HVAC&R MODULE

115 SIZING
Skills REFRIGERANT
Workshop SUCTION LINES
If the full-rated capacity of refrigeration equipment is to be
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY achieved, careful attention must be given to the proper sizing
of suction, liquid and discharge lines.
Excessive pressure drop leads to reduced system capacity,
while insufficient vapour velocity causes compressor lubrication
problems. When a condensing unit is used on a particular

Skills summary
n What?
installation, the discharge line does not present a problem,
as this is already sized and piped into the unit. The suction
and liquid lines, however, must always be correctly sized, as
A guide to the correct sizing of excessive pressure drop in either of these lines will impose a
suction lines in a refrigeration system.
severe penalty on the operating capacity of the compressor.
n Who?
Relevant for anyone involved in the design, This skills workshop provides methods of sizing the suction
selection, installation, operation, maintenance
and assessment of refrigeration systems. line, with an example.
PULLOUT

METHODS OF ∴ Equivalent length = actual length + equivalent length of fittings.

SIZING SUCTION Table 1: Equivalent length of valves and fittings (m)
Several methods of sizing may be used, but in this
text the use of the simple table is recommended,
Valve or Pipe sizes – mm
as it is suitable for most applications.
fitting type 12.7 15.9 22.2 28.6 34.9 41.3 54 66.7 78 91 103
It is first necessary to determine the actual
length of tubing required between evaporator Valves
and compressor, measured in metres.
Globe 5.2 5.5 6.7 8.8 12 13 17 21 26 30 37
Next it is necessary to add the effect of all bends
(elbows) and valves fitted in the line, all of which 60Y 2.4 2.7 3.4 4.6 6.1 7.3 9.1 11 13 15 18
cause a pressure drop. For convenience of calculation, 45Y 1.8 2.1 2.1 3.7 4.6 5.5 7.3 8.8 11 13 14
each fitting is given an equivalent length – that is,
a length equivalent to a straight tube of the same Angle 1.8 2.1 2.1 3.7 4.6 5.5 7.3 8.8 11 13 14
size which would produce the same effect.
Gate 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.9 1 1.2 1.4
The overall equivalent length of piping is, then, the
Swing check 1.5 1.8 2.4 3.0 4.3 4.9 6.1 7.6 9.1 10 12
sum of actual length and the equivalent length of
fittings. Reference to tables such as Table 1 enables Angle lift check 1.8 2.1 2.1 3.7 4.6 5.5 7.3 8.8 11 13 14
the equivalent lengths of line valves, bends and tees
to be determined and added to the actual length. Globe/
5.2 5.5 6.7 8.8 12 13 17 21 26 30 37
vertical lift check

DETERMINING Elbows
THE TUBING SIZE 90° std 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.7 3

Tables 2 and 3 of suction line sizes for 90° long radius 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 1 1.2 1.5 1.8 2
refrigerants R134a and R22 enable line size to
45° std 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
be selected according to the suction temperature,
equivalent length and the evaporator capacity 180° std 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.7 1.9 2.5 3 3.7 4.6 5.2
by direct reference. The sizes selected will result
in a pressure drop of approximately 1 kelvin only. Tees
Note: 
While use of R22, an HCFC refrigerant, is being phased Branch flow 0.8 0.9 1.2 1.5 2.1 2.4 3 3.7 4.6 5.5 6.4
out, Table 2.4 and its accompanying example calculation
still provide a good illustration of the pipe‑sizing process. Str thr flow 1:1 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 1 1.2 1.5 1.8 2
Under Australia’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol, Str thr flow 1:4 (red) 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.7 2.1 2.4 2.7
imports of R22 have essentially ceased, though annual imports
of small amounts will be allowed until 2030 for servicing Str thr flow 1:2 (red) 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.7 3
of long‑lived existing equipment and use of existing stocks
and re‑use of recycled R22 will also be permitted. (Reproduced with permission of Heatcraft Australia.)

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HVAC&R Skills Workshop
Table 2: R134a suction line sizing data
Pipe‑carrying capacity in kW. Based on 41°C condensing temperature and pressure drop equivalent to 1.1 K.

