Applications

Guide

Tube Size and

Component Selection
for TTA and TWA Split Systems
(7.5–20 Tons)

May 2005 SS-APG002-EN

 Preface

This application guide provides design engineers and mechanical contractors

with refrigerant piping guidelines for Trane® 7.5- through 20-ton split air-
conditioning systems. These guidelines specifically address Model TTA
cooling-only units and Model TWA heat pumps, when used with matching
Model TWE air handlers or matching Trane coils. Use the information
presented here to properly select interconnecting piping and components for
these systems.

This publication also outlines an “envelope” of component proximity for

standard comfort air-conditioning applications. Applications that exceed this
envelope, as well as non-standard comfort-cooling applications, must be
reviewed by Trane to help assure proper performance.

Trane, in proposing these system design and application concepts, assumes no

responsibility for the performance or desirability of any resulting system design. Design of
the HVAC system is the prerogative and responsibility of the engineering professional.

“Trane” and the Trane logo are registered trademarks of Trane, which is a business of
American Standard Companies.

© 2005 American Standard All rights reserved Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN
 Contents

Overview .......................................................................................................... 4
Background .................................................................................................. 4
What’s changed ............................................................................................ 5
Smaller liquid lines ................................................................................ 5
Effect on gas-line sizes .......................................................................... 7
Hot gas bypass in comfort-cooling applications ................................. 7
Equipment placement ........................................................................... 8
Liquid-line refrigerant management .................................................. 10

Tube Size and Component Selection ...................................................... 12

Liquid lines ................................................................................................. 12
Line sizing ............................................................................................ 12
Routing ................................................................................................. 12
Insulation .............................................................................................. 12
Components ......................................................................................... 12
Gas lines ..................................................................................................... 13
Line sizing ............................................................................................ 13
Routing ................................................................................................. 14
Insulation .............................................................................................. 14
Components ......................................................................................... 14

Refrigerant Piping Examples ..................................................................... 15

Illustrations
1 Interconnecting refrigerant lines in a typical split system ................. 5
2 Allowable elevation difference: TTA above indoor unit .................... 9
3 Allowable elevation difference: TWA above indoor unit ................... 9
4 Allowable elevation difference: TTA or TWA below indoor unit ...... 9
5 Liquid line elevated above outdoor and/or indoor units .................. 10
6 Liquid-line check-valve placement in heat-pump applications ........ 11
7 Gas-line arrangement at the outlet of a field-supplied indoor coil . 14
8 Typical piping: TTA cooling-only unit and TWE air handler ............ 15
9 Typical piping: TTA cooling-only unit and matched indoor coil ..... 15
10 Typical piping: TWA heat pump and TWE air handler ..................... 16
11 Typical piping: TWA heat pump and matched indoor coil .............. 16
12 Indoor coil with one distributor (single-circuit TTA/TWA units) ...... 17
13 Indoor coil with two distributors (single-circuit TTA/TWA units) .... 18
14 Indoor coil with two distributors (dual-circuit TTA/TWA units) ....... 19
15 Indoor coil with four distributors (dual-circuit TTA/TWA units) ...... 20

Tables
1 Recommendations for refrigerant-piping components ...................... 6
2 Recommendations for expansion valves and indoor check valves ... 6

