The Inside of a Scroll Compressor

What is inside of a scroll compressor and how does it work? In this video collaboration Reuben, Ben, and myself cut open 3 compressors to see what is inside of them and try to understand how exactly they work. There was a lot of cool things to discover inside of them and in my video you only get to see the scroll compressor! The other two compressors can be found on Ben and Reuben's channels:
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Ben: / bensahlstrom
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🛈 A Little Info on The Scroll Compressor:
A scroll compressor is a specially designed compressor that works in a circular motion, as opposed to up-and-down piston action.
Scroll compressors are becoming more popular for use in HVAC systems, as they are more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types. A scroll compressor has one fixed scroll which remains stationary and another moving or orbiting scroll that rotates through the use of a swing link. When this happens, the pockets of refrigerant between the two scrolls are slowly pushed to the center of the two scrolls, causing the reduction of the volume of the gas. It is then discharged though the center port to the condenser.
The advantage of a scroll compressor is that it has fewer moving parts and less torque variation compared to the reciprocating compressor. This advantage is translated to a smooth and quiet operation. The scroll compressor is also known as scroll pump or scroll vacuum pump.
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[@tacticalultimatum]

Why is no one concerned about the raccoon wandering around at 1:40

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

It's so crazy that scroll compressors work as well as they do. It just looks like they wouldn't last as long but they generally do pretty well!

[@Dcc357]

The scroll is so much better. Our 20 year old 4 ton York got a new compressor 10 years ago, which is now a Copeland scroll. It's so much quieter and it's been keeping our southern Arizona house cool since in 100+ degree weather. In some cases 110+.

[@Jon-hx7pe]

scrolls are great - no valves.

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

Piston compressor have piston rings that slide against the cylinder bore. Lots of friction. I would think the scroll has less friction. Certainly less parts to manufacture. The scroll piece are probably powdered metal. The tooling for PM is expensive (including sintering), but it lasts a very long time.

[@pdk79]

I think the action of the scroll reciprocation is akin to a wheel rolling on the ground... there is no motion (or friction) at contact interface. I really enjoyed all three videos. Great work.

[@jozeflak1868]

Thank for your time and your video

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thanks Jozef! We appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@patrickphippspa584]

Thanks guys! Lots of fun here! Always appreciate the time and effort you take to make your videos!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you Patrick! Glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@jcbw01987]

Amazing and very informative on the cut away.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ReubenSahlstrom]

I love all the diagrams you added! It would have been helpful to know these terms going into the project! 😂

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Yeah, made us look a bit uninformed! It's a ROTOR Ben...

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Yeah... Would have helped to look at those beforehand but it almost made it more interesting that we didn't! :) Lol, Ben.. I feel like all 3 of us actually knew that but managed to draw a blank at the moment..

[@TechnicalLee]

You guys missed the cool part, that was a 2-stage scroll compressor! The coil on top you removed that had the two-wire connector was the solenoid that runs to the second connector on the opposite of the case from the power input. The solenoid opens when energized and causes the top mechanism to lift and lets gas out the three little holes inside the top the stationary scroll. You can see the holes a little bit in the video, those aren't there on a single stage scroll. The gas vents to the case, so it effectively makes it so only the inner 2/3 of the scroll is used instead of the whole thing, so the 1st stage capacity is about 66%. When the solenoid is de-energized the holes are closed, so it uses the whole scroll for 100% capacity. You could do another video on the 2-stage scroll now!

[@Salmagundiii]

interesting explanation, thanks.

[@spinb]

It's amazing how those scroll compressors can keep going for 20+ years, withstanding extreme temperatures and friction. I was surprised to see the oil look so clean.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I was surprised as well! I was pretty sure it would not be black but I wouldn't have guessed that it would be clear.

