A Guide to Refrigeration Service Line Components
To optimise the performance and efficiency of refrigeration systems, it’s important to understand the function of refrigeration line components.
Specific components are designed to make it easier for you to access and work on the refrigeration system, simplifying tasks, such as checking refrigerant levels and pressure readings, making repairs, and adding or evacuating refrigerant. Choosing the right components will ensure you achieve a well-functioning system with optimal refrigerant flow, pressure management, and efficient cooling.
We’ve briefly covered the main refrigeration cycle components in our recent article that explains the basics of how the refrigeration cycle works, but below is a breakdown of some other key line components.
Thermostatic Expansion Valves
Thermostatic expansion valves (TEV’s) control the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator by effectively maintaining a pre-determined, precise measure of superheat (the extra heat above boiling point) at the evaporator outlet. You can read a more in-depth article on TEV’s by visiting; https://www.axair-refrigeration.co.uk/news/overview-of-the-dunan-thermostatic-expansion-valve-range.
Electronic Expansion Valves
Electronic Expansion Valves (EEV’s) are an advanced, electronically controlled version of traditional TEV’s. Paired with both a pressure and temperature sensor, EEV’s accurately control refrigerant flow and optimise system efficiency. They can be programmed to open and close multiple times a second to allow very precise controls of refrigerant flow to the evaporator, to maintain the desired superheat.
4 Way Reversing Valves
4 way reversing valves are used to reverse the flow of refrigerant to switch between heating and cooling modes. Having the option to switch between both heating and cooling in the same system rather than two separate systems is more cost effective and conserves energy.
Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves are used to control the flow of refrigerant, typically by a simple electromagnetic coil to perform the on/off function. They are typically installed in the liquid line but can also be found in suction or discharge lines depending on the system design. Solenoid valves are compatible with a wide range of refrigerants, including both fluorinated and flammable types.
Ball Valves
In refrigeration systems, ball valves are a simple component used to manually control refrigerant flow, mainly for isolation during servicing and to replace components. They feature a rotating ball with a hole that when the handle of the valve is turned the ball can block the refrigerant passing through.
Check Valves
Check valves are an excellent choice for maintaining reliable one-way refrigerant flow in the system, preventing backflow and disruption to the cycle. Maintaining adequate pressure and circulation, check valves are an important component for ensuring system efficiency and preventing potential damages to critical components.
Charge Valves
Charge valves are an important component in refrigeration systems that provide simple access to the refrigerant during maintenance and repairs. This prevents the need to cut into the refrigerant lines, saving time and costly maintenance. Charge valves are used to ensure refrigerant is charged, adjusted and evacuated correctly.
Service Valves
Service valves are used to isolate specific components for maintenance, repairs or pressure readings, without affecting the entire system. They are typically located near the compressor's suction and discharge lines, enabling the isolation of the compressor from the rest of the system. This stops the flow of refrigerant to or from a compressor which allows the compressor to be replaced without the need for venting or recovering all the refrigerant.
When selecting the right refrigeration line components to suit your specific application, there are many important factors to consider including the overall design of the system, the cooling capacity, the type of refrigerant and the operating temperatures. Components must be reliable and carefully selected to ensure the efficiency and longevity of the system.
We offer a high-quality range of refrigeration line components suitable for commercial HVACR applications and can assist you with an accurate selection. Call us on 01782 618444 to discuss your requirements.