SS-APG002-EN Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) 3

A 2001 Trane Engineers Newsletter
revisits the fundamental “rules” for
refrigerant piping in light of scroll
compressor technology. You can find this
article, titled “As Equipment Evolves, So
Must Piping Practices: Split Systems and
Interconnecting Refrigerant Lines,” at
http://www.trane.com/commercial/
library/vol274/en274.pdf.
4 Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN
Overview
Nothing is permanent except change.
—Heraclitus of Ephesus, Greek philosopher, 513 B.C.
The refrigerant piping rules for split air-conditioning systems are no
exception to this maxim. Traditional practice was guided by three underlying
objectives:
• Make sure that oil returns to the compressor.
• Maintain a continuous column of liquid refrigerant at the
expansion valve.
• Minimize capacity loss.
Decades of practical experience helped us identify another important goal:
• Minimize the refrigerant charge in the system.
Evidence accumulated over years of observation demonstrates that the
lower the refrigerant charge, the more reliably a split air-conditioning system
performs. Any amount of refrigerant in excess of the minimum design charge
becomes difficult to manage. The excess refrigerant tends to collect in areas
that can interfere with proper operation and eventually shortens the service
life of the system.
Reevaluating traditional practice in the context of minimizing the refrigerant
charge led us to refine our recommendations for split-system refrigerant
piping. The current recommendations not only enable reliable operation, but
also simplify the design of the system and lower its initial cost.
Background
In a split air-conditioning system, the four major components of the
refrigeration system are connected by field-assembled refrigerant piping
(Figure 1). A suction line connects the evaporator to the compressor, the
discharge line connects the compressor to the condenser, and the liquid line
connects the condenser to the expansion device, which is typically located
near the evaporator inlet. Operational problems can occur if these refrigerant
lines are designed or installed improperly.
The origin of the requirements for equivalent line lengths of components,
line pressure drop, and minimum and maximum refrigerant velocities is
uncertain. It appears likely that at least some of the supporting data was
derived from measurements and/or equations involving water. Some
resource materials even show water components when illustrating
refrigerant piping requirements.
Subsequent reviews of analytical and empirical data for refrigerant piping
resulted in the publication of two research papers: Pressure Losses in
Tubing, Pipe, and Fittings by R.J.S. Pigott and Refrigerant Piping Systems—
 Overview

Figure 1. Interconnecting refrigerant lines in a typical split air-conditioning system

Refrigerants 12, 22, 500 by the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers

(ASRE). In his paper, Mr. Pigott described his use of refrigerant as the fluid
and his direct measurement of pressure drops. His findings indicated that the
pressure drop of many line components is small and difficult to measure. For
these components, he used experimental data to derive a formula relating
the geometry of the component to its pressure drop. Overall, his calculated
pressure loss of the components was less than originally determined.

The conclusion of the ASRE research paper stated that the minimum required
velocity to maintain oil entrainment in vertical risers and horizontal lines will
vary with the diameter of the tube and with the saturation temperature of the
suction gas. In other words, the minimum required velocity for oil
entrainment is not constant.

What’s changed
Smaller liquid lines
Historically, liquid lines were sized to minimize the pressure losses within the
piping circuit. Oil movement through the piping wasn’t a concern (nor is it
today) because oil is miscible in liquid refrigerant at normal liquid-line
temperatures. Consequently, designers often attempted to make more liquid
refrigerant available at the thermal expansion valve (TXV) at a wider range of
operating conditions by increasing the size of the liquid line. Ironically, the
condenser’s response to the oversized liquid lines actually reduced the
subcooling available at the TXV.

Focusing instead on minimizing the liquid-line charge would prompt

selection of the smallest liquid-line diameter that maintains subcooling at the
TXV throughout the system’s operating envelope. This line-sizing strategy
would almost certainly increase the pressure drop; it also would use more
(not all) of the available subcooling.

SS-APG002-EN Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) 5
 Overview

Table 1. Recommendations for refrigerant-piping components

TTA090A, TTA120A, TTA120B a TTA120C TTA150B a TTA180B, TTA180C TTA240B,
TWA090A TWA120A TWA180B a TWA240B a
Refrigerant circuits 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2
Minimum unloading 7.5 tons 10 tons 5 tons 5 tons 6.25 tons 7.5 tons 7.5 tons 10 tons
GAS LINE

Tube size (OD) b 1-3/8 inch 1-3/8 inch 1-1/8 inch 1-3/8 inch 1-3/8 inch 1-3/8 inch 1-5/8 inch 1-3/8 inch

Access port Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder
valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core
LIQUID LINE

Tube size (OD) b 1/2 inch 1/2 inch 3/8 inch 1/2 inch 1/2 inch 1/2 inch 5/8 inch 1/2 inch