°C SST Equivalent Pipe sizes – mm

(∆p length
kPa) (m) 9.6 12.7 15.9 19.1 22.2 28.6 34.9 41.3 54 66.7

10 1.19 2.72 5.13 8.76 13.6 27.4 47.8 75.7 156 277

20 0.81 1.86 3.50 5.98 9.26 18.7 32.7 51.7 107 189

10°C 30 0.65 1.49 2.80 4.79 7.41 15.0 26.1 41.4 85.7 152

15.34 40 0.55 1.27 2.39 4.09 6.32 12.8 22.3 35.3 73.2 129

50 0.49 1.12 2.12 3.61 5.59 11.3 19.7 31.2 64.7 114

60 0.44 1.02 1.91 3.27 5.06 10.2 17.8 28.3 58.5 104

10 0.99 2.29 4.29 7.33 11.34 23.0 40.1 63.5 132 232

20 0.68 1.56 2.93 5.00 7.74 15.7 27.4 43.4 89.8 158

5°C 30 0.54 1.25 2.35 4.00 6.20 12.6 21.9 34.7 71.9 127

13.45 40 0.46 1.07 2.00 3.42 5.29 10.7 18.7 29.6 61.4 108

50 0.41 0.94 1.77 3.02 4.68 9.50 16.6 26.2 54.3 95.7

60 0.37 0.85 1.60 2.73 4.23 8.59 15.0 23.7 49.1 866.6

10 0.82 1.88 3.56 6.09 9.42 19.2 33.3 52.9 110 194

20 0.56 1.29 2.43 4.16 6.43 13.1 22.8 36.1 74.8 132

0°C 30 0.45 1.03 1.94 3.33 5.15 10.5 18.2 28.9 59.9 106

11.74 40 0.38 0.88 1.66 2.84 4.39 8.95 15.5 24.7 51.1 90.3

50 0.34 0.78 1.47 2.51 3.89 7.92 13.8 21.8 45.2 79.9

60 0.31 0.70 1.33 2.27 3.52 7.16 12.4 19.7 40.9 72.3

10 0.67 1.55 2.93 5.01 7.76 15.8 27.6 43.6 90.5 160

20 0.46 1.06 2.00 3.42 5.30 10.8 18.8 29.8 61.8 109

−5°C 30 0.37 0.85 1.60 2.74 4.24 8.62 15.1 23.8 49.5 87.5

10.47 40 0.31 0.73 1.37 2.34 3.62 7.36 12.9 20.3 42.2 74.7

50 0.28 0.64 1.21 2.07 3.20 6.51 11.4 18.0 37.4 66.1

60 0.25 0.58 1.09 1.87 2.90 5.89 10.3 16.3 33.8 59.8

10 0.55 1.27 2.39 4.08 6.33 12.9 22.5 35.6 74.13 131

20 0.37 0.86 1.63 2.79 4.32 8.80 15.4 24.3 50.6 89.6

−10°C 30 0.30 0.69 1.31 2.23 3.46 7.04 12.3 19.5 40.5 71.7

8.76 40 0.26 0.59 1.11 1.90 2.95 6.01 10.5 16.6 34.6 61.2

50 0.23 0.52 0.99 1.68 2.61 5.32 9.29 14.7 30.6 54.1

60 0.20 0.47 0.89 1.52 2.36 4.81 8.40 13.3 27.7 49.0

For other condensing temperatures, multiply by appropriate factor:

Liquid 20°C 25°C 30°C 35°C 40°C 45°C 50°C

temperature

Factor 1.20 1.15 1.10 1.05 1.00 0.95 0.89

(Reproduced with permission of Heatcraft Australia.)

16 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | September 2018

 HVAC&R Skills Workshop
Table 3: R22 suction line sizing data
Pipe‑carrying capacity in kW. Based on 41°C condensing temperature and pressure drop equivalent to 1.1K.

