WA-2208 -- Rating Solenoid Valves for Vapor Refrigerant Flow

A research program was conducted at the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, Purdue University, for the purpose of determining the flow characteristics of solenoid valves which are used in refrigeration or air-conditioning systems. This research was sponsored by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI). The goal of this research was to develop a simple and reliable method, experimental and/or analytical, of predicting the flow of liquid or vapor refrigerant through a solenoid valve as a function of the pressure drop. It was also required that the rating procedure involve a minimum amount of experimental testing with preferably water or air used as the working fluids. The results of this study formed the basis of ARI Standard 760-69 (1) for rating solenoid valves for liquid refrigerant service. The details of the research conducted on the flow of liquid refrigerant through a solenoid valve can be found in Refs 2 and 3. This paper contains a summary of the research concerning the flow of vapor refrigerant through a solenoid valve. The liquid correlation is briefly reviewed and a complete theory is developed.