oops

[angryk]

Fitted a TEV on a air handler. I removed the fixed orifice and brazed the TEV at the liquid inlet of the air handler. What I Forgot about is that there is a manufacturer installed strainer before the fixed orifice. Seeing that the TEV is before that now, there is a stainer directly at the outlet of the TEV. The unit is not ready to be started yet, so I am going to remove the strainer. What I am wondering is, what would the effects of the strainer be if left in? I would imagine it would work, but at the cost of reduced efficiency. Any comments?

[Prof Sporlan]

The strainer should not cause sufficient pressure drop to cause the TEV to starve. However, it is conceivable the strainer may affect refrigerant distribution. Note that the refrigerant flow from the TEV will be two-phase, as opposed to liquid flow with the restrictor in place.

In the Prof's humble opinion, your will not see any difference in system operation with the strainer left in or removed...

[angryk]

thank you prof, I am almost tempted to leave it in to satisfy my curiosity.