4280 -- On the Development of Rating Correlations for R-134a Flowing Through Adiabatic Capillary Tubes ✓ Most Recent

This paper provides application rating correlations for R-134a flowing through adiabatic capillary tubes. The ratings are based on the curve fitting of capillary theory predictions and consider both the geometric and system operating factors. The proposed correlations, while present in the form of algebraic equations, are quite simple and versatile. They can be used to calculate the mass flux and pressure drop directly from a given capillary tube selection. The optimum capillary size corresponding to any given set of system operating conditions can also be calculated. To determine the validation of present R-134a rating correlations, we compare them with two sets of experimental data. The results show that predictions from the present correlations compare well with the R-134a experimental data. Examples of calculation procedures demonstrate the rating methods by using the proposed correlations. These rating correlations are especially useful for system computer simulation when capillary tubes serve as a metering device.

Units: SI