02-01-20

SECTION 23 23 00
REFRIGERANT PIPING

SPEC WRITER NOTE:

1. Delete between // ---- // if not
applicable to project. Also delete any
other item or paragraph not applicable
in the section and renumber the
paragraphs.
2. Provide the year of latest edition to
each publication given in Paragraph
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS.
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
//A. Field refrigerant piping for direct expansion HVAC systems. // Field
refrigerant piping and associated drain and condenser water piping for
walk-in coolers and freezers, including required pipe insulation. //
Field refrigerant piping and associated drain and condenser water piping
for laboratory refrigerators, including required pipe insulation. //
Field refrigerant piping and associated drain and condenser water piping
for mortuary refrigerators, including required pipe insulation. //
//B. Refrigerant piping shall be sized, selected, and designed either by the
equipment manufacturer or in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
published instructions. The schematic piping diagram shall show all
accessories such as, stop valves, level indicators, liquid receivers,
oil separator, gauges, thermostatic expansion valves, solenoid valves,
moisture separators and driers to make a complete installation.
C. Definitions:
1. Refrigerating system: Combination of interconnected
refrigerant-containing parts constituting one closed refrigeration
circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated for the purpose of
extracting heat.
a. Low side means the parts of a refrigerating system subjected to
evaporator pressure.
b. High side means the parts of a refrigerating system subjected to
condenser pressure.
2. Brazed joint: A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal
parts with alloys which melt at temperatures higher than 449 degrees
C (840 degrees F) but less than the melting temperatures of the
joined parts.

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1.2 RELATED WORK

A. Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, and SAMPLES.
B. Section 11 41 21, WALK IN COOLERS and FREEZERS.
C. Section 11 53 23, LABORATORY REFRIGERATORS.
D. Section 11 78 13, MORTUARY REFRIGERATORS.
E. Section 13 05 41, SEISMIC RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS.//
//F. Section 13 21 29, CONSTENT TEMPERATURE ROOMS.//
G. Section 23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC.
H. Section 23 07 11, HVAC, and BOILER PLANT INSULATION.
I. Section 23 21 13, HYDRONIC PIPING.
//J. Section 23 64 00, PACKAGED WATER CHILLERS.//
1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Refer to specification Section 23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC.
B. Comply with ASHRAE Standard 15, Safety Code for Mechanical
Refrigeration. The application of this Code is intended to assure the
safe design, construction, installation, operation, and inspection of
every refrigerating system employing a fluid which normally is vaporized
and liquefied in its refrigerating cycle.
C. Comply with ASME B31.5: Refrigerant Piping and Heat Transfer Components.
D. Products shall comply with UL 207 "Refrigerant–Containing Components and
Accessories, "Nonelectrical"; or UL 429 "Electrical Operated Valves."
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with specification Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS,
PRODUCT DATA, and SAMPLES.
B. Shop Drawings:
1. Complete information for components noted, including valves and
refrigerant piping accessories, clearly presented, shall be included
to determine compliance with drawings and specifications for
components noted below:
a. Tubing and fittings
b. Valves
c. Strainers
d. Moisture-liquid indicators
e. Filter-driers
f. Flexible metal hose
g. Liquid-suction interchanges
h. Oil separators (when specified)

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i. Gages
j. Pipe and equipment supports
k. Refrigerant and oil
l. Pipe/conduit roof penetration cover
m. Soldering and brazing materials
2. Layout of refrigerant piping and accessories, including flow
capacities, valves locations, and oil traps slopes of horizontal
runs, floor/wall penetrations, and equipment connection details.
C. Certification: Copies of certificates for welding procedure, performance
qualification record and list of welders' names and symbols.
D. Design Manual: Furnish two copies of design manual of refrigerant valves
and accessories.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Insert the year of
approved latest edition of the
publications between the bracket and
delete the brackets //----// if applicable
to this project.
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced. The publications are referenced in the text by the
basic designation only.
B. Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (ARI/AHRI):
495-//2005//............Standard for Refrigerant Liquid Receivers
730-//2013//............Flow Capacity Rating of Suction-Line Filters and
Suction-Line Filter-Driers
750-//2016//............Thermostatic Refrigerant Expansion Valves
760-//202014//..........Performance Rating of Solenoid Valves for Use
with Volatile Refrigerants
C. American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE):
15-//2019//.............Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems (ANSI)
17-//2008//.............Method of Testing Capacity of Thermostatic
Refrigerant Expansion Valves (ANSI)
63.1-//2001//...........Method of Testing Liquid Line Refrigerant Driers
(ANSI)
63.2-//2010//...........Method of Testing Liquid Line Filter Drier
Filtration Capability (ANSI)
D. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
A13.1-//2015//Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems
Z535.1-//2017//.........Safety Color Code

