaporator Found in Sydney
A client contacted us because their blast chiller was not reaching the right temperature. This is the kind of fault that needs to be looked at quickly, especially when a blast chiller is used daily in a busy kitchen.
Here is what we found and what needs to happen next.
What We Found When We Arrived
The first thing we noticed was the condenser covers. They were completely blocked with grease and dust from a nearby cooking station. This is a clear sign that the unit had not been serviced for some time.
A blocked condenser means the unit cannot release heat properly. This alone can cause a blast chiller to struggle with temperature. But when we tested the system further, we found a bigger problem.
Low Refrigerant and a Confirmed Leak
When we checked the sight glass, we could see flashing. Flashing in the sight glass tells us that the refrigerant level is low. The system does not have enough gas to work properly.
We used a leak detector and a bubble test to find where the refrigerant was escaping from. The leak was found at the bottom left corner of the evaporator tank.
Why This Type of Leak Gets Worse Over Time
This particular system works in a way that makes refrigerant leaks more serious than usual.
During the defrost cycle, the gas in this system reverses direction. When that happens, it pushes refrigerant out through the leak point rather than keeping it inside the system. This means the leak gets worse every time the unit goes through a defrost cycle.
We were fortunate that enough refrigerant remained in the system to allow us to complete our testing. In some cases, a leak like this can empty the system completely before the fault is even diagnosed.
What the Fix Looks Like
Unfortunately, a leak at the evaporator tank cannot be repaired with a simple patch. The only proper fix is to replace the evaporator.
We have provided the client with a quote for a new evaporator. Once they confirm they would like to go ahead, we will order the part and carry out the replacement.
Could This Have Been Prevented?
Yes. Regular servicing would have made a difference here in two ways.
First, the condenser covers would not have been allowed to become so blocked with grease and dust. A clean condenser means the unit runs more efficiently and is under less strain.
Second, routine checks of refrigerant levels and the sight glass would have caught the low refrigerant much earlier. Finding a leak when it is small is far cheaper and easier to deal with than finding it after the system has been running low for an extended period.
This job is a good reminder that regular servicing is not just about keeping things clean. It is about finding problems early, before they become expensive ones.
Blast Chiller Repairs and Servicing in Sydney
BM Refrigeration repairs and services blast chillers and commercial refrigeration equipment across Sydney CBD and the greater Sydney area. We work with restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other food businesses that depend on their equipment every day.
If your blast chiller or any other refrigeration unit is not performing the way it should, get in touch with our team. We can diagnose the problem and give you an honest assessment of what needs to be done.
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