Equivalent Pipe sizes – inches – mm

°C SST 1/ 3/ 1/ 5/ 3/ 7/
length 4 8 2 8 4 8 1 1 1/8 1 1/4 1 3/8 1 1/2 1 5/8 2 1/8 2 5/8
(∆p kPa)
(m) 6.4 9.5 12.7 15.9 19.1 22.2 25.4 28.6 31.8 34.9 38.1 41.3 54.0 66.7
10 0.36 1.50 3.77 7.47 12.9 20.1 29.4 38.8 52.3 69.0 88.1 110 230 407
20 0.25 1.02 2.57 5.10 8.78 13.7 20.1 26.5 35.8 47.1 60.2 75.1 157 278
30 0.20 0.82 2.06 4.08 7.02 11.0 16.1 21.2 28.6 37.7 48.15 60.1 126 222
5°C 40 0.17 0.70 1.76 3.49 5.99 9.36 13.7 18.1 24.4 32.2 41.10 51.3 107 190
50 0.15 0.62 1.56 3.08 5.30 8.28 12.1 16.0 21.6 28.5 36.36 45.4 94.8 168
(20.39 )
60 0.14 0.56 1.41 2.79 4.80 7.49 11.0 14.5 19.5 25.7 32.89 41.0 85.8 152
70 0.12 0.51 1.29 2.56 4.41 6.88 10.1 13.3 18.0 23.6 30.21 37.7 78.8 140
80 0.12 0.48 1.20 2.38 4.09 6.39 9.37 12.4 16.7 22.0 28.07 35.0 73.2 130
Minimum capacity for oil return 0.66 1.18 2.05 2.90 4.32 5.71 7.67 9.60 12.1 14.6 29.2 50.2
10 0.26 1.08 2.72 5.40 9.28 14.5 21.3 28.0 38.1 50.1 64.4 80.2 167 298
20 0.18 0.74 1.86 3.69 6.34 9.9 14.6 19.1 26.0 34.2 43.8 54.8 114 203
30 0.14 0.59 1.49 2.95 5.07 7.93 11.7 15.3 20.8 27.4 35.0 43.8 91.5 163
−5°C 40 0.12 0.50 1.27 2.52 4.33 6.77 10.0 13.1 17.8 23.4 30.0 37.4 78.1 139
50 0.11 0.45 1.12 2.23 3.83 5.99 8.80 11.6 15.7 20.7 26.4 33.1 69.1 123
(15.976)
60 0.10 0.40 1.02 2.02 3.46 5.42 7.96 10.5 14.2 18.7 23.9 29.9 62.5 111
70 0.09 0.37 0.93 1.85 3.18 4.98 7.32 9.60 13.1 17.2 22.0 27.5 57.4 102
80 0.08 0.34 0.87 1.72 2.96 4.62 6.80 8.92 12.1 16.0 20.4 25.6 53.3 94.9
Minimum capacity for oil return 0.59 1.04 1.80 2.52 3.79 5.02 6.70 8.32 10.5 12.7 25.9 43.9
10 0.18 0.76 1.90 3.78 6.52 10.2 14.9 19.7 26.8 35.4 45.2 56.6 118 211
20 0.12 0.52 1.30 2.58 4.45 6.93 10.2 13.5 18.3 24.2 30.7 38.6 80.9 144
−15°C 30 0.10 0.41 1.04 2.06 3.56 5.55 8.14 10.8 14.6 19.3 24.7 30.9 64.7 115
40 0.08 0.35 0.89 1.76 3.04 4.73 6.95 9.20 12.5 16.5 21.1 26.4 55.2 98.2
(12.219) 50 0.07 0.31 0.78 1.56 2.69 4.19 6.15 8.14 11.1 14.6 18.7 23.4 48.7 85.8
60 0.07 0.28 0.71 1.41 2.43 3.79 5.56 7.36 10.0 13.2 16.8 21.1 44.2 78.6
PULLOUT

