Where does refrigerant go after expansion valve?

Author: Dr. Andreanne Baumbach I  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Under a greatly reduced pressure the liquid refrigerant is at its coldest as it leaves the expansion valve and enters the evaporator.

What comes after the expansion valve?

The amount of flash gas formed after the expansion valve decreases with the level of sub-cooling and the evaporator inlet pressure. The mixture of liquid and gas from the expansion valve enters the evaporator and starts to boil, because heat is transferred from the warmer secondary fluid (b-c).

Where does the low pressure liquid go after an expansion valve?

4 The low pressure refrigerant flows to the evaporator where it absorbs heat from the indoor air throught evaporation and becomes low pressure gas.

What are the steps of the refrigeration cycle?

The Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle, Step By Step
  • Step 1: Compression. The refrigerant (for example R-717) enters the compressor at low temperature and low pressure. ...
  • Step 2: Condensation. The condenser is essentially a heat exchanger. ...
  • Step 3: Throttling and Expansion. ...
  • Step 4: Evaporation.

What is the state of refrigerant leaving the expansion valve?

The expansion valve will limit how much refrigerant can pass through at one time, this results in the refrigerant dropping in pressure and temperature. The refrigerant leaves the expansion valve as a cold, saturated low pressure liquid.

Why is refrigerant cold after expansion valve

What happens to refrigerant in the expansion valve?

The expansion valve removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant to allow expansion or change of state from a liquid to a vapor in the evaporator. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant entering the expansion valve is quite warm.

Can Freon leak from expansion valve?

The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant and if it becomes damaged or worn out, it can result in leaks. To troubleshoot AC system performance and identify if the expansion valve is the culprit, you can perform a pressure test.

What is the correct sequence of the refrigeration cycle?

As the name suggests, the refrigeration process is a cycle. We start at the compressor, go through the condenser, then through the restriction, then through the evaporator and finally back to the compressor where the cycle starts all over again.

In what state does refrigerant leave the compressor?

Compression is the first step in the refrigeration cycle, and a compressor is the piece of equipment that increases the pressure of the working gas. Refrigerant enters the compressor as low-pressure, low-temperature gas, and leaves the compressor as a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.

What is the order of operations for refrigeration?

The operating sequence is as follows: (1) Thermostat calls for refrigerant. (2) Liquid line solenoid valve opens, allowing refrigerant to flow. (3) Pressure control makes the control circuit and the condensing unit operates. (4) The coil temperature falls to approximately 20°F and the evaporator fans come on.

What are the symptoms of a bad expansion valve?

You can tell your AC expansion valve needs attention if you notice one of the following problems.
  • Blowing Warm Air. ...
  • Constant Running. ...
  • Making Whistling Noises. ...
  • Inconsistent Air Temperatures. ...
  • Frozen Coils.

Should valve go before or after expansion tank?

The items which should be installed in sequence in the cold water line are (1) the EXPANSION TANK must be installed at least 18 inches away from the cold water inlet fitting on the water heater, (2) the PRESSURE GAUGE, and (3) the PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE, if required, see Figure 1.

Where does refrigerant go after it leaves the purge unit of a low pressure?

R-123 is not a high-pressure refrigerant. It is a low-pressure refrigerant and not used in Type II systems. Question #2: After the refrigerant leaves the purge unit, where does it go? The refrigerant from the purge unit free from air and moisture enters the evaporator through the expansion valve.

What comes after expansion?

The economic cycle generally comprises four phases: expansion, peak, contraction, and recovery.

How does the expansion valve work in the refrigeration cycle?

The purpose of the expansion valve is to control the flow of refrigerant from the high-pressure condensing side of the system into the low-pressure evaporator. In most cases, the pressure reduction is achieved through a variable flow orifice, either modulating or two-position.

At what point in the refrigeration cycle does the refrigerant lose the most heat?

Final answer:

The refrigerant loses most heat during the condensation phase of the refrigeration cycle, where it changes from gas to liquid and releases heat energy.

Where does refrigerant go after leaving the compressor?

After leaving the compressor, the hot vapor refrigerant enters the next stage of the cycle, condensation. During the condensation stage, the refrigerant enters a condenser and flows through a series of S-shaped tubes.

What are the steps of the basic refrigeration cycle in order?

The simple refrigeration cycle consists of four main processes: compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. These processes take place respectively in the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.

Where does refrigerant go?

In an HVAC system, refrigerant is found inside the copper coils and runs through several components such as the condenser, compressor, evaporator, and expansion valve. During the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the refrigerated space and then transfers it outside through a condenser coil.

What is the flow order of the refrigerant around the system?

Compressor -> Discharge line -> Condenser -> Liquid Line -> Metering Device -> Expansion Line -> Evaporator -> Suction line -> and then back to the Compressor. The refrigeration cycle described works for all air conditioning units and chillers.

What will happen if the pump down solenoid is installed backward?

What will happen if the pump down solenoid is installed backward? The system will not pump-down and the compressor will not shut off.

What is the order of the fridge?

Food that does not require reheating or cooking and can be readily eaten is placed on the top shelf of a refrigerator. Cooked food that requires reheating should be arranged on the middle shelf. The bottom shelves are suitable for raw meat that is yet to be cooked and served.

What is the problem with the expansion valve?

A failing expansion valve can cause other components of the car's AC system to fail. Signs of a failing expansion valve include poor cooling, strange noises, and refrigerant leaks. Common causes of expansion valve failure include clogs and mechanical issues.

Can a bad TXV cause compressor failure?

In simpler design systems or those with fixed displacement or scroll-type compressors, the valve can lead to severe compressor failures when stuck closed. Another case is when the valve is stuck fully/ partially opened.

How to clear a clogged TXV?

A clogged valve is typically easy to fix because many TXV parts will include a strainer that is pulled out without the need to remove the whole valve. With the strainer pulled out and cleaned, the clog issues should go away.

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