Filter drier c TTA: TTA: TTA: TTA: TTA: TTA: TTA: TTA:
DHY01123 DHY01123 DHY01123 DHY01123 DHY01123 DHY01123 DHY01123 DHY01123
TWA: TWA: TWA: TWA:
DHY01091 DHY01091 DHY01091 DHY01091
Access port (1 per ckt) Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder Schraeder
valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core valve w/core
Check valve (TTA VAL08460 VAL08460 VAL08460 e VAL08460 VAL08460 VAL08460 VAL07030e VAL08460
cooling-only units) d
Moisture-indicating GLS00853 GLS00853 GLS00852 GLS00853 GLS00853 GLS00853 GLS00830 GLS00853
sight glass (1 per ckt)

Expansion valve d See Table 2 (below)

DISCHARGE LINE
Tube size (OD) 7/8 inch 7/8 inch 5/8 inch 7/8 inch 3/4 inch 5/8 inch 7/8 inch 7/8 inch
a Be sure to double the component quantities listed above for the following units, which contain two refrigerant circuits: TTA120B, 150B, 180B, and 240B cooling-
only units, and TWA180B and 240B heat pumps.
b Line sizes shown apply when the total line length and rise complies with the allowable limits for gas lines (Figure 2 or Figure 3, p. 9) and liquid lines (Figure 4, p. 9).
If the piping layout exceeds either of these limits, ask your local Trane office to review the application.
c A liquid-line filter drier is factory-installed in each refrigerant circuit of a TTA or TWA unit. If a filter drier is installed elsewhere in the liquid line, be sure to remove
the factory-supplied filter from the TTA/TWA. See pp. 12–13 for more information.
d In an application that pairs a TWA heat pump with an indoor coil (rather than a TWE air handler), provide a check valve (Table 2 below) for each expansion valve
at the indoor coil. See Figure 11 (p. 16) for placement.
e Reducers are required to install this check valve because it is one size larger than the liquid line.

Table 2. Recommendations for expansion valves and indoor check valves used in
TTA/TWA applications when not paired with a TWE air handler a
Recommended Trane part
Indoor coil capacity b Expansion valve c Indoor check valve d
3 tons VAL07364 VAL08459 for
3/8-inch OD liquid line
5 tons VAL07074
7.5 tons VAL07075 VAL08460 for
1/2-inch OD liquid line
10 tons VAL07076
15 tons VAL02824
a Trane factory-installs the expansion valves for the indoor coil in a TWE air handler.
b Choose an expansion valve that matches the tonnage of the coil distributor it serves.
c Provide and install one expansion valve per distributor.
d For TWA heat pumps, but only when paired with an indoor coil (not a TWE air handler); see Figure 6 (p. 11).

6 Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN

For a further discussion of what hot gas
bypass does and the inherent challenges
of implementing it effectively, refer to
the 2003 Engineers Newsletter, “Hot Gas
Bypass: Blessing or Curse?” You can find
it online at http://www.trane.com/
commercial/library/vol32_2/
adm_apn007_en_0503.pdf.
SS-APG002-EN
Overview
The liquid-line sizes recommended in Table 1 optimize the tradeoff between
pressure loss and refrigerant charge. These recommendations maximize the
system operating envelope and provide a subcooling “safety factor” of 5°F
(2.7°C).
Effect on gas-line sizes
Traditionally, gas lines were sized to maintain oil-entrainment velocities
greater than 500 ft/min. (152 m/min.) in horizontal lines and 1000 ft/min.
(305 m/min.) in vertical lines; and to limit pressure drops to not more than
3 psi (20 kPa) in the suction line and 6 psi (40 kPa) in the discharge line.
We now know that oil-entrainment velocity depends on line size and the
saturated suction temperature. Although a maximum suction-line pressure
drop of 3 psi (20 kPa) is a valid goal, the corresponding loss in capacity for
“matched” Trane split systems is only about 3 percent, for an additional 3 psi
(20 kPa). 1 Pressure drop in the suction-turned-discharge line of a heat pump
is of no consequence because the line is slightly oversized.
Hot gas bypass in comfort-cooling applications
When diminishing loads force a refrigeration system to operate at unstable
conditions, compressor and evaporator capacities balance at ever lower
suction pressures and temperatures. Unchecked, the eventual result is coil
frosting and compressor flooding.
Hot gas bypass (HGBP) can stabilize the system balance point by diverting
hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapor from the discharge line directly to the
low-pressure side of the system. This tactic keeps the compressor more fully
loaded while the evaporator satisfies the part-load condition. Also, the
diverted vapor raises the suction temperature, which prevents frost from
forming.
For decades HGBP was applied in direct-expansion refrigerating systems to
control capacity at low loads. It was probably conceived to correct a job-
specific problem but was subsequently, and indiscriminately, added to HVAC
systems as a preventive measure. HGBP has provided frost control and some
semblance of capacity control in many applications. But in numerous cases,
HGBP failed to safely stabilize the system. Worse still, the increased
refrigerant charge and additional piping often led to insufficient oil return and
refrigerant logging in the HGBP line, undermining reliable operation.
Economically, HGBP increases the cost of the system and its installation.
Hot gas bypass also uses large amounts of energy because it prevents the
compressors from cycling off as the cooling load decreases.
Evaporator defrost control (EDC) provides an effective alternative to HGBP.
Like hot gas bypass, EDC protects the coil from freezing, but it does so by
turning off compressors when frost is detected on the coil. The compressors
1 In this case, a “matched” Trane split system pairs a TTA cooling-only unit or a TWA heat pump with a
TWE air handler or a Trane indoor coil.
Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) 7
 Overview

