Hot-gas bypass

Hot-gas bypass
Hot-gas bypass should
(1) give acceptable regulation throughout the range of loads
(2) not cause excessive superheating of the suction gas
(3) not cause any refrigerant overfeed to the compressor,
(4) maintain an oil return to the compressor.
Hot-gas bypass for capacity control is an artificial loading device
that maintains a minimum evaporating pressure during
continuous compressor operation, regardless of evaporator
load.
This is usually done by an automatic or manual pressurereducing valve that establishes a constant pressure on the
downstream side.

Figure illustrates the simplest type; it will dangerously

overheat the compressor if used for protracted periods of time

Figure shows the use of hot-gas bypass to the exit of the

evaporator. The expansion valve bulb should be placed at
least 1.5 m downstream from the bypass point of entrance,
and preferably further, to ensure good mixing.

In this arrangement the hot-gas bypass enters after the evaporator

thermostatic expansion valve bulb. Another thermostatic expansion
valve supplies liquid directly to the bypass line for desuperheating.
It is always important to install the hot-gas bypass far enough back in
the system to maintain sufficient gas velocities in suction risers and
other components to ensure oil return at any evaporator loading.

Figure shows the most satisfactory hot-gas bypass

arrangement. Here, the bypass is connected into the low
side between the expansion valve and entrance to the
evaporator. If a distributor is used, gas enters between the
expansion valve and distributor.

Thank you