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E. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):

B16.22-//2018// Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder-Joint Pressure
Fittings (ANSI)
B16.24-//20016//Cast Copper Alloy Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings,
Class 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1500 and 2500 (ANSI)
B31.5-//2013// Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components (ANSI)
B40.100-//2013//........Pressure Gauges and Gauge Attachments
B40.200-//2008//........Thermometers, Direct Reading and Remote Reading
F. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
A126-//2014//...........Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings
for Valves, Flanges, and Pipe Fittings
B32-08Standard Specification for Solder Metal
B88-//2016//............Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water
Tube
B88M-//2018//...........Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water
Tube (Metric)
B280-//2019//...........Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube
for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field
Service
G. American Welding Society, Inc. (AWS):Brazing Handbook
A5.8/A5.8M-//2011//.....Standard Specification for Filler Metals for
Brazing and Braze Welding
H. Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.):
U.L.207-//2018//........Standard for Refrigerant-Containing Components
and Accessories, Nonelectrical
U.L.429-//2013//........Standard for Electrically Operated Valves
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Make material
requirements agree with applicable
requirements specified in the referred
publications. Update and specify only that
material which applies to the project.

2.1 PIPING AND FITTINGS

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Copper tubing is limited
to sizes up to DN 100 (NPS 4).
A. Refrigerant Piping: For piping up to 100 mm (4 inch) use Copper
refrigerant tube, ASTM B280, cleaned, dehydrated and sealed, marked ACR
on hard temper straight lengths. Coils shall be tagged ASTM B280 by the
manufacturer. For piping over 100 mm (4 inch) use A53 Black SML steel.

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B. Water and Drain Piping: Copper water tube, ASTM B88M, Type B or C (ASTM
B88, Type M or L). Optional drain piping material: Schedule 80 flame
retardant Polypropylene plastic.
C. Fittings, Valves and Accessories:
1. Copper fittings: Wrought copper fittings, ASME B16.22.
a. Brazed Joints, refrigerant tubing: Cadmium free, AWS A5.8/A5.8M,
45 percent silver brazing alloy, Class BAg-5.
b. Solder Joints, water and drain: 95-5 tin-antimony, ASTM B32
(95TA).
2. Steel fittings: ASTM wrought steel fittings.
a. Refrigerant piping – Welded Joints.
3. Flanges and flanged fittings: ASME B16.24.
4. Refrigeration Valves:
a. Stop Valves: Brass or bronze alloy, packless, or packed type with
gas tight cap, frost proof, back seating.
b. Pressure Relief Valves: Comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code; UL listed. Forged brass with nonferrous, corrosion
resistant internal working parts of high strength, cast iron
bodies conforming to ASTM A126, Grade B. Set valves in accordance
with ASHRAE Standard 15.
c. Solenoid Valves: Comply with ARI 760 and UL 429, UL-listed, two-
position, direct acting or pilot-operated, moisture and
vapor-proof type of corrosion resisting materials, designed for
intended service, and solder-end connections. Fitted with suitable
NEMA 250 enclosure of type required by location and normally //
open // closed // holding coil.
d. Thermostatic Expansion Valves: Comply with ARI 750. Brass body
with stainless-steel or non-corrosive nonferrous internal parts,
diaphragm and spring-loaded (direct-operated) type with sensing
bulb and distributor having side connection for hot-gas bypass and
external equalizer. Size and operating characteristics as
recommended by manufacturer of evaporator and factory set for
superheat requirements. Solder-end connections. Testing and rating
in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 17.
e. Check Valves: Brass or bronze alloy with swing or lift type, with
tight closing resilient seals for silent operation; designed for
low pressure drop, and with solder-end connections. Direction of
flow shall be legibly and permanently indicated on the valve body.

