When operating, the low pressure side of a chiller using low-pressure refrigerant is always found to be what?

In a chiller system that utilizes low-pressure refrigerant, the low-pressure side is designed to operate under a vacuum. This is essential for the efficient circulation of refrigerant within the system and allows the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat effectively.

The low-pressure side refers to the area where the refrigerant is typically in a gaseous state at lower pressures, and when operating under a vacuum, it ensures that the refrigerant can readily vaporize at lower temperatures. This characteristic is crucial for the cooling process, as the refrigerant needs to absorb heat from the environment, which it accomplishes as it transitions from a liquid state to a gas in the evaporator.

Operating the low-pressure side under a vacuum also helps prevent contamination and moisture ingress, which can adversely affect system performance and reliability. Therefore, maintaining a vacuum on the low-pressure side is a vital aspect of operating chillers that use low-pressure refrigerants.