66
HOT GAS VALVE
General
The hot gas valve is an electrically operated valve that
opens when energized, and closes when de-
energized.
Normal Operation
The valve is de-energized (closed) during the freeze
cycle and energized (open) during the harvest cycle.
The valve is positioned between the compressor and
the evaporator and performs two functions:
7. Prevents refrigerant from entering the evaporator
during the freeze cycle.
The hot gas valve is de-energized (closed)
preventing refrigerant flow from the receiver into
the evaporator.
8. Allows refrigerant vapor to enter the evaporator in
the harvest cycle.
During the harvest cycle, the hot gas valve is
energized (open) allowing refrigerant gas from the
discharge line of the compressor to flow into the
evaporator. The heat is absorbed by the evaporator
and allows release of the ice slab.
Exact pressures vary according to ambient
temperature and ice machine model. Harvest
pressures can be found in the “Cycle Time/24 Hour Ice
Production/Refrigerant Pressure Charts in this book.