1. R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories & Heat Pumps
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories & Heat Pumps
#3 Accessories
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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2. Refrigeration Accessories
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Refrigeration Accessories
Devices that improve system performance
The following accessories are in this presentation:
Filter Driers & Sight Glasses
Receivers
Accumulators
Oil Separators
Heat Exchangers
Vibration Absorbers
Crankcase Heaters
Accessories in the refrigeration cycle are devices that improve the system performance and service functions.
Each system does not have all of the accessories listed.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

3. Cut-away picture of Liquid line filter-drier
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Liquid line filter drier by Sporlan
Cut-away picture of Liquid line filter-drier
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

4. Liquid Line Filter Driers
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Liquid Line Filter Driers
Located in liquid line:
Close to metering device for protection, or
Close to King Valve for convenience
Desiccant:
Filter material in beads or block
Removes debris, moisture, and acid
Liquid line refrigerant filter-driers can be found at any point on the liquid line after the king valve.
For the protection of the metering device the filter-drier should be installed close to it.
For convenient service, the filter-drier is located close to the king valve.
The material inside the filter-drier traps debris, moisture, and acids.
Some manufacturers prefer the desiccants to be in the form of small round beads. Others prefer a solid block of desiccant.
The desiccant will eventually collect enough debris to cause a pressure drop across the valve. Sporlan has a detailed list of the allowable pressure drops.
However, a good rule of thumb for liquid line driers is:
Anytime you have more than a 3° temperature drop across the drier from inlet to outlet, change it. This measurement in temperature seems to cover the pressure drop the manufacturer wants. (And, it’s easier than taking pressure drop across a drier that has no access ports.)
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
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5. Liquid Line Filter Drier - Sporlan -
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
100 Mesh Screen
Liquid Line Filter Drier - Sporlan -
Fiberglass Pad
100 Mesh Screen
Outlet Strainer
Fiberglass Pad
Shockproof Assembly
Desiccant Core is a Blend of Molecular Sieve and Activated Alumina
Strainer
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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6. Liquid Line Filter Driers
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Liquid Line Filter Driers
Desiccant types:
Activated Alumina
High acid removal, moderate moisture capacity
Molecular Sieve
High water capacity, low acid removal
Silica Gel
High water capacity only
The most common material used for desiccants are:
Activated alumina which has high acid removal with moderate moisture capacity.
Molecular sieve which has low acid removal, but high water capacity.
Silica gel which is mainly used for moisture removal only.
Filter-driers come in two styles: permanent and replaceable core. The connections to the piping can be either flare or sweat.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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7. Liquid Line Filter Drier - Sporlan -
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Liquid Line Filter Drier - Sporlan -
Filter Driers Clean Contaminants and Moisture from the Refrigerant
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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8. Liquid Line Filter Drier - Alco -
100 Mesh Screen
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Liquid Line Filter Drier - Alco -
Beaded Desiccant
Fiberglass
Middle Strainer
End Strainers
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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9. Liquid Line Filter Drier - Alco -
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Liquid Line Filter Drier - Alco -
Cleans and Dries the Liquid Refrigerant
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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10. Suction Line Filter Driers
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Suction Line Filter Driers
Location:
In the suction line
Purpose:
Remove debris, moisture, acid, and wax from system
Notes:
Always install one after a compressor burnout
Check pressure drop
Do not leave in the system
The suction line filter-drier is similar to the drier in the liquid line, except that it is rated for use in the suction line.
Some manufacturers recommend installing them during the initial installation. However, all manufacturers recommend them after a compressor failure that has released contaminants into the system.
Compressor burnouts form acids which will contribute to premature failure of the replacement compressor. Suction line filters can be purchased with high acid removal desiccants to clean up the system.
When moisture is a problem in a system a suction line filter drier can actually remove more moisture per pound of refrigerant than the liquid line drier. This is true because moisture will condense more readily in the colder suction line than in the warm liquid line.
Pressure drop in the suction line is critical, therefore most suction line filter-driers have pressure taps on them to make it easier for the technician to check the pressures. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for what is considered excessive pressure drop for the size and application of the equipment on which you are working.
A rule of thumb for suction filter pressure drop is:
Anything more than 2 psig drop, replace or remove the filter drier.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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11. Suction Filter Driers by Sporlan
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Suction Filter Driers by Sporlan
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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12. Suction Line Filter Drier - Sporlan -
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
Suction Line Filter Drier - Sporlan -
9/16/2018
Schrader Valves
To Check Pressure Drop
Shockproof Assembly
Fiberglass, Screens, and Strainers
This slide is one of the Sporlan “pancake” type suction line filter-driers.
This style is best for the tight locations in heat pumps and some self-contained rooftop A/C units.
As you can see the suction line filter-drier looks very similar to the liquid line filter-drier.
Desiccant
