Liquid refrigerant pressure and temperature

In summary, the conversation discusses the temperature and pressure changes of a sealed can of liquid refrigerant-134a when the lid is opened slowly and some refrigerant is allowed to escape. The can cools due to the conservation of energy as a gas expands. The Joule-Thompson effect is mentioned, but it is not applicable in this scenario. The temperature of the can drops to its boiling temperature at the reduced pressure, causing it to cool rapidly.
  • #1
Arvindaa
4
0
Consider a sealed can of liquid refrigerant-134a in a room at 25 •C .Now if the lid is opened slowly and some refrigerant is allowed to escape, the pressure and temperature in the can start dropping rapidly.A thermometer inserted in the can will register -26°C when pressure drop to 1 atm. ,which is the saturation temperature of refrigerant-134a at that pressure.
Now my question is what causes to decrease the temp. of can .
 
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  • #3
From thermodynamics book by cengel and boles
 
  • #5
Acc. to above thread , can fluid gets cooled due to expansion but how it maintain its saturation temp. and pressure all the way.
 
  • #6
Thanks for giving above link I found answer in that.
 
  • #7
Mech_Engineer said:
The basic answer is conservation of energy, as a gas expands it cools.

See this thread from 2011 on the subject: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-do-gases-cool-on-expansion.470311/
That's fine, but he's asking about the can of liquid, not the escaping air. The can of liquid cools because when the pressure inside the can drops, it starts to boil, nearly instantly dropping it to its boiling temperature at that pressure.

The Joule-Thompson effect is a bit confusing and tends to come up in places where it doesn't apply, such as this and air compressors. Joule-Thompson is about expansion of gas. This (and air conditioners) reduce pressure and boil liquids.
 

1. What is the relationship between liquid refrigerant pressure and temperature?

The pressure and temperature of liquid refrigerant are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the temperature of the refrigerant increases, its pressure also increases.

2. Why is it important to maintain proper pressure and temperature levels in a refrigeration system?

Proper pressure and temperature levels are essential for the efficient operation of a refrigeration system. If the pressure is too low, the refrigerant will not be able to absorb heat from the surrounding environment. If the pressure is too high, it can cause damage to the system and potentially lead to a refrigerant leak.

3. How can I measure the pressure and temperature of liquid refrigerant?

The pressure can be measured using a pressure gauge, while the temperature can be measured using a thermometer or a thermocouple. It is important to use accurate and calibrated instruments to ensure precise readings.

4. What factors can affect the pressure and temperature of liquid refrigerant?

The pressure and temperature of liquid refrigerant can be affected by factors such as ambient temperature, refrigerant type, system design, and the amount of refrigerant in the system. It is important to consider these factors when troubleshooting issues with a refrigeration system.

5. What should I do if I notice abnormal pressure and temperature readings in a refrigeration system?

If you notice abnormal pressure and temperature readings in a refrigeration system, it is important to address the issue immediately. This could involve checking for leaks, adjusting the system's components, or consulting a professional for further assistance. Ignoring abnormal readings can lead to system malfunctions and potential safety hazards.

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