Jinwei Manufactures Silicone Rubber Crankcase Heaters

Shengzhou Jinwei Electric Heating Appliance Co., Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer, produces silicone rubber crankcase heaters for HVAC compressors.

The devices are designed for surface mounting on the exterior of a compressor. They serve to heat and insulate the refrigerant oil within the crankcase, preventing oil freeze-up and inhibiting the migration of liquid refrigerant into the compressor at low ambient temperatures. This functionality is crucial for ensuring reliable compressor startup and stable operation, particularly in cold environments, positioning the heaters as essential protective components for refrigeration equipment compressors.

According to the manufacturer, standard refrigeration compressors rely on the oil in their crankcase for lubrication, sealing, and cooling. However, low ambient temperatures can significantly degrade the oil's performance. Specifically, when a compressor is idle or during periods of very low ambient temperatures (below 0°C), the crankcase oil can thicken or even solidify. Concurrently, liquid refrigerant within the system may migrate to the crankcase due to density differences, forming an "oil mixture".

If this thickened oil fails to adequately lubricate bearings and the crankshaft upon startup, it can lead to mechanical wear. Furthermore, if liquid refrigerant is drawn into the cylinder, it can cause a liquid hammer effect, directly damaging the compressor's valve plate and cylinder, potentially leading to complete unit failure.

The heaters manufactured by Jinwei incorporate a high-resistance heating core that converts electrical energy into thermal energy, providing low-power, constant-temperature, and uniform heating. The company offers customized options for heater width and length, various terminal types, and reports CE approval for its products.