expansörsventilen

Expansörsventilen, also known as an expansion valve, is a critical component in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It regulates the flow of refrigerant from the high-pressure liquid side of the condenser to the low-pressure evaporator. By controlling the amount of refrigerant that enters the evaporator, the valve maintains an optimal temperature and pressure differential, which is essential for efficient heat absorption.

The most common types of expansion valves are thermostatic expansion valves (TXV) and orifice tubes. Thermostatic valves use a temperature-sensitive bulb to adjust the opening of the valve in response to evaporator temperature changes, providing precise control under varying load conditions. Orifice tubes, on the other hand, offer a fixed restriction and are simpler but less adaptable, making them suitable for smaller or less demanding applications. Recently, electronic expansion valves (EES) have gained popularity; they use electronic sensors and actuators to achieve superior performance and energy savings.

During operation, the expansion valve reduces the pressure of the high‑pressure liquid refrigerant, causing a controlled drop in temperature before the refrigerant enters the evaporator. This temperature drop allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the surrounding environment, thereby cooling the space or process. If the valve allows too much refrigerant, the evaporator will be flooded, lowering the overall system efficiency; if it restricts too much, the evaporator may run dry, causing damage.

Installation and maintenance of expansion valves are relatively straightforward but require regular inspection. The valve should be cleaned annually to remove debris and checked for proper operation. Properly matching valve size and type to the refrigerant and system conditions is essential for maintaining optimal performance and avoiding premature wear or failure.