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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13. Sight Glasses Location and purpose: Types: Plain glass
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Sight Glasses
Location and purpose:
In the liquid line
To indicate amount of liquid refrigerant flowing
Before TEV
To check for liquid to TEV
After liquid line filter-drier
To check for stopped up drier
Types:
Plain glass
only shows refrigerant flow
Sight Glass with moisture indicator
Shows refrigerant flow and moisture content
The refrigerant sight glass is normally located anywhere liquid flow exists and where we need to observe liquid flowing.
The sight glass may be installed before the expansion device to make sure we have full liquid to the valve.
It can also be located at the condensing unit where it may be more convenient for technicians to check the refrigerant in the system.
Sometimes it is helpful to have sight glasses placed in both locations.
There are two types: plain glass which allows us to see the flow of liquid, and the one with a moisture indicator that not only shows fluid flow, but also lets us know if there is moisture in the system.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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14. Sight Glass - Sporlan DOT MOISTURE INDICATOR
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Sight Glass - Sporlan
DOT MOISTURE INDICATOR
YELLOW-WET
Yellow indicates wet system
GREEN-DRY
Bubbles =
Lack of refrigerant
Low load
Restriction
Green indicates dry system
The Sporlan brand of sight glass uses a yellow dot to indicate a refrigeration system with moisture in it. Green means it is dry.
Bubbles in a sight glass do not always mean the system needs more refrigerant.
There may be a restriction in the liquid line or a stopped up filter-drier.
Low load conditions can cause bubbles, even low liquid levels, in a sight glass.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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15. Receivers Located in the liquid line
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Receivers
Located in the liquid line
Storage tank for liquid refrigerant
Sized to hold 20% more than full charge
Liquid from condenser enters the top
Liquid leaves from bottom through dip tube
Used on systems with expansion valves
The receiver is located in the liquid line and is used to store liquid refrigerant after it leaves the condenser.
For safety, it is sized to hold 20% more than the designed refrigerant charge. If a receiver cannot hold all the refrigerant in a system it will back up into the condenser and cause high head pressures and possible compressor overload.
Liquid from the condenser usually enters the top of the receiver.
Liquid leaving the condenser is picked up from the bottom by a dip tube. This helps to ensure that 100% liquid is entering the liquid line to the expansion valve.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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16. Refrigeration System Components
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Receiver
Compressor
Condenser
RECEIVER +
Evaporator
This slide shows the relative location of the receiver.
It is usually near the outlet of the condenser.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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17. Receiver with Top Removed
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Receiver with Top Removed
Liquid from condenser
To TEV
Collects in cylinder
Through King Valve
Forced up dip tube
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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18. The King Valve on the Receiver
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
The King Valve on the Receiver
Location:
Receiver outlet in liquid line
Purpose:
As a service port
Used to pump down system
Valve positions:
Cracked: check system pressure
Front seat: pump down system
Back seat: normal operation
The king valve is located in the liquid line between the receiver and the expansion valve. It is often fastened to the receiver tank at the outlet.
The king valve is used to pump down the refrigerant into the receiver so that you can service the low side of the system.
There is a pressure port on the valve to check the system pressure.
Cracking the valve (turning the valve stem in one turn) will allow pressure to the gauge port for pressure readings.
Front seating the valve (turning the valve stem all the way in so that it blocks off the outlet of the valve) will pump the system down.
Back seating the valve (turning it all the way back out) will open the pipe fully between the receiver and the liquid line, but block off the gauge port. This is the last thing you do before taking your gauges off the system.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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19. © 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Receiver +
King Valve
The valve on the outlet of the receiver is known as a “King Valve”.
The cut-away view shows how the dip tube goes all the way to the bottom of the receiver.
Dip Tube
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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20. Receiver and King Valve Operation
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Receiver and King Valve Operation
Liquid from Condenser
Liquid from the condenser is stored in the receiver so there will be enough liquid to feed the expansion valve when it is wide open.
Liquid to Evaporator
The receiver stores liquid
Liquid is forced up the dip tube
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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21. King Valve Cracked to Read System Pressure
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
King Valve Cracked to Read System Pressure
Liquid from Condenser
When gauges are installed on a unit, the valve must be “cracked” or opened enough to allow pressure from the system to enter the gauge hose and register on the pressure gauge.
When evacuating or charging a system the valve should be opened a little more to the “Mid-seated” position.
Liquid to Evaporator
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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22. King Valve Front Seated -"Pumping Down" System
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
King Valve Front Seated -"Pumping Down" System
Refrigerant from evaporator and suction line is stored as liquid in receiver.
Liquid from Condenser
Front seating a valve will shut off the flow of refrigerant at the outlet of the valve.
In the case of a receiver the valve in the front seated position will clear out the liquid line as it is sucked into the suction side of the compressor. The refrigerant will then be condensed and stored in the receiver.
This is known as “pumping down” the system. It will allow you to service the components in the system between the King valve and the suction inlet of the compressor.