70 0.06 0.26 0.65 1.30 2.23 3.48 5.11 6.76 9.19 12.1 15.5 19.40 40.6 72.2
Minimum capacity for oil return 0.50 0.90 1.57 2.19 3.26 4.32 5.78 7.20 9.08 11.0 22.5 38.2
10 0.12 0.51 1.29 2.57 4.41 6.94 10.2 13.5 18.2 24.0 30.8 38.8 81.4 145
20 0.08 0.35 0.88 1.75 3.01 4.74 6.93 9.19 12.4 16.4 21.0 26.5 55.6 98.7
30 0.07 0.28 0.70 1.40 2.41 3.79 5.55 7.36 9.95 13.1 16.8 21.2 44.5 79.0
−25°C 40 0.06 0.24 0.60 1.20 2.06 3.24 4.73 6.28 8.50 11.2 14.4 18.1 38.0 67.4
50 0.05 0.21 0.53 1.06 1.82 2.86 4.19 5.55 7.51 9.91 12.7 16.0 33.6 59.7
(9.09)
60 0.05 0.19 0.48 0.96 1.65 2.59 3.79 5.02 6.80 8.97 11.5 14.5 30.4 54.0
70 0.04 0.17 0.44 0.88 1.51 2.38 3.48 4.62 6.24 8.24 10.6 13.3 27.9 49.6
80 0.04 0.16 0.41 0.82 1.41 2.21 3.23 4.29 5.80 7.65 9.80 12.4 25.9 46.1
Minimum capacity for oil return 0.42 0.76 1.32 1.88 2.75 3.65 4.85 6.09 7.75 9.42 19.1 32.5
10 0.06 0.26 0.67 1.33 2.31 3.61 5.30 6.96 9.46 12.5 16.0 20.1 42.5 75.9
20 0.04 0.18 0.46 0.91 1.58 2.47 3.62 4.75 6.46 8.50 10.1 13.8 29.0 51.8
30 0.03 0.14 0.37 0.73 1.26 1.97 2.90 3.80 5.17 6.80 8.76 11.0 23.2 41.8
−40°C 40 0.03 0.12 0.31 0.62 1.08 1.69 2.47 3.25 4.41 5.81 7.48 9.38 19.8 35.4
50 0.03 0.11 0.28 0.55 0.95 1.49 2.19 2.87 3.90 5.14 6.61 8.29 17.5 31.3
(5.485)
60 0.02 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.86 1.35 1.98 2.60 3.53 4.65 5.98 7.50 15.7 28.3
70 0.02 0.09 0.23 0.46 0.79 1.24 1.82 2.39 3.24 4.27 5.50 6.89 14.6 26.0
80 0.02 0.08 0.21 0.42 0.74 1.15 1.69 2.22 3.01 3.97 5.11 6.41 13.5 24.2
Minimum capacity for oil return 0.32 0.56 1.04 1.44 2.10 2.78 3.75 4.71 6.08 7.39 14.4 25.0

For other condensing temperatures, multiply carrying capacity values by the Example:
following correction factors: Suction line needs to be sized for an ‘Apex Cold Stores’ freezer, with the condensing unit 12 metres from the evaporator.
The condensing unit’s refrigerating capacity is approximately 8700 watts at −35°C suction. There are eight bends, and one
angle valve (crankcase pressure regulator) and one globe valve.
Condensing temperature
1. An estimate must be made as to the probable line size to permit equivalent lengths to be made. Reference to Table 3
27°C 32°C 38°C 43°C 49°C 54°C for R22 refrigerant with capacity of 8700 watts at −40°C shows size would be 35mm tube (given that 38mm pipe,
which more closely matches 8700, is not commonly available in refrigerant grade).
1.11 1.07 1.03 0.92 0.86 0.80
2. Working with 35mm tube, the equivalent lengths (as listed in Table 2.2 are):
Minimum capacities for oil return up vertical risers based on 8K superheat (a) 1 globe valve (manual shut‑off ) = 12.0 metres EDITION
05

and 32°C liquid temperature. Increase or reduce table values by 2 per cent for (b) 1 angle valve (CPR) = 4.6 metres AUSTRALIA
GERATION
N REFRI TIONING
AND AIR-C
ONDI
NATIONAL
RESOURCE

5K more or less superheat. For other liquid temperatures, multiply table values (c) 8 x 90° bends = 8 x 1 = 8.0 metres
by the following factors: (d) straight tube = 12.0 metres
TO YOU
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GIVIN

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B

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Therefore overall equivalent length = 36.6 metres . VOLUME

02

Liquid temperature 3. Referring to Table 3 (30m equivalent length row in − 40°C section), This month’s
Skills Workshop has
it can be seen that, for evaporator capacity of 8700 W, the listed tubing been taken from
16°C 21°C 27°C 38°C 43°C 49°C 54°C size is 38.1mm. Australian Refrigeration
and Air-Conditioning
1.15 1.10 1.05 0.95 0.90 0.85 0.80 4. Cross‑checking in the 40m column, 7.48 kW capacity is a bit low. Volume 2,
by Graham Boyle, F.AIRAH.
(Reproduced with permission of Heatcraft Australia.) 5. Because 38.1mm is not a standard refrigeration pipe size, 41.3 is selected.

Next month: Residential AC systems:

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