In a fashion similar to the liquid line, a
common guideline to consider is a system
design with pressure losses due to friction
through the line not to exceed a
corresponding 1-2°F change in saturation
temperature.
At points where small pipe size can be used
to provide sufficient velocity to return oil in
vertical risers at part loads, greater pressure
losses are incurred at full loads. This can be
compensated for by over sizing the
horizontal runs and vertical drop sections.
This will however require additional
refrigerant charge.
Circuits with variable capacity scroll
compressors require suction riser traps every
10 feet.
Suction Line Accessories
If the job requirements specify suction
accumulators, they must be separately
purchased and field installed.
Hot Gas Bypass Line
Hot Gas Bypass (HGB) is available for use
with DX systems that may experience low
suction pressure during the operating cycle.
This may be due to varying load conditions
associated with VAV applications or units
supplying a large percentage of outside air.
The system is designed to divert refrigerant
from the compressor discharge to the low
pressure side of the system in order to keep
the evaporator from freezing and to maintain
adequate refrigerant velocity for oil return at
minimum load.
Hot discharge gas is redirected to the
evaporator inlet via an auxiliary side
connector (ASC) to false load the evaporator
when reduced suction pressure is sensed.
Field piping between the condensing unit
and the evaporator is required.
Hot Gas Bypass Piping Considerations for
Evaporator above Condensing Unit
Pitch the hot gas bypass line downward in
the direction of refrigerant flow, toward the
evaporator.
When installing hot gas bypass risers, an oil
drip line must be provided at the lowest
point in the system. The oil drip line must be
vertical, its diameter should be the same as
the diameter of the riser, and it should be 1
foot long. Install a sight glass in the oil drip
line for observation. Run an oil return line,
using 1/8 inch capillary tube, 10 feet in
length, from the oil drip line to the suction
line. Connect the oil return line below the
sight glass and 1 inch above the bottom of
the oil drip line.
HGB valves are adjustable. Factory HGB
valve settings will be sufficient for most
applications, but may require slight
adjustments for some applications, including
some make up air applications.
Insulate the entire length of the HGB line
with a minimum 1 inch thick Armaflex
insulation.
Hot Gas Bypass Piping Considerations for
Evaporator Below Condensing Unit
The line must slope downward from the
HGB valve toward the evaporator.
Hot Gas Bypass Line Guidelines
Choose a small size line to ensure oil return,
and minimize refrigerant charge.
Maintain velocities below a maximum of
4,000 fpm. A general minimum velocity
guideline to use is approximately 900 fpm.
Hot Gas Reheat
The AAON modulating hot gas reheat
system diverts hot discharge gas from the
condenser to the air handling unit through