are allowed to resume operation when the coil temperature rises sufficiently.
The EDC strategy reduces the system’s overall energy consumption while
preventing the system from operating during coil-icing conditions.

Only use hot gas bypass if all other design options fail to meet the demands
of the application. Do NOT use hot gas bypass in heat pump applications.
Heat pump reliability is particularly susceptible to improper refrigerant
management.

Equipment placement

Minimize distance between components

For a split air-conditioning system to perform as reliably and inexpensively as

possible, the refrigerant charge must be kept to a minimum. To help
accomplish this design goal:

• Site the outdoor unit (cooling-only condensing unit or heat pump) as

close to the indoor unit as possible.

• Route each interconnecting refrigerant line by the shortest and most

direct path so that line lengths and riser heights are no longer than
absolutely necessary.

• Use only horizontal and vertical piping configurations.

• Determine whether the total length of each refrigerant line requires Trane
review. Be sure to account for the difference in elevations of the indoor
and outdoor units when calculating the total line length.

Interconnecting lines of 150 lineal feet (45.7 m) or less do not require

Trane review, but be sure to limit the length in risers.

Allowable elevation difference

Heat pump considerations An acceptable riser height represents the summation of all individual risers
Heat-pump systems switch from cooling and is a function of the total line length.
to heating by reversing the direction of
refrigerant flow. When the “cooling”
Outdoor unit above indoor unit. In this case the velocity of the refrigerant
suction line becomes the “heating”
discharge line, what was a suction-line gas must be sufficient to force oil up the suction-gas riser in order to maintain
drop becomes a discharge-line rise. proper oil movement during cooling operation. The gross height and line
During heating, the refrigerant flow rate
length for a heat pump in the heating mode must not cause a pressure drop
through the suction-turned-discharge
line decreases due to reduced heating sufficient to cause loss of subcooling. Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the
capacity and higher pressure in the line. allowable gross “rise and run” for TTA and TWA units, respectively. System
designs outside the application envelopes defined in the charts require Trane
It is important to account for this fact
when sizing refrigerant piping for split review.
heat-pump systems. Choose a line size
that entrains oil in the refrigerant during
Outdoor unit below indoor unit. In this case, the pressure drop and
cooling and heating. The line sizes
specified in Table 1 (p. 6) enable proper accompanying loss of subcooling due to the total liquid-line length and lift
oil entrainment during both modes limits the allowable gross lift. The velocity of the refrigerant gas for a heat
within the piping limitations outlined in
pump in the heating mode must be sufficient to force oil up the hot gas riser
Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 (p. 9).
in order to maintain proper oil movement. Figure 4 shows the allowable
Under normal circumstances, the liquid- gross “rise and run” for TTA and TWA units. System designs outside the
line rise during cooling will restrict the
application envelope defined in the chart require Trane review.
discharge-line rise during heating.

