Important! Safe operation of the refrigeration valves

Opening and closing various valves is a key task in the operation of refrigeration systems. Valves serve to control and direct the flow rate and direction of refrigerant within the system, as well as to isolate or connect equipment to one another or to the outside environment. Improper valve operation can lead to safety hazards or cause accidents; therefore, valve operations must strictly adhere to operating procedures to prevent accidents. Based on their functions, valves in cold storage facilities primarily include shut-off valves, expansion valves, and safety valves. Shut-off valves come in two types: straight-through valves and angle valves. To ensure the safe operation of valves, the following measures should be taken:

1) Operators must ensure they identify the correct valve before operating it to avoid accidentally opening other valves and causing human-induced accidents.

2) When opening the compressor suction valve or the liquid discharge valve of the condenser or liquid receiver, do so slowly; in some cases, you should even alternate between opening and closing the valve to prevent a wet stroke in the compressor caused by opening the valve too quickly.

3) When opening any valve, especially as it approaches full opening, be sure to turn the handwheel slowly and avoid applying excessive force to prevent the valve plug from becoming jammed in the valve body or the handwheel from coming off. When the valve is fully open (as indicated by the handwheel becoming immovable), turn the handwheel back one or two turns.