Belly Band Specialty Crankcase Heaters

In refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the migration of liquid refrigerant to the compressor is a common phenomenon. When the refrigerant mixes with oil and the compressor starts, it can lead to oil slugging. This causes the mixture to foam violently, forcing most or all of the oil charge out of the system. As the compressor attempts to pump the liquid—something it is not designed to handle—it can result in broken valves, damaged pistons, and blown head gaskets. By optimizing the temperature of crankcase oil, our Belly Band crankcase heater helps protect the compressor from refrigerant migration. Oil is kept as much as 30°F warmer than the system temperature, and refrigerant is forced to remain in the condenser, evaporator, or accumulator. TUTCO’s Specialty Crankcase Heaters snugly encircle the compressor housing to provide positive, highly efficient transmission of heat. Acting as a heat sink, the crankcase can then absorb and transmit heat directly to the oil. Heat loss to ambient air is greatly reduced along with the major cause of refrigerant migration.