8 Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN
 Overview

Figure 2. Allowable elevation difference: Cooling-only TTA above indoor unit

Figure 3. Allowable elevation difference: TWA heat pump above indoor unit

Figure 4. Allowable elevation difference: TTA or TWA below indoor unit

SS-APG002-EN Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) 9
 Overview

Liquid-line refrigerant management

In applications where any part of the liquid line is above the indoor and/or
outdoor unit (Figure 5), gravity will draw the liquid in that part of the line
down toward the unit(s) below when the system turns off. Do not confuse
this liquid flow with refrigerant migration. Crankcase heaters are installed on
compressors to prevent migration, but these heaters are not sized to prevent
refrigerant flow (due to gravity) from accumulating in the compressors. The
amount of liquid refrigerant that flows into either the indoor or outdoor unit,
while off, will determine the severity of liquid slugs and lubrication issues
faced by the compressor when it starts.

Figure 5. Liquid line elevated above outdoor and/or indoor units

TWA heat pumps and TWE air handlers are equipped with valves that close
to prevent off-cycle flow; these units do not require additional shutoff valves.
However, TTA cooling-only units, when matched with indoor air handlers
other than TWE models, may require shutoff valves to manage liquid
refrigerant when the system is off. Type, use, and placement of these valves
will depend on the gross line length and on the orientation of the liquid line
with respect to the indoor and outdoor units.

Liquid line above indoor unit. When using a non-TWE air handler or coil, use
hard-shutoff thermal expansion valves (TXVs) at the indoor unit for both TTA
and TWA applications; see Table 2 (p. 6) for recommendations. Heat pump
(TWA) applications also will require a check valve at the indoor unit to handle
reverse refrigerant flow during heating (Figure 6). TWE air handlers include
hard-shutoff valves and check valves as standard, factory-provided
components.

10 Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN
 Overview

Figure 6. Placement of liquid-line check valves in TWA heat-pump applications

when not paired with a TWE air handler (single circuit shown in heating mode)

Installation notes:
1 Provide one thermal expansion valve
(TXV) and one check valve for each
indoor-coil distributor. See Table 1 (p. 6)
for recommendations.
2 For applications where the length of the
liquid line exceeds 80 ft (24 m) and the
heat pump will start in the cooling
mode, remove the liquid-line filter
driers from the TWA and install a
new bidirectional filter drier at the
indoor unit. See Table 1 (p. 6) for
recommendations.

Liquid line above outdoor unit: Cooling-only applications. If 50 ft (15 m) or

more of the liquid line is elevated above the cooling-only TTA unit (Figure 5),
install a check valve in the liquid line where the line leaves the TTA (Figure 8
and Figure 9, p. 15).

Note: This check valve is factory-installed in TWA heat pumps to allow proper
reverse flow of refrigerant.

 WARNING!
Redundant Valves Can Cause Hazardous Pressures!
Liquid refrigerant trapped between two valves can become highly
pressurized if the ambient temperature increases. Do not add a liquid-line
solenoid valve in a cooling-only system that is already equipped with a check
valve. Failure to heed this precaution could result in a refrigerant-line rupture
that causes death or serious injury.

SS-APG002-EN Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) 11

The video, Split System Refrigerant
Piping Design (APP-APV009-EN),
discusses the relationship between
refrigerant-line sizing and subcooling in
greater detail. For ordering information,
visit www.trane.com/bookstore.
12
Tube Size and
Component Selection
Liquid lines
Line sizing
Proper liquid-line sizing is critical to a successful application. The line
diameter must provide at least 5°F (2.7°C) of subcooling at the expansion
valve throughout the unit’s operating envelope. Increasing the size of the
liquid line will not increase the available subcooling.
Table 1 (p. 6) shows the recommended liquid-line sizing for each TTA/TWA
model based on nominal capacity. Using the preselected line diameter will
help to maintain the minimum required subcooling and minimize the system
refrigerant charge.
Note: The preselected line diameters in Table 1 are optimized for any
acceptable length or rise of refrigerant piping.
Routing
Install the liquid line with a slight slope in the direction of flow (during
cooling operation for heat pumps) so that it can be routed with the gas line.
Route the lines as straight, horizontally and vertically, as possible. Avoid
unnecessary changes of direction.
Insulation
To prevent the liquid refrigerant from flashing, insulate the liquid line if it
passes through an area that is warmer than the line.
Components
Several field-supplied components (Table 1, p. 6) may be required in the
liquid line: a filter drier, access port, check valve, moisture-indicating sight
glass, and expansion valve(s). These devices must be arranged in the proper
sequence; refer to the illustrations in “Refrigerant Piping Examples” (pp. 15–
20). Position the components as close to the indoor unit as possible, but with
one notable exception: The liquid-line check valve used with TTA cooling-
only units must be installed at the TTA.
Filter drier. Each TTA or TWA is factory-equipped with liquid-line filter drier(s)
to capture residual contaminants from the installation process. However, the
presence of a filter drier is not a substitute for good brazing practices nor
proper evacuation. Reliable operation demands careful attention to
cleanliness during system installation.
If the TTA/TWA will start in the cooling mode and if the gross line length
exceeds 80 ft (24 m), remove the filter drier(s) from the outdoor unit and
Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN
 Tube Size and Component Selection

