Pressure loss in a refrigerant piping system is primarily dependent on which factor?

The primary factor influencing pressure loss in a refrigerant piping system is pipe friction. When refrigerant moves through the pipes, it encounters resistance due to the internal surface roughness of the pipe material, as well as the flow characteristics of the refrigerant itself. This resistance causes a decrease in pressure, and the amount of friction loss is significantly influenced by the properties of the refrigerant, the velocity of flow, and the diameter and length of the piping.

While other factors such as pipe length, diameter, and refrigerant type do play a role in the overall pressure drop, friction is the most critical determinant because it directly corresponds to the energy loss incurred as the refrigerant flows through the piping network. Thus, managing friction through appropriate pipe selection and system design is essential to minimizing pressure losses in the refrigerant system.