[@WTFChuk]

FYI, that part that comes out of the top with the green seals on it is a piston. Discharge pressure is applied to the underside during operation, forcing it up against the top of the discharge shell. The opposite pressure, which pushes on top of the fixed scroll, forces the fixed scroll onto the orbiting scroll. The higher the pressure, the more force pushing the scrolls together. Thats why there are no springs forcing the scrolls together - they aren't needed. This force is balanced by the compression inside the scrolls trying to force them apart. Overall, there is a bit more force pushing them together than pushing them apart, but if something non-compressible like liquid refrigerant or oil should get drawn into the scrolls it can force them apart to relieve the hydraulic pressure without blowing the scrolls apart. It's an ingenious, elegant design. In fact, it is the reason why Copeland had the first truly successful, long-lived scroll compressor. It was so good that Trane's own scrolls are license-built Copeland designs. That is, the ones that Trane actually makes. Many Trane compressors are just orange-painted, relabeled Copeland scrolls.

[@billsmith2212]

The cutter grinder is one of the most dangerous tools . If it kicks back or a blade shatters and gets your face it really smarts ! I ALWAYS use a full face shield . Just my opinion . Thanks for the video .

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Yes... Better safe than sorry. Thank you for the safety warning!

[@blackbearelectronicswithco9541]

Every fridge, freezer, AC, window AC, dehumidifier, heat pump, etc should have a scroll compressor because they are smaller and more efficient than reciprocating compressors

[@davidmckinney6577]

Hello Jay ol buddy ol pal good to see you again it felt like I was right there with you guys I wish I could have hang out with you all..I'm doing pretty good bigfoot hasn't been doing well and I had to call the vet Friday for him and she upped his meds again so he is doing just ok but sleeping alot.. but we're just hanging in there buddy 👍👌..it would be awesome just to hang out with you I'm sure you have a very good personality.. well stay safe and healthy my friend and I will be 🙏 praying for you and your family Jay god bless you my friend from me and Arnold and bigfoot we love you all and wish you the best.

[@Mr.Man-]

The 3 in 1 videos was a great concept and excellently executed. I wont hide the fact that I was a bit happy when I saw you in Ben's video. I said out loud "I know that guy" not personally, but as a subscriber to your channel. By the way, during your Hammer toss you had excellent form. HA!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 😄 Ben is an awesome guy, his family is incredible, and his parents are great too! He has like 10 siblings and they are all wonderful people. We stayed with them for two days and were happy that we had that opportunity before we moved. Makes me want to have 10 kids and model my family after theirs 😇 and I appreciate that someone finally approved my hammer throwing form haha. Aloha from Hawaii, have an amazing weekend! 🤙👍👌

[@agahajak]

1:40 lmao the raccoon!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Haha yeah, that raccoon was great!!

[@TOONMAN200]

Very interesting, when I was a boy I was taking things apart. Now at 75 I still enjoy seeing how things work. excellent video I want to see more. As far as the scroll compressor it's amazing that it works at all, tool cool.

[@carlosbanegas7577]

very good video thank you

[@publicmail2]

And for super efficiency check out a 5 cylinder swash plate auto compressor where each does double duty each cylinder simultaneously compresses and vacs with 10 compression strokes per rotation used on modern auto AC.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Oh man, that sounds a lot more complex than what we were looking at. That would be a fun one to dissect!

[@mr.bousso3754]

Thx guys

[@hafidboston9674]

Amazing explanation thank you very much guys

[@saulflores8095]

This is awesome, thanks guys

[@frez777]

The weld is harder than the sheet metal, that's what happened with your slitter blade on the grinder. Cut above or below the weld, but you guys figured this out, I am sure of that. Love your content.

[@classic287]

Amazing and funny, you guys are. The finger snapping sound was bouncing off the wall. ✌️

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you Mr. Classic! Ah.. So that's how that sound trick works. So I assume it wouldn't work in an open field then..

[@classic287]

Word of Advice TV, Right. Sound in a field, I think would be quite detectable. Bouncing sound is confusing. 😃

[@kkovler1]

neat video, learned something new!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@imtiyazrisaldar3211]

Nice information sir

[@dereksosa5801]

This is a really informative video I appreciate it thanks always was curious what's inside a compressor now I know

[@Mike-ig2zq]

"Its like a super short little thing ! " Thats what she said.

