In a system containing 50 lb of refrigerant, where should stop valves be installed?

The appropriate placement of stop valves in a refrigeration system is crucial for efficient maintenance and operation. Installing stop valves at the inlet of each compressor serves a vital role in isolating the compressor from the rest of the system. This allows for maintenance or service to be performed on the compressor without compromising the refrigerant flow in other parts of the system.

By placing the stop valves at the compressor inlets, you ensure that the system can be safely serviced while preventing refrigerant from escaping or entering areas that are not being worked on. This is particularly important in maintaining the integrity and safety of the refrigerant charge, as well as ensuring that the system can be effectively repaired or replaced when necessary.

Other locations for stop valves, such as the compressor outlet, the expansion valve, or the condenser inlet, do not provide the same level of isolation for maintenance, which is a critical aspect of system design and management. Thus, positioning stop valves at the inlet of each compressor is recognized as best practice in maintaining efficient and safe refrigeration system operation.