ORBIT 8 Scroll Compressor Series

Main advantages:

·  Up to 15% improved yearly efficiency

·  Sound level: 3 dBA lower than competitors

·  Standard version for air-cooled units

·  Unique Boreal version, optimized for water-cooled units

·  6 displacement steps, from 15 to 40 tons at 60Hz

ORBIT 8 Product Presentation


Overview of the BITZER ORBIT 8 product range, its features and benefits

ORBIT 8 Product Brochure


Detailed information regarding the ORBIT 8 series, including capacity range and performance data

·  ORBIT 8 Product Brochure, 50 Hz

·  ORBIT 8 Product Brochure, 60 Hz

ORBIT 8 Product Brochure Tandem/Trio


Detailed information regarding the BITZER ORBIT 8 Tandem // BITZER ORBIT 8 Trio models, including capacity range and performance data

·  ORBIT 8 Product Brochure Tandem/Trio, 50 Hz

·  ORBIT 8 Product Brochure Tandem/Trio, 60 Hz

ORBIT 8 Instructions and Manuals


Detailed information about operating, installation and startup instructions as well as application manuals regarding the ORBIT 8 series

·  ORBIT 8 Operating Instructions, 50 Hz

·  ORBIT 8 Installation and Startup Instructions, 60 Hz

·  ORBIT 8 Application Manual, 50 Hz + 60 Hz

ORBIT 8 Press Release


Announcement of the BITZER ORBIT 8 market launch

ORBIT 8 Advertisement


Highlights the benefits of the BITZER ORBIT 8 Series

BITZER Software


BITZER software for fast and reliable selection of the ideal BITZER ORBIT 8 compressor

ORBIT 8 Series - In-depth information


Product range overview, data sheets, documentation

ORBIT 8 FAQs

1. What are the key features of the ORBIT 8 Series compressors?
2. What is the product range of the new ORBIT 8 Series?
3. What is the Scope of Standard Delivery?
3a.What options are available?
4. What accessories are available?
5. Where can I find the performance data, application limits and literature for the ORBIT 8 Series?
6. What is the benefit of an “optimized” version?
7. Do ORBIT 8 Series Scroll Compressors require any type of additional cooling?
8. Are ORBIT 8 Series Scroll Compressors suitable for compound applications?
9. Can I replace a Copeland LCS compressor with a new ORBIT 8 Series compressor without any changes?
10. Are there any differences between the new ORBIT 8 and Copeland’s LCS compressors that we should be aware of?
11. How much oil should be charged in an ORBIT 8 Series compressor?
12. Which oils have been recommended for use with BITZER ORBIT 8 compressors?
13. How do I determine the proper oil level in a single compressor?
14. What motors are available?
15. What are the pressure switch cut-outs?
16. Are the ORBIT 8 Series compressors equipped with internal pressure relief valves?
17. Are the compressors UL and PED certified? And to which machinery class do they belong?
18. What about availability and pricing?

1. What are the key features of the ORBIT 8 Series compressors?

ORBIT 8 Series Scroll Compressors have been developed specifically for air conditioning and heat pump applications where high efficiency, smooth running and low sound are required. In addition to the standard version, BITZER also offers ORBIT Boreal, a customized version optimized for low condensing temp applications.

Key features include:

·  High efficiency (up to 14.7 EER / 4.3 COP)

·  Best IPLV / ESEER in its class, up to15% higher than competition

·  Lowest sound levels in its class: up to 3 dBA quieter, or half the sound, of competition

·  Lowest oil circulation rate in its class, especially important for tandem & trio applications

·  Two optimized versions for air cooled or water cooled applications

·  High power factor motors for lower installed and operating costs

·  Same geometry and matching capacities as the major competitor for easy “drop-in” interchangeability

2. What is the product range of the new ORBIT 8 Series?

The new ORBIT 8 Series is comprised of six models with nominal capacities ranging from:

·  15 to 40 tons (ARI conditions at 60 Hz)

·  39 to101 kW (EN conditions at 50 Hz)

BITZER offers two versions:

·  The standard version (A) is designed for air cooled applications

·  The “Boreal” version (W) is optimized for low condensing temperature, or water-cooled, applications

3. What is the Scope of Standard Delivery?

Electronic Motor Protection, Brazed Connections (stub tube), Connection for Oil Service Valve, Sight Glass with connection for Oil Equalizing Line (when needed), Anti-Vibration Mountings with Sleeves, Terminal Box with Enclosure Class IP54, PVE Oil Charge and Holding Gas Charge.

3a. What options are available?

·  Motor Voltages: 460/3/60, 400/3/50, 575/3/60, 380/3/60, 230/3/60

·  Motor protection with phase sequence control

·  Rotalock or stub tube fittings

4. What accessories are available?

·  Crankcase heaters (230 V or 115 V)

·  Discharge gas sensor

·  Mounting kits for tandem / trio compressor compound including:
o Suction and discharge equalization piping
o Mounting rails and hardware
o Discharge line check valves

For tandem / trio details, please, consult:

·  ESP-131-1

·  ESP-136-1

5. Where can I find the performance data, application limits and literature for the ORBIT 8 Series?

BITZER’s latest sizing and application Software (5.2) and ORBIT 8 Series catalogs (pdf) can be downloaded from the following sites:

BITZER Software

For further information please see our extensive technical documentation:

Technical Documentation

6. What is the benefit of an “optimized” version?

BITZER’s “W” version ORBIT Boreal is optimized for low condensing temperatures, or water-cooled, applications to provide even higher energy efficiency at both full and part-load conditions. This is achieved by optimizing both the Volume index (Vi) of the scrolls and the electric motor. Besides increased efficiency, optimized compressors can use smaller and more cost effective conductors, contactors and electrical switchgear. The end-user customer also benefits from higher power factors which reduce electrical demand charges without the installed cost for adding power factor correction capacitors.

7. Do ORBIT 8 Series Scroll Compressors require any type of additional cooling?

No additional cooling is necessary if operated within the defined operating envelope.

8. Are ORBIT 8 Series Scroll Compressors suitable for compound applications?

Yes! The ORBIT 8 compressors are suitable for both tandem and trio compound applications. BITZER offers standard tandem and trio piping kits or the design drawings for those who want to manufacture their own. The tandem / trio kits include piping, mounting rails and hardware and come with mounting instructions.
ORBIT 8 Series Scrolls can be applied in even (same size compressors) or uneven (different size compressors) tandem / trio combinations to best suit the loading/unloading needs of the application.

Available models are listed in the brochures

·  ESP-131-1

·  ESP-136-1

and in the software 5.2

Additional models are planned, so please contact the closest BITZER sales office for the latest offering.

9. Can I replace a Copeland LCS compressor with a new ORBIT 8 Series compressor without any changes?

Yes! The ORBIT 8 has the same mounting dimensions, connection sizes and locations, and electrical box location as Copeland LCS compressor models. Likewise, BITZER tandems and trios fit in the same dimensional envelope as Copeland’s tandems and trios.

10. Are there any differences between the new ORBIT 8 and Copeland’s LCS compressors that we should be aware of?

Yes! The ORBIT 8 Series uses PVE oil while Copeland uses POE oil. PVE provides superior miscibility, wear resistance and is non-hydrolytic (does not break down in the presence of moisture).

Do not be concerned about mixing PVE and POE oils in field replacements. BITZER’s PVE oil can tolerate a mixture of residual POE oil left in the system of up to 10%. BITZER application engineering can provide additional recommendations upon request.

11. How much oil should be charged in an ORBIT 8 Series compressor?

ORBIT 8 Scroll compressors are factory charged with 5.3L of PVE oil. If additional oil is required, PVE oil is available from BITZER. PVE oil is compatible with all gasketing, seals and devices found in R410A systems.

12. Which oils have been recommended for use with BITZER ORBIT 8 compressors?

BITZER selected PVE (Daphne Hermetic FVC32D) for use with HFC refrigerant R410A based on its superior lubricity, its high miscibility with R410A which promotes good oil return, and its non-hygroscopic nature (does not breakdown in the presence of moisture unlike POE oils). This oil is already widely adopted by many compressor OEMs including Sanyo, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Daikin, LG, & Hitachi.

13. How do I determine the proper oil level in a single compressor?

ORBIT 8 compressors are equipped with a sight glass. The oil level should be at about the center of the sight glass while operating. ORBIT 8 compressors have been thoroughly tested with levels well below and well above the sight glass and operate reliably and with a very limited increase in the oil circulation rate.

In tandem and trio compound systems, there is a sight glass in the oil equalization line used in the same manner. For large systems, additional oil is available in case “topping-off” is needed.

14. What motors are available?

The ORBIT 8 is available with four (4) basic motor options. All motors are 3-phase. The standard is 400/3/50 and 460/3/60. Others include 380-60 Hz, 575-60 Hz, and 208/230-60 Hz. The latter motor may be applied on 200-50 systems. Please consult BITZER’s application data for more details.

15. What are the pressure switch cut-outs?

·  The low pressure cut-out switch should be set no lower than – 35 psig / 2.4 bar (per ESB-135-1)

·  The high pressure cut-out switch should be set no higher than – 625 psig / 43 bar (per ESB-135-1)

·  ESB-135-1

16. Are the ORBIT 8 Series compressors equipped with internal pressure relief valves?

Yes, each 8-Series model is equipped with an internal pressure relief valve.

17. Are the compressors UL and PED certified? And to which machinery class do they belong?

All ORBIT 8 Series compressors are UL and PED certified. All six models belong to the machinery class 2

Manufacturers Declaration // Decl. of Conformity // Decl. of Incorporation

18. What about availability and pricing?

For pricing and lead times, please, contact the closest BITZER sales office in your area.