Capillary tubes are used to control pressure and temperature in a refrigeration unit. They are most commonly used in domestic refrigeration, milk coolers, ice-cream cabinets, and smaller units. Commercial refrigeration units use other devices. The capillary tube consists of a tube with a very small diameter. The length of the tube depends on the size of the unit to be served, the refrigerant used, and other physical considerations. To effect the necessary heat exchange, this tube is usually soldered to the suction line between the condenser and the evaporator. The capillary tube acts as a constant throttle or restrictor on the refrigerant. Its length and diameter offer sufficient frictional resistance to the flow of refrigerant to build up the head pressure needed to condense the gas.
If the condenser and evaporator were simply connected by a large tube, the pressure would rapidly adjust itself to the same value in both of them. A small diameter water pipe will hold back water, allowing a pressure to be built up behind the water column, but with a small rate of flow. Similarly, the small-diameter capillary tube holds back the liquid refrigerant. This enables a high pressure to be built up in the condenser during the operation of the compressor. At the same time, this permits the refrigerant to flow slowly into the evaporator (see Fig. 11-42). A filter drier is usually inserted between the condenser and the capillary tube. This is necessary because the line or tube is so small that it is easily clogged.
Replacement should be performed in the shop after discharging the unit. In replacing the capillary tube, make sure that the same length of tube is used. The bore or inner diameter should be exactly the same as the old tube. It is easy to check with a proper tool.
