Parker Hannifin Announces Recall
Standard Machine and Parker have been made aware of a small number of fractures of the tube portion of the MA17 solenoid valve where ammonia refrigerant has escaped as a result of the fracture. MA17 solenoid valves are utilized on ammonia refrigeration compressors to cool oil in the compressor. Standard and Parker have recalled MA17 solenoid valves that meet any of the following criteria:
- MA17 valves with a date code of January, 2008 and after;
- MA17 valves installed during that time period (January 1, 2008 to present); and
- Any unused MA17 valves or unused MA17 part kits.
According to a Parker Hannifin announcement, a free replacement Refrigeration Specialties solenoid valve, strainer and coil will be provided. The announcement advises customers to consult the material safety data sheet(s) at your facility which pertain to ammonia, as well as safety documents pertaining to the refrigeration system and/or the facility. Information regarding the hazards of ammonia is referenced in certain government documents, such as the following: http:// www.osha.gov/SLTC/ammoniarefrigeration/index.html; www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/ammonia.pdf. Identification of the recalled valves and kits can be determined through the following procedure:
1. Locate the flow arrow cast into the valve body approximately 1 “ below the tube locknut. See photo 1-1
2. Below the flow arrow is a cast, upraised boss where the valve date code is stamped. See photo 1-1, date code
3. Please note that the date code was designated by month (i.e., 1 through 12) prior to October 2008. Thereafter, the date code was designated by week (i.e., 1 through 52). The date code will appear as the following:
- Manufacture Date Prior to October 2008: Month (One or Two digits)–Year (Two Digits). For example a 7–08 stamping indicates July 2008.
- Manufacture Date of October 2008 to present: Week (One or Two digits)–Year (Two Digits). For example a 7–09 stamping indicates week 7 of January 2009.
4. If date code is illegible due to epoxy paint, the paint can be removed using 180-220 grit sandpaper. Lightly sand date code boss to remove paint layer. Care must be given such that excess material is not removed. Date code may be rendered illegible if too much material is removed from casting. See photo 1-3 below.
Contact Karina Villarreal at Parker by calling 1-877-499- 6217 or send an Email to rsd_ma17@parker.com to obtain the appropriate replacement valve.