[@maestrovso]

Some times size is overrated. It is how you use it and the results that count.

[@Aedalas]

@@maestrovso Much like the scrolls it gets bigger when you unroll it.

[@NoorRefrigerationsystem]

Wow amazing video I love this channel ❤❤❤❤

[@Eddy63]

Thought I was watching The 3 Stooges for a second ... Lol ... Good info guys ...

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Haha I suppose there are some similarities :) Thanks for watching Eddy!

[@henryalcantara5647]

Nice job ,the three of you, it's a good educational material you have,I appreciate how you dismantle this scroll compressors,your fan from the Philippines. ..also a viewer...

[@professorkiwi]

This is pretty awesome! Thank you all. Now I’m curious about the two stage bistrol (at least I think it is lol)

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad you liked it! And yes! After these 3, it makes me want to cut open all the other styles and see how they are different.

[@glasslinger]

The cat was the best part of the video. Otherwise, 3 Stooges episode!

[@jimskrycki4796]

do you have any videos showing how to wire a booster fan to start when your blower fan starts?

[@nirmalchandradash946]

Beater prectrical class Compressor in side very,very thanks

[@ohiopat8517]

18:08 Did you see me nodding my head that I would be disappointed if you didn't pull the motor?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I saw quite a few frowns coming my way... Perhaps yours was one of them :)

[@rcinfla9017]

My experience with scroll compressors is they are more rugged than reciprocating reed valve compressors. Downside is they have greater startup surge current. Scroll compressors do not have the delicate reed values of reciprocating compressors. The scroll compressor is like the 'Mazda Wenkel' engine of A/C compressors. I call the offset scroll spiral the 'Wobulator'. Works like squeezing a coiled toothpaste tube.

[@rockstaryadav4546]

Super my dear friends.

[@rcinfla9017]

Did pretty good guys. Only two pieces did not guess totally correct is the top differential pressure disk that drops down and unloads the compressor when off. Compressor starts up unloaded until floating pressure plate pops up and seals scroll output pressure to top high pressure output chamber that you cut open first. Based on differential pressure from compressor scroll output to discharge port it pops up against top discharge chamber of compressor to seal to output port path. It does not rotate so there is no bearing, just oil and upward pressure to seal to top port chamber. Output port should have a reverse check valve (added to newer versions) to eliminate back slap when compressor shuts off making a terrible loud sound and potentially causing scroll back pressure making a sudden reversal of motor when it stops. Scroll compressor can reverse direction if a short, less than half second, power glitch occurs. Makes terrible sound and continues to run backwards until it overheats, popping internal protection breaker. It will restart in correct direction when thermal overload resets. Better to have a short cycle timeout timer that shuts down contactor on a power glitch then subject compressor to running in reverse. Other item is bracket piece, called Oldham ring, It keeps bottom orbiting scroll from rotating around when driven by motor shaft cam. Just slides side to side with hold in notches to keep orbiting bottom scroll from rotating.

[@holtrussell]

Interesting seeing you guys crack open the insides! No idea how the Menards patrol didn’t jump all over you for not wearing your mask in store. More evidence that the Tool Shop brand is complete garbage. Maybe down south a bit they’re a little more relaxed. I’ve seen a few of Bens videos and fun seeing you guys meet up! When you get sick of Hawaii (never), I’m sure Sahlstrom would open up a spot and take you in anytime! Definitely an entertaining video. Thanks Jay!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thanks for leaving a comment with your thoughts on the video Holt! Always nice hearing from you! Yeah, surprisingly no one came up to me in Menards. I usually don't wear a mask unless I absolutely have to. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the video, hope you are having a great weekend!!

