The purpose of a muffler used for an air-conditioning application is to reduce noise due to gas pulsations by allowing the gas to expand in the muffler chambers and smoothing out the flow. Mufflers have internal baffles designed for minimum pressure drop, which change the velocity of the discharge gases through the muffler.
This results in a dampening effect on high-frequency sound waves in the gases on high-speed compressors. This also irons out the pulsating waves in low-speed compressors. Note: Muffler is not designed to eliminate vibrations.
Select a muffler with a connection size that matches or exceeds the line size of the discharge line. There is no tonnage rating for mufflers, since the muffler will remove pulsations from the discharge regardless of flow.
Mufflers with offset connector fittings allow for vertical, horizontal or angle mounting when properly installed. Install the muffler on the discharge as close to the compressor as possible to reduce noise in the discharge line.
Standard mufflers are bi-directional; therefore, there is no inlet or outlet. When mounted in the horizontal or angle position the side with the label must be on the top center to insure proper flow of the oil. The outlet should be lower than the inlet when possible, or the muffler may collect oil from the charge and fill up, reducing its muffling ability and cause loss of oil in the compressor crankcase. Mufflers mounted vertically will not trap oil.
A vibration eliminator should be installed between the compressor discharge valve and the muffler to prevent vibration from being transmitted to the line. A support must be installed between the vibration eliminator and muffler. This support must be wide enough so as not to act as a pivot point and transmit the vibration load. If this support is omitted, the pressure line could go into vibration due to the weight of the muffler.
For troubleshooting, mufflers will only remove noise due to discharge gas pulsations. If the noise is due to vibration of the compressor or lines, vibration eliminators should be added to the discharge lines and possible the suction lines.
AC&R Components INC.
|
