â– Refrigeration
REFRIGERANT
PIPING
Practices and materials evolve with natural refrigerants and higher pressures By Greg Scrivener
Refrigerant piping is obviously a very important component of refrigeration systems. We have discussed some of the issues and challenges regarding piping in previous articles and will drill into a few more topics here. For most refrigeration Failed insulation is indicated by significant frost mechanics and technicians, build-up on the freezer piping. ACR copper tubing is the only piping material encountered. Industrial and ammonia mechanics are familiar with carbon and stainless steel since ammonia reacts with copper, making it an unsuitable material to use. As CO2 systems become more popular and as our industry continues to acknowledge the seriousness of leaks, from an environmental perspective with Halocarbons and from a safety perspective with ammonia, reducing failures is becoming more important. One of the ways that we make sure piping is safe is by following engineering and design standards and codes. In Canada, CSA B52 is usually the code that is used for mechanical refrigeration installations. However, CSA B52 requires that refrigerant piping installations comply with a different code, ASME B31.5. It is important to note that in many (if not all) jurisdictions in Canada CSA B52 is not a legal requirement for small systems, usually under three tons, and even though it can be
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Plumbing & HVAC – May/June 2020
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