Metering Devices

Presented By:
Suzzane Oduor- ENM241-
Michael Oloo- ENM241-
Susan Bernard- ENM241-
Luther- ENM241-
Nathan Kirimi- ENM241
Introduction
Background
The purpose of the expansion valve is to control the flow of
refrigerant from the high-pressure condensing side of the
system into the low-pressure evaporator.
Marine refrigeration systems are used in the shipping and
fishing industries to keep food, beverages, and other
perishables cool during transportation.
These systems are designed to function efficiently even in
extreme temperatures and environments.
Introduction Cont’d
Working Principle
The metering device is responsible for feeding the proper
amount of refrigerant to the evaporator coil.
There are three types of expansion devices: capillary tubes,
automatic expansion valves, and thermostatic expansion
valves.
Types of Metering
Devices and Driers
Thermostatic Expansion Valve
(TXV)
TXVs are a type of expansion valve that
employs a temperature-sensing bulb to
maintain a constant superheat at the
evaporator outlet. The bulb senses the
temperature of the refrigerant leaving
the evaporator and adjusts the valve
accordingly. TXVs are commonly used
in marine refrigeration systems
because they offer accurate and stable
control, ensuring optimal cooling
performance and compressor
protection.
 Types of Metering
Devices and Driers
Cont’d
Capillary Tube
Capillary tubes are simple and cost-effective
metering devices consisting of a narrow
copper tube. They rely on the pressure drop
between the condenser and evaporator to
control the refrigerant flow. Capillary tubes
are commonly used in smaller marine
refrigeration systems where precise control
is not as critical. They are often employed in
compact and lightweight applications due to
their simplicity and reliability.
Types of Metering Devices
and Driers Cont’d
Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV)
EEVs are advanced metering devices that utilize
electronic control to regulate refrigerant flow with
precision. They offer superior control accuracy
and the ability to adapt quickly to changing load
conditions. EEVs are commonly used in larger
marine refrigeration systems where precise
control and energy efficiency are crucial. Their
electronic control allows for fine-tuning of the
refrigerant flow, resulting in optimized
performance and energy savings.
 Types of Metering Devices and
Driers Cont’d

Automatic Expansion Valve

• An AEV, also known as a constant-
pressure expansion valve,
automatically adjusts the
• refrigerant flow based on the
pressure differential across the
valve. These valves keep
• the evaporator pressure generally
constant, improving system
efficiency and maintaining
• optimum cooling.
Types of Metering
Devices and Driers
Cont’d

The Float Valve

Float valves are commonly found in
large refrigeration systems, such as
those used in industrial or
commercial applications.
They keep the evaporator’s liquid
level constant, ensuring effective
heat transmission and preventing
flooding or dry-out situations
 Types of Metering Devices and Driers
Cont’d
Filter Drier
Filter driers are essential components in marine
refrigeration systems as they serve two primary
purposes. Firstly, they remove moisture from the
refrigerant, preventing issues such as corrosion, ice
formation, and reduced efficiency. Secondly, they trap
solid contaminants such as dirt and debris, preventing
them from circulating through the system and causing
blockages or damage to components. Filter driers help
maintain the reliability and performance of marine
refrigeration systems by ensuring the cleanliness and
dryness of the refrigerant.
Types of
Metering
Devices and Desiccant Drier

Driers Desiccant driers are specialized driers used specifically

for moisture removal from the refrigerant. They contain a
desiccant material, typically silica gel or molecular sieves,
Cont’d which adsorbs moisture as the refrigerant passes through.
Desiccant driers are particularly beneficial in marine
applications where humidity levels can be high. By
effectively removing moisture, they help prevent
moisture-related problems and ensure the proper
functioning of the refrigeration system.
 Reasons for the Usage
Efficiency and Performance ensure the proper flow and distribution of refrigerant, optimizing the cooling capacity
and energy efficiency of the marine refrigeration system. They control the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature,
allowing it to match the load requirements accurately. Proper metering prevents overcooling or undercooling,
leading to efficient and effective system operation

Component Protection through maintaining the correct superheat at the evaporator outlet, preventing liquid
refrigerant from entering the compressor, which ensures the cleanliness and dryness of the refrigerant,
contributing to the reliability and longevity of the marine refrigeration system

