Special Refrigeration Components

 

The Compressor Discharge Line

• Vibration Eliminators: Absorb vibrations from the compressor to prevent stress and leaks in suction and discharge lines.
• Hot Gas Line Mufflers: Reduce noise from gas pulsations in the discharge line.
• Check Valves: Ensure one-directional refrigerant flow, preventing damage during the off cycle.
• Oil Separators: Separate and return oil to the compressor to prevent oil starvation and potential bearing damage.

Heat Reclaim, Condensers, and Receivers

• Three-Way Valves: Direct refrigerant to the condenser or heat-reclaim coil for efficiency.
• Heat-Reclaim Coils: Utilize waste heat from the refrigerant for building heating or water heating.
• Low Ambient Controls: Maintain liquid pressure during low ambient conditions to ensure proper refrigerant flow.
• Receivers: Store excess refrigerant and ensure only liquid refrigerant is sent to the metering device.
• Relief Valves: Release high pressure to prevent equipment damage or rupture.

The Liquid Line

• Solenoid Valves: Control refrigerant flow in the system, commonly used in the liquid line.
• Liquid-Line Filter Driers: Remove particles, moisture, and acid from the system, preventing system damage.
• Sight Glasses/Moisture Indicators: Allow technicians to view refrigerant conditions and detect moisture in the system.
• Strainers: Filter solid particles to prevent clogging of metering devices.

The Compressor Suction Line

• Evaporator Pressure Regulators (EPR): Prevent evaporator pressure from dropping below a minimum value, ensuring system efficiency.
• Suction-Line Filters: Protect the compressor from contaminants, particularly after a compressor burnout.
• Suction-Line Accumulator: Prevents liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor, avoiding bearing failure and liquid slugging.
• Crankcase Pressure Regulators (CPR): Prevent compressor overload by controlling crankcase pressure.
• Suction-to-Liquid Heat Exchanger: Improves system efficiency by increasing suction gas superheat and liquid subcooling.

Isolation Valves

• Isolation Valves: Used to isolate components for service, saving time and refrigerant during maintenance.