Bock F4 Compressor

Bock F4 Open-Type Reciprocating Compressor (Bench Tested)

The Bock F4 is a 4-cylinder open-type reciprocating compressor engineered specifically for harsh marine, offshore, and industrial refrigeration applications. Built with a cast iron housing and designed for belt drive or direct drive coupling via electric or hydraulic motors, the F4 delivers flexible displacements ranging from 13.9 m³/h at 500 RPM to 50.2 m³/h at 1,800 RPM.

Every unit in our inventory undergoes hydrodynamic bench testing, internal clearance verification, and high-pressure nitrogen containment holding to ensure full sea-trial readiness.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: BOCK GmbH (Danfoss Climate Solutions)
• Series: F-Series Open Type
• Model: F4 (Ester oil version designated as FX4)
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 097B12016 (Current Danfoss/Bock Global Part ID)
• Legacy Bock Part Number: 12016
• EAN / GTIN: 5715162578445

Technical Details:

Compressor Features

1. Direction-Independent Pressure Oil Pump: Features a reversible lubricating oil pump that provides positive-displacement lubrication to big-end bearings and shaft seals regardless of crankshaft rotational direction.
2. Field-Replaceable Mechanical Shaft Seal: Equipped with a proven cartridge-style floating ring mechanical seal assembly cooled and lubricated directly by circuit oil.
3. High-Fatigue Valve System: Built with spring-steel reed suction and discharge valves designed to tolerate heavy liquid slop and thermal shock.
4. Dual Drive Versatility: Features a tapered (conical) crankshaft end allowing connection to V-belt pulleys, direct elastic flexible drive couplings, or hydraulic prime movers.

Compatible Models

• Marine Provision Plants: Carrier Transicold Marine, Sabroe / Johnson Controls, York Marine, Novenco, Dometic Marine Chiller plants.
• Cargo Hold & Galley Freezers: Bitzer Open-drive drop-in replacements, Daikin Marine condensing skids.
• Reefer Container & Deck Deckhead Compressors: Standard 4-cylinder reciprocating packages driven by 400V/440V 60Hz marine induction motors (11 kW – 18.5 kW).

Part Number Cross-References

• Danfoss / Bock Item Code: 097B12016
• Bock Legacy Code: 12016
• Shaft Seal Assembly Part Number: 097B01211 / 01211
• Valve Plate Replacement Kit: 097B01099 / 01099
• Gasket Overhaul Set: 097B01287 / 01287

Industrial Applications

• Vessel Provision Refrigeration: Deep-freeze meat/fish rooms (-25°C) and fresh vegetable cold rooms (+4°C).
• Marine Air Conditioning (HVAC): Accommodation block chillers and wheelhouse environmental control skids.
• Cargo Hold Cold Storage: Reefer vessels, live-catch blast freezers, and fishing vessel RSW (Refrigerated Sea Water) systems.
• Process & Chemical Plants: Explosion-proof cooling configurations using remote motor isolation through bulkhead stuffing boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Bock F4 run in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions?

Yes. The Bock F4 includes an integrated oil pump that functions independently of the direction of crankshaft rotation. Regardless of which way your motor turns, the internal pump creates uniform hydrodynamic oil wedge pressure across the crankshaft journal and con-rod bearings.

How do I check the oil level on the F4 during operation?

The crankcase features a sight glass located on the lower side cover. Under stable running conditions at normal operating temperature, the oil level must stay between 1/4 and 3/4 of the sight glass. If frothing occurs during startup, wait until crankcase suction pressure stabilizes before adding oil.

What is the maximum operating pressure allowed for this compressor?

The Bock F4 has a maximum permissible pressure rating of 19 bar on the low-pressure (suction) side and 28 bar on the high-pressure (discharge) side. Pressure relief valves and safety pressure cut-offs must be adjusted within these parameters.

Is the Bock F4 compatible with modern drop-in refrigerants?

Yes. The F4 works with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and low-GWP blends including R134a, R404A, R407C, R407F, R448A, and R449A, provided the internal lubricant is synthetic polyolester oil (BOCKlub E55). For systems running R22, standard alkylbenzene or refined mineral oil (BOCKlub A46) is utilized.