Subtopic: Refrigeration and cold storage basics and applications
Question Statement:
In an industrial vapor compression refrigeration system, the thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) maintains a constant:
Options:
(A) Degree of refrigerant superheat at the evaporator outlet
(B) Condenser head pressure
(C) Compressor oil level
(D) Cooling water flow rate
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
A thermostatic expansion valve senses the refrigerant temperature and pressure at the evaporator exit to regulate refrigerant flow, ensuring a predetermined degree of vapor superheat (typically $4 - 6^\circ\text{C}$) to prevent unevaporated liquid droplets from entering the compressor.