Handbook Regulating Valves For Refrigerating System – Castel Italian Technology

CRANKCASE PRESSURE REGULATORS

APPLICATIONS
The crankcase pressure regulators series 3320, shown in this chapter, are classified “Pressure
accessories” in the sense of the Pressure Equipment Directive 94/23/EC, Article 1, Section 2.1.4 and
are subject of Article 3, Section 1.3 of the same Directive.
They are designed to operate on refrigerating systems, which use the following refrigerant fluids: R22 ,
R134a, R404A , R407C , R507 proper to the Group II (as defined in Article 9, Section 2.2 of Directive
97/23/EC and referred to in Directive 67/548/EEC).
Crankcase pressure regulator is specifically designed so that it can operate on refrigerating system
which use R22, R134a, R404A , R407C, R507 as its refrigerant fluids.
The crankcase pressure regulator is a common accessory added to many low-temperature refrigeration
applications. It is designed to prevent the compressor’s motor from overloading when its crankcase
pressure rises above its designed working pressure. On many low-temperature applications, this can
occur during or after a defrost cycle, or after a long shutdown period.
Crankcase pressure regulator can be found in many low-temperature refrigeration applications. The
main function of crankcase pressure regulator is to prevent overloading of the compressor motor when
crankcase pressure is higher than its designed working pressure. To avoid such condition, crankcase
pressure regulator is necessary because it can limit the crankcase pressure during and after a defrost
cycle or after a long shutdown period.
OPERATION
Crankcase pressure regulators series 3320 adjust the flow of gaseous refrigerant according to changes
of suction pressure, downstream the regulator. When the suction pressure is above the valve setting, the
shutter remain closed. As the suction pressure drops below the valve setting, the shutter begins to open
and the amount of its opening is proportional to the change of suction pressure. As the suction pressure
continues to drop, the shutter continues to open farther until the limit of the stoke is reached and the
valve is completely open. Once the shutter is fully opened, only an increase in pressure drop across the
valve will increase valve capacity. Regulators series 3320 regulate only in dependence on the outlet
pressure change, pressure change on the inlet side do not affect the degree of opening since the valve is
equipped with an equalization bellow with an effective area equal to valve seat. The factory pressure
setting of these valves is 2 bar, this means that until the suction pressure is above the 2 bar the valve
remains closed, when the suction pressure drops below the 2 bar the valve begin to open. According to
the characteristics of the refrigerating system it can be necessary to change the valve setting adjusting
the setting screw on the top of the body; the pressure setting range is from 0,2 bar up to 6 bar.
The operation of crankcase pressure regulator as follows:
The flow of gaseous refrigerant can be adjusted by crankcase pressure regulator according to the
changes of suction pressure, downstream the regulator. The shutter will remain closed when the suction
pressure is higher than the valve setting. Because suction pressure decreases below the valve setting,
the shutter begins to open and the amount of its opening is proportional to the change of suction
pressure. When suction pressure continues to drop, the shutter continues to open farther until it has
reached the limit of the stoke and the valve is completely open. After the shutter is fully opened, the
valve capacity will increase only if there is an increase in pressure drop across the valve. Regulators
series 3320 regulate only in dependence on the outlet pressure change. Pressure changes on the inlet
side do not have significant effect to the degree of opening because the valve is equipped with an
equalization bellow with an effective area equal to valve seat. The factory pressure setting of these
valves is 2 bar. It means the valve will remain closed until the suction pressure is higher than 2 bar.
Valve will begin to open when suction pressure drops below the 2 bar. It is very important to change
the valve setting by adjusting the setting screw on the top of the body based on the characteristics of
refrigerating system. Pressure setting is available in the range of 0,2 to 6 bar.
CONSTRUCTION
The main parts of crankcase pressure regulators series 3320 are made with the following materials:
• Hot forged brass EN 12420 – CW 617N for body
• Copper tube EN 12735-1 – Cu-DHP for solder connections
• Austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 for bellow
• Austenitic stainless steel AISI 303 for shutter
• Brass bar EN 12164 – CW 614N for setting screw
• Spring steel DIN 17223/84 Class C/D for setting spring
• Chloroprene rubber (CR) for outlet seal gaskets