install new filter drier(s) at the indoor unit. Note that heat-pump applications
require a bidirectional filter drier.

Access port. The access port enables refrigerant charging; it also provides a
means for measuring the pressures that are used to calculate subcooling.
Usually this port is a Schraeder valve with a core.

Check valve. A check valve only allows refrigerant flow in one direction and
does not require wiring. In cooling-only applications, if 50 ft (15 m) or more of
the liquid line is elevated above the TTA, provide a check valve in the liquid
line adjacent to the TTA. (This valve is factory-installed in TWA heat pumps.)

For heat pumps paired with non-TWE air-handler coils, provide an individual
check valve for each expansion valve to allow reverse flow around the TXV
during heating. See Figure 6 (p. 11), Figure 10 (p. 16), and Figure 11 (p. 16) for
examples of this valve combination.

Moisture-indicating sight glass. Install one moisture-indicating sight glass in

the main liquid line of each circuit to flag the presence of water.

Note: The sole purpose of this sight glass is its moisture-indicating ability.
Always use actual measurements of temperature and pressure—not the
sight glass—to determine subcooling and whether the system is properly
charged.

Expansion valve. The expansion valve is the throttling device that meters the
refrigerant into the evaporator coil. Metering too much refrigerant floods the
compressor … too little elevates the compressor temperature.

Each TWE air handler is factory-equipped with a correctly sized expansion

valve. For TTA/TWA units paired with other indoor coils, provide an
expansion valve for each coil distributor. Size the TXV to match the capacity
of the distributor; see Table 2 (p. 6) for recommendations. Make sure that the
expansion valve is externally equalized and balance-ported.

Gas lines
Line sizing
Proper gas-line sizing is required to guarantee that the oil returns to the
compressor throughout the system’s operating envelope. At the same time,
the line must be sized so that the pressure drop does not excessively affect
capacity or efficiency.

Table 1 (p. 6) lists preselected pipe diameters for TTA cooling-only units and
TWA heat pumps in normal air-conditioning applications. Use the preselected
pipe sizes for both horizontal and vertical runs.

SS-APG002-EN Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) 13

Figure 7. Gas-line arrangement at the
outlet of a field-supplied indoor coil
14
Tube Size and Component Selection
Routing
Route the line as straight (horizontally and vertically) as possible. Avoid
unnecessary changes of direction. To prevent any residual or condensed
refrigerant from flowing freely toward the compressor, install the gas line so
that it slopes by ¼ inch to 1 inch per 10 feet (1 cm per 3 m) toward the
indoor coil.
Do not install riser traps. With field-supplied air-handler coils, what appears
to be a riser trap is located at the coil outlet; see Figure 7 for an example. This
piping arrangement, which isn’t a riser trap at all, results from two
requirements:
• Drain the coil to a common low point
• Rise at least 1 ft (30 cm) from the common low point to prevent any
off-cycle condensed refrigerant in the coil from attempting to flow to
the compressor.
Note: Do not install double risers. All 7.5- through 20-ton TTA and TWA units
unload such that a single gas line size, preselected in Table 1 (p. 6), provides
sufficient velocity to push entrained oil up the permissible riser height.
Avoid underground refrigerant lines, which make it virtually impossible to
maintain proper cleanliness during installation. Refrigerant condensation,
poor service access, and abrasion/corrosion can quickly impair the system’s
reliability.
Insulation
Always insulate the gas line to prevent the refrigerant vapor from cooling
enough to condense during the heating mode (TWA heat pumps) and to
prevent the line from sweating during the cooling mode (TTA and TWA
applications).
Components
Adding a suction-line filter drier is unnecessary—provided that good
refrigeration practices (including nitrogen sweeping during brazing and
proper system evacuation) are followed.
Access port. Providing an access port in the gas line permits the servicer to
check refrigerant pressure and determine superheat at the evaporator/indoor
coil. Usually this port is a Schraeder valve with a core.
Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN

