How should refrigerant piping typically be installed?

Piping for refrigerant systems should be installed pitched in the direction of refrigerant flow to facilitate the proper drainage of the refrigerant and to prevent any potential traps from forming. This approach ensures that any oil or liquid refrigerant can effectively flow back toward the compressor, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of the system. By having the piping aligned in the flow direction, it minimizes the risk of liquid refrigerant accumulating in places where it shouldn't be, helping to prevent issues like compressor flooding.

Other configurations, such as horizontal at all times, flat with no pitch, or pitched downward, could lead to operational problems. For instance, if the piping is flat or pitched downward in a way that does not align with the flow, liquid refrigerant might pool in low spots, obstructing the flow and leading to insufficient lubrication of the compressor or even damage over time. Thus, the correct installation method is to pitch the refrigerant piping in the direction of flow.