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Mechanical Engineering vocabulary · HVAC

Refrigerant

Meaning in mechanical engineering, with examples

/rɪˈfrɪdʒərənt/nounCommon term

In mechanical engineering, refrigerant means: The working fluid in a refrigeration or air conditioning system. It absorbs heat when it evaporates and releases heat when it condenses; R-32 and R-134a are examples.

In Turkish: soğutucu akışkan, soğutkan, soğutucu gaz

How it is used

Used in HVAC, refrigeration and heat pump work. Technicians charge, recover and check refrigerant and look for leaks. Refrigerants are compared by their GWP (global warming potential), and regulations are phasing out high-GWP types.

Example sentences

  1. The unit lost most of its refrigerant through a leak at a brazed joint.

  2. The new heat pumps use R-290, a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP.

Common collocations

  • refrigerant leak
  • refrigerant charge
  • low-GWP refrigerant
  • refrigerant recovery
  • refrigerant circuit
  • chillerA refrigeration machine that cools water or a water-glycol mixture, which is then pumped to air handling units, fan coils or process equipment.
  • compressorA machine that increases the pressure of a gas, such as air or a refrigerant, by reducing its volume. It is driven by an electric motor or an engine.
  • heat pumpA device that uses a refrigeration cycle to move heat from a cooler place, such as outdoor air or the ground, to a warmer place for heating, or the other way round for cooling.
  • HVACShort for heating, ventilation and air conditioning: the systems that control temperature, humidity and air quality in buildings, vehicles and industrial spaces.

More terms: HVAC

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