Figure 8.
TTA cooling-only unit and
TWE air handler (typical arrangement)
Installation notes:
1 Do not install this check valve unless
50 ft (15 m) or more of the liquid line is
elevated above the TTA.
2 Never add a check valve and a solenoid
valve to the same liquid line. (Increased
temperature will cause any liquid
refrigerant caught between these valves
to become highly pressurized.)
Figure 9.
TTA cooling-only unit and matched
indoor coil (typical arrangement)
Installation notes:
1 Do not install this check valve unless
50 ft (15 m) or more of the liquid line is
elevated above the TTA.
2 Never add a check valve and a solenoid
valve to the same liquid line. Increased
temperature will highly pressurize any
liquid refrigerant caught between these
valves.
SS-APG002-EN
Refrigerant Piping Examples
 WARNING!
Redundant Valves Can Cause
Hazardous Pressures!
Liquid refrigerant trapped between
two valves can become highly
pressurized if the ambient
temperature increases. Do not add a
liquid-line solenoid valve in a cooling-
only system that is already equipped
 WARNING!
Redundant Valves Can Cause
Hazardous Pressures!
Liquid refrigerant trapped between
two valves can become highly
pressurized with increased ambient
temperature. Do not add a liquid-line
solenoid valve in a cooling-only
system that is already equipped with a
check valve. Failure to heed this
precaution could result in a
Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons)
with a check valve. Failure to heed this
precaution could result in a
refrigerant-line rupture that causes
death or serious injury.
3 If the total length of the liquid line
exceeds 80 ft (24 m), remove the liquid-
line filter drier from the TTA and install a
new one (Table 1, p. 6) at the TWE air
handler.
refrigerant-line rupture that causes
death or serious injury.
3 If the total length of the liquid line
exceeds 80 ft (24 m), remove the liquid-
line filter drier from the TTA and install a
new one (Table 1, p. 6) near the indoor
coil.
4 Provide one expansion valve (TXV) per
distributor; see Table 2 (p. 6) for
recommendations.
15
 Refrigerant Piping Examples

Figure 10.
TWA heat pump and TWE air handler
(typical arrangement shown in cooling
mode)

Installation note: For applications where driers from the TWA heat pump and install
the length of the liquid line exceeds 80 ft a new bidirectional filter drier (Table 1,
(24 m) and the heat pump will start in the p. 6) at the TWE air handler.
cooling mode, remove the liquid-line filter

Figure 11.
TWA heat pump and matched indoor
coil (typical arrangement shown in
cooling mode)

Installation notes:
1 Each coil distributor requires one
thermal expansion valve (TXV) and one
check valve. See Table 2 (p. 6) for
recommendations.
2 For applications where the length of the
liquid line exceeds 80 ft (24 m) and the
heat pump will start in the cooling
mode, remove the liquid-line filter driers
from the TWA heat pump and install a
new bidirectional filter drier (Table 1,
p. 6) at the indoor unit.