[@holtrussell]

Word of Advice TV Amen to that Jay! I’m trapped in the city and surrounded up here. Mask central and people in the fetal position overly scared about Corona here as you know. Going back to a previous comment about where you used to work. It doesn’t matter, but I thought in one of your early videos you were maybe in your work van. I honestly don’t remember and doesn’t matter, but when I called that crew over to provide the drain camera inspection, they were so happy I told them to leave their masks at the door! I always try to comment for two reasons. 1. I enjoy trying to keep up with you and 2. I don’t know how KZbin algorithms work, but I think it helps your channel somehow and I enjoy supporting your channel even if it’s only commenting “religiously”. Speaking of which, are there other ways that I can help support / grow your channel? It’s been fun watching your hard and well deserved efforts pay off in subscriber growth. The revenue is certainly a blessing for your family and happy to see you succeed!

[@Jon-hx7pe]

nice job. it would be interesting to see the oil in a compressor from a system that had leak stop put in it.

[@WordofAdviceTV]

That would be interesting to see! I wonder if it would have an odd neon tint to it..

[@Jon-hx7pe]

@@WordofAdviceTV since leak stop can kill systems, it should just be a matter of time b4 one of you find one to dissect. :p

[@mehboobkala4366]

Jon [Insert Last Name Here] has

[@mannyradtke136]

Gotta take those guards off the angle grinder and get a 6" x 1/16" cutoff and it will cut like butter!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you! We will keep that in mind for next time :)

[@Inspironator]

Please do other types of compressors (dehumidifier, refridgerator, ice machine...)

[@Salmagundiii]

Awesome video! Always wanted to see the inside of one of these. I thought the scroll would be longer too. I wonder if any engineers at Copeland have watched this.

[@stevenherd9799]

Pretty cool now put it back together lol😁👍💯

[@oldguy2800]

I got my chuckles this morning watching you three kids learning lots of new things. You should also know that there is a 2 stage version of the scroll comp which has a solenoid valve on top of the stationary scroll which bypasses a portion of the total scroll "length". The gas then has a shorter path and it unloads the comp. by about 34%. As I have done several forensic dissections on these things. I was eagerly waiting for some sign of the failure and did not see anything obvious. Was this an operating comp before you dismantle it?

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Unfortunately we did not have a 2 stage or variable speed scroll compressor but that would have been a really interesting one! Reuben is the one who replaced that scroll compressor (on a heat pump) and I already forgot what he said the reason was for replacing it.. Maybe he can answer this. But we do appreciate the explanation of how the 2 stage scroll compressor works! That's pretty awesome!

[@ReubenSahlstrom]

The scroll compressor that we replaced was diagnosed by a retired refrigeration tech who ordered his own new compressor, and just had us install it at his personal home because he hurt his neck. I think it was something electrical, but as you saw internally it was remarkably clean looking.

[@TechnicalLee]

They didn't know it, but that was actually a 2-stage scroll compressor they had. It has the three little holes in the top of the scroll for unloading with the solenoid coil right on top.

[@TechnicalLee]

@@WordofAdviceTV That was actually a 2-stage scroll you had. Copeland has a video showing how it works on YT.

[@tony745]

Good morning my hero, thank you for all your videos. I really appreciate them. As I wrote before my a/c was running all the time, I changed the filter, cleaned the coils inside and out side the house. cleaned the duct, but nothing. So I called the a/c company and the put some freon because it was low. And the a/c worked fine for two days. Now the temperature air temp goes as high as 84 and set temp is 76, I called them and I was told it is because it is August, and temp outside is 97 degrees. Now the A/C is running all the time, and the difference between set temp and air temp is 5 or 6 dregrees. Is it normal, please help. I am disable and this is very hard. God Bless you.

[@sherwinanago9106]

👍👍❤❤....

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you for the positive feedback! :)

[@dan8220]

So I have had a issue for a month or so with my system sometimes cooling excellent and other times not worth a crap. Have had the company out 5 times. It’s a 410A system icp 2.5 ton. Yesterday he said the expansion valve was bad because the pressures were off, the superheat was not correct and that means this valve. System was installed in 2018. It has froze up the evaporator coils 3 times, runs all day and the temperature inside increases between 2 and 5 degrees - doesn’t seem to keep up - sometimes the air is really cool sometimes it’s not cool enough to call air conditioning. Does this sound like the valve problem is right to you?

