A 3 way AC service valve is like refrigeration access valve, which is a vital component of an air conditioning cooling unit used for opening and closing refrigerant circling activity. Service valves in any conditioning system are used for charging and for recovery of refrigerant. It also allows the refrigerant to flow through the system. Moreover, it provides access to various gauges for servicing the system.
The quality of an a/c valve is highly dependent on the valve stem if it is suitable and appropriate for the valve body. Moreover, the top O-ring of the valve stem is very important coupled with the brazing strength between the brass and copper as well as the valve core. Refrigerant gas valves are of different kinds and to differentiate them, we make 1/2x20UNF for R410a 3 way ac service valve and 7/16x20UNF charging thread for R22 split air conditioning service valve. Note that when it comes to R410a air conditioning units, then R22 a/c valves should not be used.
How Is The Service Valve Poisoned?
Typically, an air conditioner service valve has four vital parts: Line connection, compressor connection, valve stem, and the gauge port. The valve can be oriented in three ways:
- When the valve stem is all the way out, then the valve is in a back seated position. The valve is open while the gauge port is closed to allow the refrigerant to flow within the system.
- When the valve stem is entirely in, then the valve is in a front-seated position. An open gauge port to the compressor connection exists while the refrigerant line connection is closed.
- When the valve stem is between the back-seated and front-seated position, then the valve stem is in a mid-seated position. In such a position, the compressor, line and gauge port are open. This lets the refrigerant to flow through the system while the gauge port provides a reading of system pressure.
When placing the valve in the mid-seated position, it is recommended that the valve is in a back seated position first then rotate the valve stem into the middle-seated position.
Leakages
Service valves have a reputation of leaking after some years of service or, in some cases, even when new. Premature leaking may be actuated by overheating either during installation or manufacture. Alternatively, the O-ring on the stem may deteriorate. Of special note is that the most of the leaks take place at the O-ring.
How Can The Leakages Be Addressed?
When there is a leak, technicians may opt to have the O-ring within the valve stem replaced since it is the originator of the leaks. Replacement of the O-ring doesn’t require cutting of lines and welding, but the refrigerant must be removed from the system to be recharged. Additionally, not all service valves allow the removal of the valve stem to access the O-ring.
The solution to leakages lies in improved service valves which can prevent refrigerant leaks that originate from the O-ring section without losing the refrigerant or cutting pipes.