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5. Strainers: Designed to permit removing screen without removing

strainer from piping system, and provided with screens 80 to 100 mesh
in liquid lines DN 25 (NPS 1) and smaller, 60 mesh in liquid lines
larger than DN 25 (NPS 1), and 40 mesh in suction lines. Provide
strainers in liquid line serving each thermostatic expansion valve,
and in suction line serving each refrigerant compressor not equipped
with integral strainer.
6. Refrigerant Moisture/Liquid Indicators: Double-ported type having
heavy sight glasses sealed into forged bronze body and incorporating
means of indicating refrigerant charge and moisture indication.
Provide screwed brass seal caps.
7. Refrigerant Filter-Dryers: UL listed, angle or in-line type, as shown
on drawings. Conform to ARI Standard 730 and ASHRAE Standard 63.1.
Heavy gage steel shell protected with corrosion-resistant paint;
perforated baffle plates to prevent desiccant bypass. Size as
recommended by manufacturer for service and capacity of system with
connection not less than the line size in which installed. Filter
driers with replaceable filters shall be furnished with one spare
element of each type and size.
8. Flexible Metal Hose: Seamless bronze corrugated hose, covered with
bronze wire braid, with standard copper tube ends. Provide in suction
and discharge piping of each compressor.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Discuss the use of heat
exchanger with the VA.

9. Water Piping Valves and Accessories: Refer to specification Section

23 21 13, HYDRONIC PIPING, Section 23 64 00, PACKAGED WATER CHILLERS
and Section 13 21 29, CONSTANT TEMPERATURE ROOM.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Oil separators are
required only in special situations.
These may include systems with long
suction lines or other oil return issues.
Confirm application of oil separators with
equipment manufacturer.

//10. Oil Separators: Provide for condensing units, as shown. All welded
steel construction with capacity to eliminate a minimum of 95 percent
of the oil from the hot gas flowing through it. Provide
manufacturer's published ratings for minimum and maximum
refrigeration tonnage corresponding to this oil separating
efficiency. Separator shall be equipped with a float valve to prevent

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return of the hot gas to crankcase, and shall have isolating stop
valves so it can be opened and services without pumping out any other
part of the system. ASME construction or UL listed.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Required only to
accommodate pump-down charge.

//11. Receivers: Conform to AHRI 495, steel construction, equipped with

taps for liquid inlet and outlet valves, pressure relief valve and
liquid level indicator.//
2.2 GAGES
A. Temperature Gages: Comply with ASME B40.200. Industrial-duty type and in
required temperature range for service in which installed. Gages shall
have Celsius scale in 1-degree (Fahrenheit scale in 2-degree)
graduations and with black number on a white face. The pointer shall be
adjustable. Rigid stem type temperature gages shall be provided in
thermal wells located within 1525 mm (5 feet) of the finished floor.
Universal adjustable angle type or remote element type temperature gages
shall be provided in thermal wells located 1525 to 2135 mm (5 to 7 feet)
above the finished floor. Remote element type temperature gages shall be
provided in thermal wells located 2135 mm (7 feet) above the finished
floor.
B. Vacuum and Pressure Gages: Comply with ASME B40.100 and provide with
throttling type needle valve or a pulsation dampener and shut-off valve.
Gage shall be a minimum of 90 mm (3-1/2 inches) in diameter with a range
from 0 kPa (0 psig) to approximately 1.5 times the maximum system
working pressure. Each gage range shall be selected so that at normal
operating pressure, the needle is within the middle-third of the range.
1. Suction: 101 kPa (30 inches Hg) vacuum to 1723 kPa (gage) (250 psig).
2. Discharge: 0 to 3445 kPa (gage) (0 to 500 psig).
2.3 THERMOMETERS AND WELLS
A. Refer to specification Section 23 21 13, HYDRONIC PIPING.
2.4 PIPE SUPPORTS
A. Refer to specification Section 23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC.
2.5 ELECTRICAL HEAT TRACING SYSTEM
A. Refer to specification Section 23 21 13, HYDRONIC PIPING. Provide for
freezer unit cooler drain piping.
2.6 REFRIGERANTS AND OIL
A. Provide EPA approved refrigerant and oil for proper system operation.