[@hg2.]

"All-star cast"

[@carlalv7717]

I am so proud of you! That's what makes America great. Young people figuring out complex applications. Please stay away from "stimulus checks" food stamps, crime, and illegal drugs...!

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Thank you!! We will try our best to be continue being outstanding American citizens!

[@leewarlic6983]

Had a scroll compressor go short on my system that was only 6 years old recently. Prior to that the breaker was buzzing intermittently every 30-40 seconds while a/c was on (but not tripping). Eventually it tripped and had to replace the compressor and there is still a faint very quick buzz coming from breaker once it kicks on but nothing after. Put hard start kit on but no change. What are places to look to fix this issue? Hope I’m not slowly frying another compressor. Seems like there is electrical issue, but a/c people have looked at it and said system seems fine and that can be normal.

[@John-dp3ln]

Reminds me of the thing about three monkeys and a football……. Wrench!

[@scottjones6608]

So they pretty much run off of friction or at least the scroll compressor does

[@williamtsol636]

👍

[@ALLin-one1]

So funny cool

[@cyoungso]

what prybar is that? looks like swiss surplus

[@Jake.Gentry]

I thought the scroll would have been way larger

[@yaxdhaadhqasim2348]

What happens when this model compressor (ZB58KQE-TFD-551 ) running with closed discharge valve.

[@danieltku]

I have a scroll in my AC. It's a 27 years old. How long do they last?

[@alexisyanez1123]

Can you do a video of portable air conditioner's

[@WordofAdviceTV]

If I will get the chance to I will, thanks!

[@Dcc357]

I think the scroll doesn't have to be that long since all the area that the refrigerant goes through is through the spiral, which is actually a lot of area. If you were to untwist that scroll spiral and lay the whole thing flat, it would be pretty long.

[@ReubenSahlstrom]

Interesting! I hadn't really thought about the volume that way!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Good point.

[@rorynaftel8697]

My compressor isnt coming on. 9 weeks ago somebody came to fix it and it worked for 8 hours. I took a look at it and the 24 volt hi pressure wire slipped and touched 120v. It blew all control boards thermostat fuses ecm and capacitors. ive replaced the last part today and the compressor stil doesnt come on. If I could hire somebody I would, Please help

[@WordofAdviceTV]

Oh man.. That sounds like a really bad problem to have. I would try starting from the basics again and see where you are losing power.. Like what I do here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raukcmeaodWSbZI

[@tuckermichael24]

Stator and roter

[@NoComment_123disdat]

Is there any copper in it ?

[@scottjones6608]

the color of the Oil looks like a 50/50 mix of antifreeze

[@ReubenSahlstrom]

Yeah! Each compressor had a slightly different oil color!

[@pepsicolachao4537]

1:29 Ben’s grinder motor burned out

[@concrete981]

new invention called a socket wrench. I tell my old lady there's a new invention called a trash can. when its full you take it to the big trash can out, the trash man takes that one.

[@concrete981]

how much for a scroll compressor for a 2!/2 ton condenser . parts made in china?

[@carolinecaroline2264]

Antifreeze? Green?

[@theeaskey]

You are using the channelocks and visegrips backwards,

[@WordofAdviceTV]

I sometimes make life harder for myself for no good reason.. This was one of those times. I promise that I usually do handle wrenches and pliers the right way though :)

[@theeaskey]

@@WordofAdviceTV I'm sure u do,in just messing with ya,, I enjoy your blogs,very well thought out presentation,and not over the top like some vlogs,,keep it up,

[@hung2095]

Your videos are so impressive. I am trying to fix my HVAC. How to TS HVAC control Circuit Board CEPL130438-01 ( CEBD43043B-06A )? I emailed you and explained the problem and tries.

[@stephfong4577]

Real life engineering. You don't learn this at schools, guys!

[@ronniemaeker9102]

Instructions, we don't need no stinking instructions...

[@ALLin-one1]

Pen has alot of fats in his ears