How to Replace a Trane Microchannel Coil Without Original Drawings
Categories:News Author: Ever Heat Team
How to Replace a Trane Microchannel Coil Without Original Drawings
This is a common and challenging issue during field maintenance.
When you need to replace a Trane microchannel heat exchanger (coil) without having the original drawing, you must proceed carefully. Below is a practical step-by-step approach suitable for engineers or service technicians.
1. Confirm Basic Information (Identify the Coil Type and Parameters)
Even without drawings, you can retrieve key data from the unit nameplate and old coil appearance.
1.1 Check the Unit Nameplate
Locate the nameplate on the condenser or chiller (usually on the casing or inside the control panel).
Record the following details:
Unit model (Model No.)
Serial number (Serial No.)
Cooling capacity or series code (e.g., CGAM, RTAC, RTAD, Sintesis)
Refrigerant type (R410A, R134a, R407C, etc.)
This information helps contact Trane or third-party coil manufacturers to obtain the OEM replacement part number.
2. Field Measurement & Reverse Engineering (If OEM Data Is Unavailable)
If the original drawings or parts are unavailable, you can measure the old coil and have an OEM replacement custom-built.
2.1 Remove and Measure the Old Coil
Record the following parameters:
|
Item |
Details |
|
Overall dimensions |
Length × Height × Thickness |
|
Circuit quantity |
Usually 1–3 |
|
Inlet/outlet connection |
Pipe size and type (welded / threaded / flanged) |
|
Fin type |
Corrugated or louvered (the manufacturer can match this) |
|
Fin pitch |
Typically 18–25 FPI (fins per inch) |
|
Number of rows |
Usually single-row for microchannel coils |
|
Airflow direction |
Horizontal / vertical |
|
Material |
Aluminum alloy microchannel (do not mix with copper-aluminum systems) |
2.2 Take Photos and Mark Directions
Photograph the front, side, and all connections.
Use markers to label airflow direction and refrigerant flow direction (in/out).
2.3 Calculate Heat Transfer Area
If you can’t find an identical replacement, select one based on equivalent heat transfer area:
New coil heat transfer area ≥ old coil area (±10% acceptable)
This ensures cooling performance remains consistent.
3. Replacement Options
Option A: Purchase the OEM Part
Contact a Trane distributor or service center and provide:
Unit model
Serial number
They can identify the exact microchannel coil part number for direct purchase.
Option B: Order an OEM-Equivalent Replacement
If the OEM part is expensive or has a long lead time, contact professional coil manufacturers (e.g., EVER HEAT, Colmac, Super Radiator Coils).
Provide:
Dimensions
Refrigerant type
System pressure
Connection style
They will design a custom microchannel coil with proper performance and pressure drop.
Option C: Convert to a Copper Tube & Aluminum Fin Coil (Special Case)
If microchannel coils are unavailable or unrepairable, some clients choose to:
Replace them with copper tube–aluminum fin coils of the same size
Recalculate refrigerant charge and expansion valve settings
⚠️ This is only recommended when OEM microchannel coils are not obtainable and requires engineering recalculations.
4. Installation & Commissioning Notes
Use nitrogen protection during brazing to prevent oxidation.
Confirm correct refrigerant flow direction.
Leak test and nitrogen pressure hold for 24 hours.
Vacuum and recharge refrigerant by weight.
Check operating pressure, subcooling, and superheat.
5. Recommended Data to Prepare
Photos of the old coil and nameplate
Measured dimension table
Refrigerant type
Operating conditions (condensing temperature, airflow rate)
With this information, a professional OEM supplier (like EVER HEAT) can easily reproduce a fully compatible replacement coil.
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