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2.7 PIPE/CONDUIT ROOF PENETRATION COVER

A. Prefabricated Roof Curb: Galvanized steel or extruded aluminum 300 mm
(12 inches) overall height, continuous welded corner seams, treated wood
nailer, 38 mm (1-1/2 inch) thick, 48 kg/cu.m (3 lb/cu.ft.) density rigid
mineral fiberboard insulation with metal liner, built-in cant strip
(except for gypsum or tectum decks). For surface insulated roof deck,
provide raised cant strip (recessed mounting flange) to start at the
upper surface of the insulation. Curbs shall be constructed for pitched
roof or ridge mounting as required to keep top of curb level.
B. Penetration Cover: Galvanized sheet metal with flanged removable top.
Provide 38 mm (1-1/2 inch) thick mineral fiber board insulation.
C. Flashing Sleeves: Provide sheet metal sleeves for conduit and pipe
penetrations of the penetration cover. Seal watertight penetrations.
2.8 PIPE INSULATION FOR DX HVAC SYSTEMS
Refer to specification Section 23 07 11, HVAC, PLUMBING, and BOILER
PLANT INSULATION.
2.9 PIPE INSULATION FOR WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS AND LABORATORY
REFRIGERATORS AND MORTUARY REFRIGERATORS
A. Flexible elastomeric: Refer to specification Section 23 07 11, HVAC,
PLUMBING, and BOILER PLANT INSULATION.
B. Insulate refrigerant suction piping from unit cooler to condensing unit.
Use 20 mm (3/4-inch) thick insulation on piping inside the refrigerator
or freezer and 40 mm (1-1/2 inch) thick insulation (double layer
required) on piping outside the refrigerated space.
//C. Insulate unit cooler drain piping in freezer units, over electric heat
tracing system, to prevent drain from freezing during defrost.//
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Install refrigerant piping and refrigerant containing parts in
accordance with ASHRAE Standard 15 and ASME B31.5
1. Install piping as short as possible, with a minimum number of joints,
elbow and fittings.
2. Install piping with adequate clearance between pipe and adjacent
walls and hangers to allow for service and inspection. Space piping,
including insulation, to provide 25 mm (1 inch) minimum clearance
between adjacent piping or other surface. Use pipe sleeves through
walls, floors, and ceilings, sized to permit installation of pipes
with full thickness insulation.

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3. Locate and orient valves to permit proper operation and access for
maintenance of packing, seat and disc. Generally locate valve stems
in overhead piping in horizontal position. Provide a union adjacent
to one end of all threaded end valves. Control valves usually require
reducers to connect to pipe sizes shown on the drawing.
4. Use copper tubing in protective conduit when installed below ground.
5. Install hangers and supports per ASME B31.5 and the refrigerant
piping manufacturer's recommendations.
B. Joint Construction:
1. Brazed Joints: Comply with AWS "Brazing Handbook" and with filler
materials complying with AWS A5.8/A5.8M.
a. Use Type BcuP, copper-phosphorus alloy for joining copper socket
fittings with copper tubing.
b. Use Type BAg, cadmium-free silver alloy for joining copper with
bronze or steel.
c. Swab fittings and valves with manufacturer's recommended cleaning
fluid to remove oil and other compounds prior to installation.
d. Pass nitrogen gas through the pipe or tubing to prevent oxidation
as each joint is brazed. Cap the system with a reusable plug after
each brazing operation to retain the nitrogen and prevent entrance
of air and moisture.
C. Protect refrigerant system during construction against entrance of
foreign matter, dirt and moisture; have open ends of piping and
connections to compressors, condensers, evaporators and other equipment
tightly capped until assembly.
D. Pipe relief valve discharge to outdoors for systems containing more than
45 kg (100 lbs) of refrigerant.
E. Firestopping: Fill openings around uninsulated piping penetrating floors
or fire walls, with firestop material. For firestopping insulated piping
refer to Section 23 07 11, HVAC, and BOILER PLANT INSULATION.
F. Seismic Bracing: Refer to specification Section 13 05 41, SEISMIC
RESTRAINTS REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS, for bracing of
piping in seismic areas.
3.2 PIPE AND TUBING INSULATION
A. Refer to specification Section 23 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR HVAC.
B. Apply two coats of weather-resistant finish as recommended by the
manufacturer to insulation exposed to outdoor weather.

