Suction HX...too restrictive?

[stockhatch]

I was going to use the same design on my 2nd stage suction HX as my IHX. It is pretty small in diameter, but should offer some good subcooling IMO. My only worry is that it will be too restricitve to get good flow on the 2nd stage. It is 1/4 inside 1/2" just like the IHX. Think it will be okay or should I use a straight-thru design instead?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v46/stockhatch/suction_hx_dvd.jpg

Thanks

[hatemi]

Sure it will restrict the flow some, but does that realy matter? Just try and test how it preforms :)

[stockhatch]

I could just test it like you say, but I really need all the flow I can get since I'm going to be pumping CO2 soup :) Im trying to make an educated guess on whether it will hurt more than it helps in this case before I go to trouble of brazing it in. Not to mention it is going to soak up some of my precious real estate once its insulated :D Unless I get a definitive "don't do it, it's going to kill your flow" I will go ahead and test it like you say.

Thanks

[hatemi]

Well if your worried, just make another with the 1/4 tube outside the 1/2 tube. bend both tubes at the same time so theyre in contact all the time ad soft solder or braze them together. OR you could get some 3/8 tube and 5/8 tube and use the 3/8 as the suction and use them like in your firs one.

[stockhatch]

Well, I just decided to try this one :) If it doesnt work, I'll just take it out and try something else like you said. Nothing wrong with a little trial and error I suppose.

[esdee]

i have used this as a subcooler for my single stage and it worked pretty well, 1/4 in 1/2 is no restrictive at all
http://www.thelab.gr/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17894

[stockhatch]

Looks good :) I'll give it a shot.