Refrigeration King Valve

Tip: The King Valve Location

By Gary McCreadie

There’s a frequent mistake that I hear from HVAC and refrigeration technicians.  “Hey man, are you able to entrance seat the compressor King valve.”  It grinds my gears just a little, solely as a result of the King valve has one distinct deal with on a system.  The receiver outlet is the ONLY place you’ll find a King valve, that’s it!  Humorous sufficient, the valve mounted on the receiver inlet is called the Queen valve. The Queen valve is much less frequent however can be utilized at the side of the King valve to isolate the receiver.  If a service valve is discovered on the discharge line, it’s a discharge service valve.  If discovered on the suction line, it’s a suction service valve.  The King valve is exclusive in its place as a result of it permits you to pump down a system by closing it and working the compressor till all, or most refrigerant is pumped out of the low facet of the system and into the condenser and receiver. 

Most service valves, no matter their title, have 3 distinct positions.  Again seated place, mid seated place and entrance seated place.  A refrigeration service wrench must be used to regulate these valves.  Have you ever ever ran right into a valve stem that’s rounded?  The most typical purpose for this, is somebody probably used an adjustable wrench reasonably than a refrigeration service wrench, if you don’t personal one, get one….Significantly!  Some service valves are geared up with a packing gland which prevents the valve meeting from leaking.  The packing gland nut must be loosened barely earlier than adjusting the valve stem.  Take a look at the video under for a extra detailed clarification.  

Click on the hyperlink for more information on the Yellow Jacket service wrench and adapter

Whatever the job at hand, when working with refrigerants, be secure.  Put on applicable PPE, and use warning to keep away from damage from refrigerant burn and stress blow off.  

Gary McCreadie

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