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3.3 SIGNS AND IDENTIFICATION

A. Each refrigerating system erected on the premises shall be provided with
an easily legible permanent sign securely attached and easily
accessible, indicating thereon the name and address of the installer,
the kind and total number of pounds of refrigerant required in the
system for normal operations, and the field test pressure applied.
B. Systems containing more than 50 kg (110 lb) of refrigerant shall be
provided with durable signs, in accordance with ANSI A13.1 and ANSI
Z535.1, having letters not less than 13 mm (1/2 inch) in height
designating:
1. Valves and switches for controlling refrigerant flow, the ventilation
and the refrigerant compressor(s).
2. Signs on all exposed high pressure and low pressure piping installed
outside the machinery room, with name of the refrigerant and the
letters "HP" or "LP."
3.4 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Prior to initial operation examine and inspect piping system for
conformance to plans and specifications and ASME B31.5. Correct
equipment, material, or work rejected because of defects or
nonconformance with plans and specifications, and ANSI codes for
pressure piping.
B. After completion of piping installation and prior to initial operation,
conduct test on piping system according to ASME B31.5. Furnish materials
and equipment required for tests. Perform tests in the presence of
Resident Engineer. If the test fails, correct defects and perform the
test again until it is satisfactorily done and all joints are proved
tight.
1. Every refrigerant-containing parts of the system that is erected on
the premises, except compressors, condensers, evaporators, safety
devices, pressure gages, control mechanisms and systems that are
factory tested, shall be tested and proved tight after complete
installation, and before operation.
2. The high and low side of each system shall be tested and proved tight
at not less than the lower of the design pressure or the setting of
the pressure-relief device protecting the high or low side of the
system, respectively, except systems erected on the premises using
non-toxic and non-flammable Group A1 refrigerants with copper tubing
not exceeding DN 18 (NPS 5/8). This may be tested by means of the

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refrigerant charged into the system at the saturated vapor pressure

of the refrigerant at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) minimum.
C. Test Medium: A suitable dry gas such as nitrogen or shall be used for
pressure testing. The means used to build up test pressure shall have
either a pressure-limiting device or pressure-reducing device with a
pressure-relief device and a gage on the outlet side. The pressure
relief device shall be set above the test pressure but low enough to
prevent permanent deformation of the system components.
D. Refrigerator/Freezer Start-up and Performance Tests: Specification
//Section 11 41 21, WALK-IN COOLERS and FREEZERS//Section 11 53 23,
LABORATORY REFRIGERATORS//Section 11 78 13, MORTUARY REFRIGERATORS//.
3.5 SYSTEM TEST AND CHARGING
A. System Test and Charging: As recommended by the equipment manufacturer
or as follows:
1. Connect a drum of refrigerant to charging connection and introduce
enough refrigerant into system to raise the pressure to 70 kPa (10
psi) gage. Close valves and disconnect refrigerant drum. Test system
for leaks with halide test torch or other approved method suitable
for the test gas used. Repair all leaking joints and retest.
2. Connect a drum of dry nitrogen to charging valve and bring test
pressure to design pressure for low side and for high side. Test
entire system again for leaks.
3. Evacuate the entire refrigerant system by the triplicate evacuation
method with a vacuum pump equipped with an electronic gage reading in
mPa (microns). Pull the system down to 665 mPa (500 microns) 665 mPa
(2245.6 inches of mercury at 60 degrees F) and hold for four hours
then break the vacuum with dry nitrogen (or refrigerant). Repeat the
evacuation two more times breaking the third vacuum with the
refrigeration to be charged and charge with the proper volume of
refrigerant.
- - - E N D - - -

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