March 2007

A collection of short pointed topical papers.

its Ai Whether

r Condi

r Refrig tioning o

eration

Multi Receivers
by: Garth Denison Senior Application Engineer

The Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin assumes no obligation or liability for any advice furnished or for any results obtained with respect to this information. All such advice is given and accepted at users risk. This disclosure of information herein is not a license to operate under, or a recommendation to infringe any patent of Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin or others. Registered trademark of Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin, Washington, MO 63090 USA Copyright 2003 by Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin, Washington, MO 63090 USA

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This document may be copied and distributed for educational purposes only. Cold W.A.R. Issue 055

Cold W.A.R. Issue 55 - Page 2

Multi Receivers (Supplemental)

Series Receivers (recommended) Usually less than 6 inches in inside diameter when used with small condensing units Normally 2 or 3 in series Parallel Receivers (not recommended) Difficult in controlling liquid levels Possible liquid in one and vapor in other

When Supplemental Receivers are Needed

Auxiliary receivers may be necessary when refrigerant pump down capacity is less than the proper operational charge of refrigerant in the system. This condition sometimes occurs in water cooled systems where the condenser-receivers have limited capacity and it can also occur in any system where large evaporators or long liquid lines are used or where the pump down liquid solenoid valves cannot be located close to the TEVs. To correct this condition, an additional receiver with the necessary holding capacity should be installed in series with and close to the outlet of the main receiver on the compression unit. The auxiliary receiver should be installed on the same level or below the main receiver on the compression unit. Both the main and auxiliary receiver must have their own service valves, fusible plug or relief valve. The liquid line sight-glass, drier and the liquid line to the evaporator should then be connected in the normal manner to the service valve which is installed on the outlet fitting of the auxiliary receiver. Using the diagrams on the following page and the written procedure below one can determine the receivers refrigerant level. To check the liquid level in the receivers with valves 1, 3 and 4 open, close valve 2 and monitor at the valve 3 port. If liquid appears at this point, indicating the auxiliary receiver is full, valve 2 should be opened and a monitoring check made at valve 1. Liquid here indicates that both receivers are full and the system is overcharged.

Cold W.A.R. Issue 55 - Page 3

Supplemental Receivers
1
Inlet

4
To TEV

Minimum liquid in receivers

Main Auxiliary

1
Inlet

4
To TEV

Additional liquid in receivers

Main Auxiliary

1
Inlet

4
To TEV

Auxiliary receiver full

Main Auxiliary

1
Inlet
indicates vapor indicates liquid

4
To TEV

Both receivers full

Main Auxiliary

Typical Copeland C Line Condensing Units

Refrigerants

Liquid In

Outlet Valve

one psi

Example: R-22 1 psi P will support 1.93 feet

or 23.2 inches

Cross sectional view of two refrigerant receivers in series

Cold W.A.R. Issue 55 - Page 4

Typical Supplemental Receivers

Catch-All Solenoid See-All

Receiver

Catch-All

Solenoid See-All

Main

"Series" Receivers

Auxiliary

Refrigerant Receivers Classifications

Receivers having an internal diameter of 6 inches (150 mm) or smaller: ARI 495, UL listed, steel, brazed, 400 psig (2760 kPa) pressure rating, with pipe threaded female access fittings for inlet, outlet and pressure relief valve. Receivers larger than 6 inches (150 mm) internal diameter: ARI 495, welder steel, tested and stamped according to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Section VIII; 400 psig (2760kPa) pressure rating, with pipe threaded female access fittings for inlet, outlet, pressure relief valves and a liquid level indicator. Typical receiver accessories: Relief device, depending of capacity (valve or fusible plug) Dual relief valve saddle assembly Liquid level indicator / alarm Sight glass Receiver heater (Strap-On, Insertion, Emersion, Peel & Stick, Magnetic and Blanket) Insulated receiver Access / Isolation valves