Liquid to Evaporator
Vapor to Evaporator
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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23. King Valve Back Seated – Normal Operation
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Purge Hoses Before Disconnecting
Liquid level drops as liquid flows to evaporator
Pssst
Liquid from Condenser
Back seating a valve will shut off the gauge port. Then it is a simple matter to purge the gauge hose of refrigerant.
An easy way to remember this position is that you have to “back seat” the valve before you can go “back home”.
Vapor to Evaporator
Liquid to Evaporator
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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24. Suction Line Accumulator
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
Suction Line Accumulator
9/16/2018
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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25. Suction Line Accumulators
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Suction Line Accumulators
Location:
In the suction line near compressor
Purpose:
Prevent liquid from slugging compressor
Operation:
Liquid boils off before getting to compressor
Any trapped oil is also returned to compressor
Notes:
Should not be insulated
May have liquid line coiled in bottom
Rusting may develop leaks over time
A suction line accumulator is located in the suction line to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. Under certain normal conditions, usually during or after defrost, liquid refrigerant may leave the evaporator.
The accumulator traps any liquid in the suction line and allows it to boil off into a vapor before it can enter the compressor.
Oil in the suction line collects in the bottom of the accumulator. A small hole in the u-bend of the tubing inside the accumulator pulls the oil into the pipe and returns it to the compressor.
Because the liquid refrigerant must evaporate from heat around the accumulator it should never be insulated. Some accumulators even have the liquid line coiled in the bottom to act as a heat exchanger adding more heat for better evaporation.
Because the accumulator sweats from the boiling off of liquid refrigerant, the steel housing will rust. This rusting may eventually be a source of refrigerant leaks in the system.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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26. Suction Line Accumulator
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
Suction Line Accumulator
9/16/2018
Suction Gas Out
Suction Gas In
Liquid boils off in the accumulator
Only vapor goes to compressor
The accumulator is designed to prevent liquid from entering the compressor. Flooding is a normal situation after defrost on heat pumps and some low temperature systems.
However, they are seldom needed on a medium temperature system or on a standard A/C system. If you are having problems with flooding check for solutions rather than just installing an accumulator.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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27. Suction Line Accumulator
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
Suction Line Accumulator
9/16/2018
Oil is returned to the compressor
Most accumulators now have a screen basket over the oil hole to prevent debris plugging the hole.
The hole is small enough to act as an orifice. This prevents liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor when there is not enough oil to fill the hole.
Oil falls to bottom of accumulator
OIL drawn into P-trap
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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28. Small Accumulator for Reach-in Freezer
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Small Accumulator for Reach-in Freezer
This small accumulator is used on reach-in freezers. It is usually located in the refrigerated space behind the evaporator.
The difficulty associated with getting to it prevents many techs from discovering the refrigerant leaks that occasionally occur from pin-hole leaks in the copper body.
Small Accumulator
for Reach-in Freezer
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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29. Oil Separators Location: Purpose: On the discharge line
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Oil Separators
Location:
On the discharge line
Close to crankcase
In a warm location
Purpose:
Separates oil from discharge gas
Returns oil to the compressor crankcase
Oil separators are installed next to the compressor with the discharge line running into it and out of it.
This device separates the oil from the discharge gas before it even gets to the condenser.
When there is enough oil in the separator a float raises and lets the high pressure gas push the oil into the compressor crankcase.
Separators cannot be in a cold location because the discharge gas may condense and return as a liquid to the compressor crankcase.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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30. Oil Separator Discharge Gas Enters Separator Discharge gas
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Discharge Gas Enters Separator
Discharge gas
to the condenser
CONDENSER
Oil is pulled into the Compressor Crankcase
This slide shows, and explains, the operation of the oil separator.
Oil is Separated from the Gas
As oil rises
float opens the tube
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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31. Heat Exchangers Location: How it operates: Benefits:
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Heat Exchangers
Location:
Installed in the suction line leaving the evaporator
How it operates:
Heat from liquid line is transferred to the suction line
Benefits:
Subcools liquid before entering TEV
Prevents “flash gas” in TEV
Improves evaporator efficiency
May allow use of smaller evaporator
Note: A capillary tube soldered to a suction line is also a type of heat exchanger
The heat exchanger is installed in the suction line leaving the evaporator. Primarily, it is used to prevent liquid flash gas before the TEV. The suction line cools and re-condenses the gas in the liquid line.
The heat is pulled out of the liquid line and absorbed by the suction vapor. Note, there is not a change in the total system performance because the same heat is just changing places in the system.
However, there are other definite benefits to the refrigerating effect in the evaporator:
It will improve the evaporator efficiency by lowering the liquid temperature entering the metering device.
The effect may be enough to allow using a smaller evaporator.
2. The heat from the liquid line will boil off any liquid that the evaporator may not have fully vaporized.
This is added protection for the compressor against flooding.
In some small refrigeration systems the capillary tube is soldered to the suction line. This accomplishes the same effect as the heat exchangers do on the larger systems.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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32. Refrigeration System Accessories
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Heat Exchanger
Compressor
Condenser
RECEIVER +
Evaporator
The heat exchanger can be anywhere in the suction line.
However, it is usually near the evaporator so the liquid line close to the expansion valve will be cooled to increase the efficiency of the evaporator.
It also re-condenses any liquid that may have flashed off in the liquid line.
Heat Exchanger
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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33. Heat Exchanger Liquid is cooled by suction vapor Suction Vapor
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Heat Exchanger
Liquid Out
To Metering Device
Liquid In From the Receiver
Liquid is cooled by suction vapor
Suction Vapor
This heat exchanger manufactured by Packless Industries has a ribbed inner section for better heat transfer.
The flow direction of the liquid is opposite that of the vapor. This also aids in maximum heat transfer.
NOTE: A heat exchanger may help prevent floodback, and it may help prevent flash gas caused by long runs or excessive heat around the liquid line. However, it is best to correct the problems than to hope a heat exchanger will be all that is needed.
To Compressor
Ribbed Inner Pipe for Better Heat Transfer
From Evaporator
Courtesy of
Packless Industries
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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34. Picture of Heat Exchanger on a WIF
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Picture of Heat Exchanger on a WIF
This is a picture of heat exchanger installed on a walk-in freezer in a grocery store. The compressor is located about 200 feet from the evaporator. The liquid line is run through an area that can get really hot during the summer.
Therefore, this heat exchanger cools the liquid at the evaporator, ensuring liquid enters the TEV.
Heat exchanger on a Walk-in Freezer
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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35. Picture of Vibration Absorbers
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Picture of Vibration Absorbers
Vibration Absorbers
Courtesy of Anaconda
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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36. Vibration Eliminator / Absorber
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Vibration Eliminator / Absorber
Location:
Near compressor (semi-hermetic)
In line with compressor crankshaft
Purpose:
Protect tubing
Construction:
Inside is like a series of bellows
Outside is woven copper wire
Semi-hermetic compressors twist when they start-up and shut-down.
Vibration eliminators protect the copper tubing from this twisting.
The vibration eliminator has a series of accordion-like bellows that absorb the vibration.
To protect the thin tubing inside, the outside is covered by woven copper wire which is strong yet flexible.
Vibration eliminators should be installed parallel with the compressor crankshaft. They are designed to twist, not to compress like and accordion.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation recommendations.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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37. Vibration Absorber Braided Wire Cover Protects Inner Pipe
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Vibration Absorber
Braided Wire Cover Protects Inner Pipe
Flexible Inner Pipe Absorbs Vibrations
This slide shows the inside and outside of the vibration eliminator.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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38. Refrigeration System Components
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Must Be Installed Parallel to Compressor Crankshaft
Vibration Eliminators
Crankshaft
Compressor
Condenser
Metering Device
Evaporator
This slide shows the most common locations for vibration eliminators.
The object is to prevent twisting the suction and discharge lines when the semi-hermetic compressor starts and stops.
NOTE: Vibration eliminators must be installed PARALLEL to the compressor crankshaft. They are designed to absorb the twisting motion of the compressor. However, the flexible inner tubing cannot handle compressing and stretching like an accordion.
Hermetic compressors do not require vibration eliminators because the motor-compressor assembly is not directly connected to the suction line. The discharge line usually has enough flexibility in the piping to handle any compressor vibration.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
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39. Crankcase Heaters Location: Purpose: Why: Operation:
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Crankcase Heaters
Location:
In or under compressor crankcase
Purpose:
Boil off any liquid refrigerant in the oil
Why:
Refrigerant migrates to the coldest part of the system
Refrigerant has an affinity for oil
Operation:
They should be ON when the compressor is off
They should be OFF when the compressor is on
During the compressor’s off cycle the refrigerant, especially R22 can migrate to the crankcase.
One reason for the migration is that the refrigerant seems to seek the colder location. Another is the affinity of some refrigerants (especially R22) for oil.
Oil floats on top of liquids like refrigerant. When the compressor starts the pressure in the crankcase drops immediately. The refrigerant boils off almost instantaneously and essentially explodes out of the oil, making the oil turn into foam. In this state the oil can be pulled out of the compressor with the suction vapor. Also, the mixture of oil and refrigerant is lubricating the moving compressor parts, but the refrigerate boils away leaving an insufficient amount of oil to lubricate properly. The result is friction, wear, and eventual seizing of moving parts.
Crankcase heaters are installed on the compressor to warm the crankcase enough to boil off the refrigerant under the oil.
Some heaters are inserted in a well below the compressor’s oil level.
Others are put under the crankcase.
The hermetic compressors can use a strap-on type that wraps around the compressor. Note: make sure it is installed below the oil level.
Crankcase heaters normally should be energized when the compressor is off. However, when the compressor is running they are not needed and it is a waste of electricity to have them operating. Also, any additional heat to the system is just an additional load to be cooled.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

40. Refrigerant Migration
Liquid R22 migrates to compressor oil
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Refrigerant Migration
This slide shows the refrigerant migrating to the oil and laying under the oil in the crankcase of the compressor.
The more refrigerant under the oil the higher the level of the oil. If the rod caps or crankshaft hits the oil it could damage the compressor.
OIL
R22
Crankcase heaters boil off refrigerant
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

41. Refrigerant Migration
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
Refrigerant Migration
9/16/2018
Refrigerant Migration
Liquid R22 migrates to compressor oil
Heat from a crankcase heater boils off the refrigerant under the oil
OIL
R22
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

42. © 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Crankcase Heaters:
Insertion Type
100W 240V
This is the insertion type crankcase heater.
It is inserted directly into a tube or socket below the oil line in the crankcase.
This type of heater is probably the most efficient.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

43. Coil and Plate Type Crankcase Heaters
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Coil and Plate Type Crankcase Heaters
100W 240V
These heaters are bolted in place to the bottom of semi-hermetic compressors.
100W 240V
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

44. External Strap Type Crankcase Heater for Hermetic Compressors
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
External Strap Type Crankcase Heater for Hermetic Compressors
This type of heater straps around the body of a hermetic compressor.
NOTE: Make sure it is below the oil line. If not, it will give little benefit.
Usually it is safe to install within 2 inches of the bottom of the compressor.
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

45. Crankcase Heaters Installed on:
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Crankcase Heaters Installed on:
Semi-Hermetic Compressor
Hermetic Compressor
This slide shows how the most common crankcase heaters are installed.
Strap Type
Heater
Internal, Plate & Coil
Heaters
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

46. Crankcase Heaters are OFF when the compressor is ON
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Crankcase Heaters are OFF when the compressor is ON
Normally Closed Contacts are Open on Auxiliary set of Contacts L1 L2 L3
Compressor Contacts are Closed
Compressor is Running
This slide shows how an auxiliary switch on a contactor will be closed when the compressor is off. The heater will then be energized. 2 1 3
Crankcase Heater is Off
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

47. Crankcase Heaters are ON when the compressor is OFF
R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
Crankcase Heaters are ON when the compressor is OFF
Normally Closed Contacts are Closed on Auxiliary set of Contacts L1 L2 L3
Compressor Contacts are Open
Compressor is Off
When the compressor is running the switch is open and the heater is off. 2 1 3
Crankcase Heater is On
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed

48. R3 Controls, Valves, Accessories, Heat Pumps - Subject 3 Accessories v1.1
9/16/2018
End of
Accessories
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services - R3 Subject 3 Accessories v1.2
© 2004 Refrigeration Training Services
No reproduction or unauthorized use allowed