Multi Position Valves and More – Short #293

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about multi-position service valves and more valve types.

Many typical residential systems have brass service valves with a hex cap and Schrader ports; access happens solely through the Schrader ports (where the cores are). Schraders are restrictive and prone to leaking, and they don't have the ability to back-seat or front-seat. In applications where we need that capability, we use multi-position service valves instead. (Note: CoreMax valves have much higher flow rates, but you can't remove the cores except with a highly specialized tool.)

Multi-position service valves are common in commercial refrigeration and allow for unrestricted, full-port flow. They do not have spring-loaded cores in the service port. If you treat these valves like Schrader valves, refrigerant WILL come out if it's not back-seated. You adjust the position by turning the stem with a refrigeration service wrench; loosen the packing nut before attempting to turn the stem, as tightening it down will crush the compressible packing material around the rotating stem. Tighten it back down after making your adjustment.

These valves also require lots of heat to braze, so we must cover heat-sensitive surfaces with wet rags or heat-blocking putty (like WetRag by Refrigeration Technologies). The valve must be mid-seated while brazing, not fully front-seated or back-seated, as the surfaces are more likely to warp otherwise. Mid-seating the valve also provides a high-volume path directly to the system. Back-seating the valve is the everyday running position (stem must be rotated fully counterclockwise) and blocks access to the service port. Cracking off the back seat requires you to rotate the stem slightly clockwise with service hoses securely attached, just enough to allow you to get a reading through a tiny gap. Front-seating the valve is good for isolation with the compressor off but may cause compressor failure or serious injuries if you run the compressor. Front-seating requires you to rotate the stem fully clockwise; it completely blocks the flow of refrigerant through the system, and the service port stays open to the upstream side of the valve body. Catastrophic compressor failure will happen if the suction or discharge valves are front-seated while running.

General multi-position service valves are NOT king valves. King valves are multi-position service valves specifically located at the outlet of the liquid receiver. These valves front-seat to help you pump down the system when you need to do repairs on the low side; it blocks liquid refrigerant from leaving the tank. A queen valve may be located at the inlet of the receiver on the drop leg from the condenser; front-seating it with the king valve will fully isolate the receiver.

Multi-position service valve tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/compressor-multi-position-service-valves/

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