Crankcase pressure regulators have several main parts which are made with particular materials as
follows:
• Crankcase pressure regulators's body is made of hot forged brass
• Solder connections are made of copper tube
• Bellow is made of austenitic stainless steel
• Shutter is made of austenitic stainless steel
• Setting screw is made of brass bar
• Setting spring is made of spring steel
• Outlet seal gaskets are made of Chloroprene rubber (CR)
INSTALLATION
Crankcase pressure regulators series 3320 are installed in the suction line between the evaporator and
the compressor. Normally there are no other components installed downstream, between the valve
outlet and the compressor. This is to ensure that the outlet of regulator senses the true crankcase
pressure of the compressor.

The location of crankcase pressure regulator is in the suction line between the evaporator and the
compressor. The purpose of this installation is to ensure that the outlet of regulator senses the true
crankcase pressure of the compressor because generally there are no other components between the
valve outlet and the compressor.

SELECTION
A correct selection of crankcase pressure regulators series 3320 is possible if complete system
information are available. The selection involves these basic items:
1. Refrigerant
2. Evaporator capacity, at system working conditions.
3. Designed evaporating temperature (saturated
pressure) at design load condition.
4. Maximum allowable suction pressure. Recommended by the compressor or unit manufacturer; this
data is the valves setting.
5. Allowable pressure drop across the valves at design load condition
The following requirements have to be considered for selecting the correct crankcase pressure
regulators:
1. Refrigerant
2. Evaporator capacity, at system working conditions
3. Designed evaporating temperature (saturated pressure) at design load condition
4. Maximum allowable suction pressure (recommended by the compressor or unit manufacturer)
5. Allowable pressure drop across the valves at design load condition

The pressure drop difference between items 3 and 4 determines how much of the valve stroke is
utilized. The valve setting should be kept as high as possible without exceeding the recommendation of
the compressor manufacturer. When the full stroke of the valve is used, the only thing that will increase
the valve capacity is to take more pressure drop across the valve. Since excessive suction line pressure
losses penalize system capacity, the pressure drop across the 3320 regulator should be kept to a
minimum, the lower the evaporator temperature, the less pressure drop allowed. The refrigerating
capacities indicated on tables 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A are based on a reference liquid temperature of 36,7 °C.

In point (3) and (4) there are the difference in pressure drop which determines how much of the valve
stroke is utilized. Please note that The valve setting should be kept as high as possible without
exceeding the recommended setting from manufacturer. When the full stroke of the valve is used, the
only thing that will increase the valve capacity is to take more pressure drop across the valve. Because
excessive suction line pressure losses penalize system capacity, the pressure drop across regulator
should be kept to a minimum. The lower the evaporator temperature, the less pressure drop allowed.

CRANKCASE PRESSURE REGULATORS KVL

Crankcase pressure regulator type KVL is fitted in the suction line ahead of the compressor. KVL
protects the compressor motor against overload during start-up after long standstill periods or after
defrost periods (high pressure in evaporator).
Crankcase pressure regulator is placed in the suction line ahead of the compressor. The purpose of
evaporator pressure regulator is to protect the compressor motor from overload during start-up after
long standstill periods or after defrost periods (high pressure in evaporator).

