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7.4
PRECAUTIONS FOR REFRIGERANT LINE SIZING
• Suction line must always be insulated to avoid condensate formation.
• The liquid line must be insulated if the outdoor temperature is higher than the liquid temperature. (approximately 5°C less than the
condensing temperature)
• The discharge line must be insulated only to prevent from burning danger (the temperature can reach up to 100°C)
• Special couplings or U-shaped or L-shaped sections can be used to compensate the copper pipe expansions. The expansion of
the pipe can be estimated using the following table:
Temperature (°C)
-20
0
25
50
75
100
125
Expansion (mm/mt)
0
0.4
0.7
1.1
1.5
1.9
2.3
These special couplings or U-shaped or L-shaped sections used to compensate the pipe expansion can be sized according to the
following sketch:
Since this type of components may cause significant pressure drops, their use must be carefully evaluated.
Supports shall be installed to support the pipes weight and shall be spaced according to the following prescriptions:
Pipe diameter (mm)
14-18
22-28
35-54
63
Max distance between the supports (m)
2
2.5
3
3.5
Curves and joints cause pressure drops. Large-radius curves are strongly recommended; in case of barriers to overcome 45°
curves are recommended if compared to 90°.
T joint shall be made in accordance with the following prescriptions:
