The standard setting by the factory for CROs in the 0/60 psig range is 30 psig. Since these valves are adjustable, the setting may be altered to suit the specific system requirements. CROs should be adjusted at startup when the pressure in the evaporator is above the desired setting. The final valve setting should be below the maximum suction pressure recommended by the compressor or unit manufacturer.
The main purpose of the CRO is to prevent the compressor motor from overloading due to high suction pressure. Thus, it is important to arrive at the correct pressure setting. The best way to see if the motor is overloaded is to check the current draw at start-up or after a defrost cycle. If overloading is evident, a suction gage should be put on the compressor. The CRO setting may be too high and may have to be adjusted. If the compressor is overloaded and the CRO valve is to be reset, the following procedure should be followed.
The unit should be shut off long enough for the system pressure to equalize. Observe the suction pressure as the unit is started, since this is the pressure the valve is controlling. If the setting is to be decreased, slowly adjust the valve in a counterclockwise direction approximately one-quarter turn for each 1 psi pressure change required. After a few moments of operation, the unit should be cycled off and the system pressure allowed to equalize again. Observe the suction pressure (valve setting) as the unit is started up. If the setting is still too high, the adjustment should be repeated. The proper size hex wrench is used to adjust these valves. A clockwise rotation increases the valve setting, while a counterclockwise rotation decreases the setting.
When CROs are installed in parallel, each should be adjusted the same amount. If one valve has been adjusted more than the other, best performance will occur if both are adjusted all the way in before resetting them an equal amount.
