The 3 position service valve is a unique type of valve used in HVAC systems, particularly in commercial refrigeration. It differs from a typical service valve as it does not have a Schrader core when unscrewed. Instead, it has a special stem that is used to open and close the valve.
To operate the 3 position service valve, an adjustable wrench is used to open the top. Inside, there is a threaded cap and a stem that controls the flow of refrigerant. The valve may resemble a king valve, which is commonly found at the exit of a liquid receiver in commercial refrigeration systems. However, the 3 position service valve is specifically designed for a different purpose.
The valve has three positions: back seated, mid seat, and front seat. In the back seated position, the valve stem is all the way up, connecting one pipe to another while keeping the third pipe disconnected. This means that if you try to hook up your hoses to this valve in the back seated position, no refrigerant will flow.
To connect your hoses, you need to set the valve to the mid seat position. Using a surface wrench, you tighten the valve, which opens up a port and allows refrigerant to flow from the two connected pipes to your hose and manifold gauge set. Once you are done with your gauges, you should back the valve up to the back seated position to shut off the flow of refrigerant.
If you need to close the valve entirely, you can crank it all the way down to the front seat position. This will open the service port to only one side while stopping the flow of refrigerant. It is important to note that not all three-way service valves are the same, and some may have additional features like a packing nut or gland.
When operating these valves, it is crucial to follow proper procedures to avoid accidents or damage. For example, new technicians may mistakenly close the valve all the way while trying to hook up gauges, which can lead to compressor burnout. Additionally, forgetting to fully open the valve after removing the gauges can result in liquid refrigerant shooting out, causing severe frostbite.
In conclusion, the 3 position service valve is a specialized valve used in HVAC systems, particularly in commercial refrigeration. It allows for different positions to control the flow of refrigerant and should be operated with caution to prevent accidents and damage.