Adaptability to Varying Conditions to allow the marine refrigeration system to maintain optimal performance and
energy efficiency under different operating conditions.
 Charging a system is to add or replace a
refrigerant in a system. A refrigerant is never
used up. It either leaks out or is contaminated

Charging
by:
 Water
 Acid
 Non-condensable e.g., Argon
 Charging
Methods of Charging

Weighing
This is the method where you use scales
to measure the amount added e.g.,
electronic charge cylinders and
electronic scales.
The image captured here shows an
electronic charging scales
 Charging
Methods of Charging

Measuring
Although very rare, you can use a
component called a dial-a-charge
cylinder e.g., a graduated cylinder (in the
image). It is an unsafe method as you are
transferring liquid refrigerant into the
cylinder from the system using a hose.
This raises the probability of the
refrigerant falling on your body, causing
burns as it boils off.
 Charging
Methods of
Charging
Superheating and Subcooling
You weigh in the refrigerant to the factory
default charge rating and then use superheating
and subcooling to dial it in closer. It is very
accurate, but you need to let the system run for
10 minutes before taking in readings
Sight Glass
Used before for earlier refrigerant systems
before newer methods were developed. It was
abandoned because it was never an accurate
method and it varies with system conditions.
 Charging
States of Charging
Vapor Charging
It entails taking the refrigerant from the receiver and putting it to the low-pressure side
of the system. If the system is not in operation, you can add the refrigerant to both the
low-pressure and high-pressure sides of the system until the pressures equalize. The
refrigerant is not added to the high-pressure side of the system when running because it
is at a higher pressure than the receiver and opening the high side of the system when in
operation can put too much pressure on the refrigerant cylinders causing them to
explode.
 Advantages:
 It is the easiest method of topping off a refrigerant
 liquid refrigerant cannot enter the suction side of the system as only vapor is allowed
 Disadvantages
 Slow process for adding large quantities of refrigerant
 High receiver pressures can force the oil out of the compressor.
 Blended refrigerants can fractionate (separate) as they are charged. Only R-22 and
 R-134a are charged using this method
 Charging
States of Charging
Liquid Charging
It entails adding refrigerant into the system in a liquid state. In a non-operating
system, you can add the liquid refrigerant to the system using the service valve
of the receiver (High-pressure side of the system). If the system is an AC unit
or one without a receiver, you can add the refrigerant to the liquid line of the
system. In an operating system, you can block the feed from the condenser to
the liquid line and charge directly to the liquid line. This however is subject to
overcharging which can blow out the compressor valves.
 Advantages
 It is a fast and efficient way of charging a refrigeration system.
 It is convenient.
 Blended refrigerants will not fractionate.
 Disadvantages
 It is easy to overcharge.
 The system has to be turned off for efficient charging.
Charging
Steps in Charging
1. Make sure the system is in a vacuum and do not remove the gauges
2. Connect the cylinder to the small center hose of the manifold
3. Open the refrigerant cylinder
4. Purge out any air out of the center line
5. Open the center manifold valve and allow the refrigerant into the charging
manifold
6. Decide on low or high-side charging
7. Place the cylinder into the scale and zero the scale-out
8. Open the low or high side valve of the manifold and weigh the refrigerant in.
9. Once the system is charged, check the system superheat and subcooling prior to
removing the gauges, using a temperature analyzer
10. Close all valves and remove the gauges
11. Double-check for leaks and clean up your work area.
12. Record the quantity of the refrigerant that you have added to the system for
bookkeeping
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
• System faults fall into two general classes:
the sudden catastrophe of a mechanical
breakdown
 the slow fall-off of performance which can be
detected as a malfunction in its early stages
but will also lead to a breakdown if not
rectified.
Steps of Tracking a fault
1. Detection, i.e. detection of abnormal operation
2. Knowledge of the system to track down the cause
3. Observation of exact operating conditions
4. Identification of the fault
5. Decision: what to do? how? when? can it be left?
6. Action to rectify the fault
7. Test: is it now normal?
8. Record note in log, for future information