Good piping design results in a balance between the initial cost, pressure drop, and system reliability. The initial cost is impacted by the diameter and layout of the piping. The pressure drop in the piping must be minimized to avoid adversely affecting performance and capacity. Because almost all field-piped systems have compressor oil passing through the refrigeration circuit and back to the compressor, a minimum velocity must be maintained in the piping so that sufficient oil is returned to the compressor sump at full and part load conditions.
Several HVAC systems require field refrigeration piping to be designed and installed on-site. Examples include Condensing units, Direct expansion (DX) coil in air handlers, Remote evaporators with air-cooled chillers and Chiller with a remote air-cooled condensers. This Guide covers R-22, R-407C, R-410A, and R-134a used in commercial air conditioning systems.