Refrigerant lines carry liquid and gaseous refrigerant through cooling systems. They consist of two pipes, the suction/vapor line and the liquid line. Installers must consider factors such as length, material, and required speed to select the correct size and type of line. Improper sizing can cause damage to the system.
Refrigerant lines include any pipe or tubing used to carry liquid and gaseous refrigerant through a cooling system. These lines are often made from thin, flexible tubing, although some installers may use lines made from rigid copper or steel. Refrigerant lines carry the refrigerant between the condenser coil and the fan or blower unit, which can be found on air conditioners, heat pumps and food preservation systems.
Each set of refrigerant lines consists of two separate pipes or tubes. The larger of the two, known as the suction or vapor line, carries the refrigerant in its gaseous state. The smaller of the two lines, known as the liquid line, carries the refrigerant when it is in a liquid state. The suction line can be recognized not only by the larger diameter, but also by the presence of insulation, typically not used on the liquid line.
Despite their similar appearance, coolant lines actually differ from standard water lines in several key ways. Pipes or tubing designed for refrigeration purposes are cleaned and plugged before sale, which ensures no contaminants enter the system. Water pipes do not undergo the same level of cleaning and plugging and therefore cost much less on average than refrigerant pipes. While water lines are identified using their inside diameter, refrigerant lines are sized using their outside diameter.
Each set of refrigerant piping can be installed using sheet metal hooks or tape. Some manufacturers even make special hooks designed to work with these lines. Lines should be placed close together, but should never touch each other, as this may affect system performance.
Installers must consider a number of factors when selecting the correct size and type of refrigerant lines for each system. The length of the path between the condenser and the compressor often determines the diameter of the lines. The sizing of the lines can also be influenced by the material used for the lines, as well as the required speed that the refrigerant must be able to maintain within the pipes.
Improperly sized refrigerant lines can cause significant damage to cooling system components. Pipes that are too large will reduce pressure within the system, leading to poor performance. Without the right level of pressure, the refrigerant will change state at the wrong time, making it unable to carry heat energy as intended. Hoses that are too small can lead to excessive pressure, which could flood the cooling system.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