16 Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN

Figure 12.
Indoor coil with one distributor
(single-circuit TTA/TWA units)
SS-APG002-EN
Refrigerant Piping Examples
Installation notes:
1 Pitch the liquid line 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) so that the liquid
refrigerant drains toward the indoor coil.
Use the liquid-line size recommended in
Table 1 (p. 6).
2 Provide one expansion valve (TXV)
per distributor.
TWA heat pumps only: Provide one
check valve for each expansion valve.
3 Pitch the gas line leaving the coil so that
it slopes away from the coil by 1 inch
per 10 feet (1 cm per 3 m).
Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons)
4 Use the tube diameter recommended in
Table 1 (p. 6). Assure that the top of the
riser is at least 1 foot (30 cm) above the
lowest point.
5 Arrange the gas line so that suction gas
leaving the coil flows downward, past
the lowest gas-header outlet, before
turning upward.
6 Pitch the gas line 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) toward the indoor coil.
7 Insulate the gas line.
17
 Refrigerant Piping Examples

Figure 13.
Indoor coil with two distributors
(single-circuit TTA/TWA units)

Installation notes:
1 Pitch the liquid line 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) so that the liquid
refrigerant drains toward the indoor coil.
Use the liquid-line size recommended in
Table 1 (p. 6).
2 Provide one expansion valve (TXV)
per distributor.
TWA heat pumps only: Provide one
check valve for each expansion valve.
3 Pitch the gas line leaving the coil so that
it slopes away from the coil by 1 inch
per 10 feet (1 cm per 3 m).
4 Arrange the gas line so that suction gas
leaving the coil flows downward, past
the lowest gas-header outlet, before
turning upward. Use a double-elbow
configuration on all lower branch circuits
to isolate the TXV bulb from suction-
header conditions.
5 For all coil branch circuits in the gas
line, use a tube diameter that is one
size smaller than the gas-line size
recommended in Table 1, p. 6.
6 For vertical risers, use the tube
diameter recommended in Table 1
(p. 6). Assure that the top of the riser is
at least 1 foot (30 cm) above the lowest
point.
7 Pitch the gas line by 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) toward the indoor coil.

18 Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons) SS-APG002-EN
Figure 14.
Indoor coil with two distributors
(dual-circuit TTA/TWA units)
SS-APG002-EN
Installation notes:
1 Pitch the liquid line 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) so that the liquid
refrigerant drains toward the indoor coil.
Use the liquid-line size recommended in
Table 1 (p. 6).
2 Provide one expansion valve (TXV)
per distributor.
TWA heat pumps only: Provide one
check valve for each expansion valve.
3 Pitch the gas line leaving the coil so that
it slopes away from the coil by 1 inch
per 10 feet (1 cm per 3 m).
Tube Size and Component Selection for TTA and TWA Split Systems (7.5–20 Tons)
4 Use the tube diameter recommended in
Table 1 (p. 6). Assure that the top of the
riser is at least 1 foot (30 cm) above the
lowest point.
5 Arrange the gas line so that suction gas
leaving the coil flows downward, past
the lowest gas-header outlet, before
turning upward.
6 Pitch the gas line 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) toward the indoor coil.
7 Insulate the gas line.
19
 Refrigerant Piping Examples

Figure 15.
Indoor coil with four distributors
(dual-circuit TTA/TWA units)

Installation notes:
1 Pitch the liquid line 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) so that the liquid
refrigerant drains toward the indoor coil.
Use the liquid-line size recommended in
Table 1 (p. 6).
2 Provide one expansion valve (TXV)
per distributor.
TWA heat pumps only: Provide one
check valve for each expansion valve
(see inset).
3 Pitch the gas line leaving the coil so that
it slopes away from the coil by 1 inch per
10 feet (1 cm per 3 m).
4 Arrange the gas line so that suction gas
leaving the coil flows downward, past
the lowest gas-header outlet, before
turning upward. Use a double-elbow
configuration on all lower branch circuits
to isolate the TXV bulb from suction-
header conditions.
5 For all coil branch circuits in the gas line,
use a tube diameter that is one size
smaller than the gas-line size
recommended in Table 1 (p. 6).
6 For vertical risers, use the tube diameter
recommended in Table 1 (p. 6). Assure
that the top of the riser is at least 1 foot
(30 cm) above the lowest point.
7 Pitch the gas line by 1 inch per 10 feet
(1 cm per 3 m) toward the indoor coil.
8 Insulate the gas line.

Literature Order Number SS-APG002-EN

Date May 2005
Supersedes (New)
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