The capillary tube for a 1/6 HP compressor depends on the type of refrigerant gas and the temperature of the application.
Applications by Temperature Range
| Application | Evaporation Temperature | Condensation Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| LBP (Low Pressure) | -23.3°C (-10°F) | 54.4°C (130°F) |
| MBP (Medium Pressure) | -6.7°C (20°F) | 54.4°C (130°F) |
| HBP (High Pressure) | 7.2°C (45°F) | 54.4°C (130°F) |
Source: Tecumseh
Tips for Selecting Capillary Tube Dimensions for 1/6 HP Compressor
- Length and Diameter: Both influence total restriction.
- Diameter Change: A percentage change in diameter impacts flow more than an equivalent percentage change in length.
- Adjusting Restriction: Restriction can be altered by lengthening or shortening the tube. Longer tubes slow the flow, but excessively long tubes become inefficient and uneconomical.
- Critical Length: Shortening the tube increases flow, but very short tubes behave more like orifices than capillaries, causing large increases in flow with small length reductions.
General Recommendation: Maintain the tube length between 5′ and 16′ to avoid operational issues.
Capillary Tube for Refrigeration Applications
Capillary Tube for 1/6 HP Compressor Using R134a
| Compressor Power (HP) | Application | Diameter (in) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 HP | MBP | 0.032 | 2.5 |
Source: Tecumseh
Capillary Tubes for 1/6 HP Compressor with R-410A
| Power (HP) | Evaporator Temperature | Diameter/Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | Low (-10°F) | 0.026 in / 123″ |
| 1/6 | Medium (25°F) | 0.026 in / 100″ |
| 1/6 | High (45°F) | 0.026 in / 78″ |
Source: Industries JB
Capillary Tube Dimensions for R404A
| Compressor Power (HP) | Application | Diameter (in) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | LBP | 0.036 | 1.7 |
| 3/4 | LBP | 0.042 | 2.5 |
| 1 | LBP | 0.050 | 2.6 |
Source: Tecumseh
Capillary Tube for 1/6 HP Compressor with R407C
| Power (HP) | Low Temperature (in/in) | Medium Temperature (in/in) | High Temperature (in/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 0.026 / 95″ | 0.026 / 78″ | 0.031 / 95″ |
