Comparison of the Straight Adiabatic Capillary Tube Expansion Devices Used in Refrigeration Systems Operating With Refrigerants R134a and R1234yf

Abstract

Capillary tube expansion devices are used extensively in small refrigeration and unitary air conditioning systems. R1234yf is likely to replace R134a in the next few years in many small refrigeration systems worldwide because of the new environmental regulations being proposed. In this paper, we compare the length and diameter of capillary tube required when R134a and R1234yf are used in a typical small refrigeration system. The minimum diameter of the capillary tube required has been estimated using the speed of sound of the refrigerant leaving the capillary tube in the twophase state. The twophase speed of sound routine developed by us can be used with both pure fluids and mixtures.