Danfoss TCBE/TCCE/TCAE Thermostatic Expansion Valve Installation Guide
Product Overview
This document provides installation guidance for Danfoss Thermostatic Expansion Valves, specifically the TCBE, TCCE, and TCAE types.
Standard refrigerants: Refer to the product label for specific refrigerant compatibility.
Maximum working pressure (PS / MWP): 45.5 bar / 660 psig
Maximum test pressure (Ptest): 45.5 bar / 660 psig
Installation Procedures and Limits
Step 1: Valve Connection
The installation involves connecting the valve to the refrigeration system. Diagrams illustrate correct and incorrect connection methods. The correct method is marked with an 'OK' symbol (✅), while incorrect methods are shown crossed out (❌). Proper alignment is crucial.
Step 2: Pressure Testing
A pressure test is performed by connecting a pressure gauge to the system. The pressure is applied for a duration of 2-5 seconds. The diagram shows the gauge connected to a port on the valve assembly.
Step 3: Temperature and Solder Specifications
Maximum operating temperatures for valve components are specified:
- Max. 100 °C / 212 °F
- Max. 150 °C / 300 °F
A higher temperature limit of 850 °C / 1550 °F is noted, likely relevant for brazing procedures. A minimum of 5% silver (Ag) solder is required for connections.
Step 4: Connection Sizes
The valve is available with the following connection sizes:
- 1/2 - 5/8 inches (12 - 16 mm)
- 3/4 - 1 3/4 inches (18 - 32 mm)
Step 5: System Integration
When integrating the valve (TCE) into the system, ensure that the pipe length (L) before the valve inlet is greater than 7 times the pipe's outer diameter (OD), i.e., L > 7xOD.
Step 6: Superheat Adjustment and Tightening
Static Superheat (SS) is a key parameter for valve adjustment. The required torque for tightening the connection nut is 4 Nm (3 ft-lbs), using a 5/32 inch tool.
Superheat Settings by Refrigerant
The following table provides typical Static Superheat (SS) settings for different refrigerants. Note that specific settings may vary based on valve type and operating conditions, as indicated by temperature range codes (N, NM, B).
| Refrigerant Type | SS Setting (Typical) |
|---|---|
| R22/R407C | 1 °C (1.8 °F) |
| R134a | 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) |
| R404A/R507 | 2 °C (3.6 °F) |
| R410A | 4 °C (7 °F) |
Temperature Range Definitions:
- N: -40 to -10 °C / -40 to 60 °F
- NM: -40 to -5 °C / -40 to 25 °F
- B: -60 to -25 °C / -75 to -15 °F
Note: The original document's table structure for R410A was complex. The provided table above reflects the common interpretation of SS settings for these refrigerants, supplemented by the explicit text stating 'N, B: 4 °C/7 °F', 'NMOP, NM: 4 °C/7 °F', 'BMOP: 4 °C/7 °F' which indicates 4 °C / 7 °F as a key setting, likely for R410A or specific valve variants.
