LOW-PRESSURE FLOAT VALVES AND SWITCHES

Flooded evaporators require a constant liquid level, so that the tubes remain wetted. A simple float valve suffices, but must be located with the float outside the evaporator shell, since the surface of the boiling liquid is agitated and the constant movement would cause excessive wear in the mechanism. The float is therefore contained within a separate chamber, coupled with balance lines to the shell (see Figure 8.7).

Such a valve is a metering device and may not provide positive shut-off when the compressor is stopped. Under these circumstances, refrigerant will continue to leak into the evaporator until pressures have equalized, and the liquid level might rise too close to the suction outlet. To provide this shut-off, a solenoid valve is needed in the liquid line.

Since the low-pressure float needs a solenoid valve for tight closure, this valve can be used as an on-off control in conjunction with a pre-set orifice and controlled by a float switch (Figure 8.8).

The commonest form of level detector is a metallic float carrying an iron core which rises and falls within a sealing sleeve. An induction coil surrounds the sleeve and is used to detect the position of the core. The resulting signal is amplified to switch the solenoid valve, and can be adjusted for level and sensi­tivity. A throttle valve is fitted to provide the pressure-reducing device.

Should a float control fail, the level in the shell may rise and liquid pass into the compressor suction. To warn of this, a second float switch is usually fitted at a higher level, to operate an alarm and cut-out.

Where a flooded coil is located in a liquid tank, the refrigerant level will be within the tank, making it difficult to position the level control. In such cases, a gas trap or siphon can be formed in the lower balance pipe to give an indirect level in the float chamber. Siphons or traps can also be arranged to contain a non-volatile fluid such as oil, so that the balance pipes remain free from frost.

Posted in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning