Condenser Orientation

[Russell_hq]

I was thinking about a better way of mounting the condenser. I see that almost all condensers are mounted vertical with the fan sucking air through them.

I was thinking that it may be a good idea to mount it horizontal with the fan on top sucking air through it. This way the liquid should be distributed better along the bottom of all the pipes, with the cold air hitting the pipe right where the liquid would condense. What you think?

[Unknown_road]

I think most condensors have the pipes routed the wrong way to do that. refrigerant has to be pushed up every turn when you do it like that.

[Russell_hq]

I will draw a picture, you're not getting the idea. The condenser would be lying flat with the fan on top sucking air through from the front of the condenser. Obviously it would not be lying flat on the ground as there would be little space for the air to get suced in, but rather it would be suspended above the ground so there was clear space for the air to get sucked through.

[Russell_hq]

http://www.russellpetrie.plus.com/images/condenser.jpg

[runmc]

It could work fine( I don't know), but you would loose the effects of gravity pulling the liquid through the condenser.

:eek: The liquid may just lay there and let the pressure build and the whole thing might blow up like a "Bomb" :toast:

[Russell_hq]

the pressure difference across the expansion valve will be enough to pull the liquid through, aslong as the condenser is above the expansion valve, then all should be fine :)

[runmc]

the pressure difference across the expansion valve will be enough to pull the liquid through, aslong as the condenser is above the expansion valve, then all should be fine :)

;) I just threw the bomb part in to make it more exciting. :lol:

[kayl]

is sucking air throught the condenser better or blowing air through??

[Russell_hq]

AFAIK sucking is best

[Unknown_road]

when you have a condensor with only 1 row of tubes it will probably work, but most condensors have 2 rows

[Redwolf]

It works either way.

[hatemi]

I have 3 condenser (Fincoil) that have the tubing so that is better to mount them that way. I believe they even were mounted that way in the system they were in originally.

[Stewie007]

Most systems are designed so that the condenser is configured to flow down with gravity, and the evaporator is designed to go upwards. Its really the best way to do it. You'll lose some efficiency if your compressor is trying to push the liquid upwards, but I don't know how much of an impact it would have on one of these...

I'd have to agree with Russel here, just make sure the Condenser is above the EXV and you should be fine. You'll know for sure when you run it. :)

[Russell_hq]

Im suggesting this because the refrigerant pools at the lowest point. So if the condenser is standing vertical (like normal) then the refrigerant will tend to pool at the bottom of the condenser and on the bottom of the pipes.

Now if you lie the condenser flat, then the refrigerant will pool differently, more evenly distributed throughout the condenser giving more liquid refrigerant surface area in contact with the flowing air. Anyone get what im saying?

[kayl]

i see what ya saying, but will the effect be enough to get extra -c's.
i wouldn't think to see that much of a difference.
i have used a heap of different condensers configerations and they all seem to have liquid line temp about the same.

[Russell_hq]

Yup, the liquid line temp out of the condenser is determined mainly by ambient temp. I guess what I am trying to do is to get as close to ambient as i can without going overkill. I cant do any testing at the moment so I am just chucking ideas about. :D

[Stewie007]

Now if you lie the condenser flat, then the refrigerant will pool differently, more evenly distributed throughout the condenser giving more liquid refrigerant surface area in contact with the flowing air. Anyone get what im saying?

I can understand your logic, but I don't think it'll make much of a difference. I think the best thing you can do is test out the theory :)

Then we'll see ay?

[wdrzal]

condensors are made vertically because they receive high pressure vapor at the top, as heat is removed the gas condenses to liquid form and runs to the bottom. Since refrigerent has mass the higher tubes excert sightly more pressure on the refrigerant in the bottom tubes.This keeps the refrigerant from revaporizing. think of a pot of boiling water, the steam comes off the top of the water ,not the bottom.This is because the pressure is lower on top.


walt

[wdrzal]

http://www.russellpetrie.plus.com/images/condenser.jpg

the drawing on the right is wrong,liqiud seeks its own level. the tubes too the far right would not be full. walt