Sizing
For optimum performance, it is important to select a KVL valve according to system conditions and
application.
The following data must be used when sizing a KVL valve:
• Refrigerant: KVL 12-22: HCFC, HFC and HC KVL 28-35: HCFC and non-flammable HFC
• Evaporator capacity: Qe in [kW]
• Liquid temperature ahead of expansion valve: tl in [°C]
• Suction temperature ahead of compressor: ts in [°C]
• Maximum suction pressure after the regulator: PS in [bar]
• Connection type: flare or solder
• Connection size in [in.] or [mm]
Selecting a correct crankcase pressure regulator valve based on the system conditions and application is
necessary to ensure system best performance.
There are several factors that must be considered to determine the proper size of crankcase pressure
regulator valve:
• Refrigerant
• Evaporator capacity: Qe in [kW]
• Liquid temperature ahead of expansion valve: tl in [°C]
• Suction temperature ahead of compressor: ts in [°C]
• Maximum suction pressure after the regulator: PS in [bar]
• Connection type: flare or solder
• Connection size in [in.] or [mm]

Design / Function
The Crankcase pressure regulator type KVL opens at pressure fall on the outlet side, i.e. when the
suction pressure ahead of the compressor drops below the set value. The KVL only regulates based on
the outlet pressure. Pressure variations on the inlet side of the regulator do not affect the degree of
opening since the KVL is equipped with an equalization bellows.
Crankcase pressure regulator will open if the pressure on the outlet side decreases, which may happen
when the suction pressure ahead of the compressor decreases below the set value. This valve only
regulates based on the outlet pressure. Because the valve is equipped with equalization bellows,
pressure variations on the inlet side of the regulator do not have significant effect to the degree of
opening.
This bellows has an effective area corresponding to that of the valve seat. The regulator is also
equipped with an effective damping device (9) against pulsations, which normally occur in a
refrigeration plant. The damping device helps to ensure long life of the regulator without impairing
regulation accuracy.
There are an effective area on the bellows corresponding to that of the valve seat. The regulator also
comes complete with a damping device to provide protection against pulsations which can normally
occur in a refrigeration system. The damping device helps to ensure long life for the regulator without
impairing regulation accuracy.

CRANKCASE PRESSURE REGULATING VALVES Sporlan

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
To insure best performance, CRO's must be applied and selected correctly. This is covered thoroughly
in Bulletin 90-10. However, proper installation procedures are equally important. All of the information
in the Application section of 90-10 should be reviewed before installing CRO valves.
VALVE LOCATION
CRO's are normally installed downstream of any other suction line controls or accessories. However,
on some applications it may be advisable, or necessary for special purposes, to locate other system
components, e.g., an accumulator, downstream of the CRO. This is satisfactory as long as the CRO
valve is intended to function as a crankcase pressure regulating valve only.
Mounting location of crankcase pressure regulating valve is downstream of any other suction line
controls or accessories. It is recommended to install other system components, e.g., an accumulator,
downstream of the crankcase pressure regulator. This is satisfactory as long as the CRO valve is
intended to function as a crankcase pressure regulating valve only.
CRO's may be installed in any position – whichever best suits the application and permits easy
adjustment and accessibility. However, consideration should be given to locating these valves so that
they don't act as an oil trap or that solder cannot run into the internal parts during brazing in the suction
line. Since the CRO(T)-6 and CRO(T)-10 are hermetic, there is no way to disassemble them and clean
out any solder that gets trapped in the internal parts.
Crankcase pressure regulator can be installed in any position according to the system application which
allows an easy access and adjustment. Be careful when placing it so that it does not act as an oil trap
and to prevent solder from entering the internal parts during soldering in the suction line. Because it is
hermetic, it can not be disassembled to lean out any solder that gets trapped in the internal parts.

STRAINER – Catch-All Filter-Drier – See•All Moisture and Liquid Indicator

Just as with any refrigerant flow control device, the need for an inlet strainer is a function of system
cleanliness and proper installation procedures. To install the strainer, the tubing is inserted in the valve
connection until the tubing and the strainer flange ring are up against the tubing stop, thus locking the
strainer in place, see Figure 1. Moisture and particles too small for the inlet strainer are harmful to the
system and must be removed. Therefore, it is recommended that a Catch-All Filter-Drier be installed
according to the application recommendations in Bulletin 40-10. Further system protection is easily and
inexpensively provided with installation of a See•All Moisture and Liquid Indicator on every system.
Complete information is given in Bulletin 70-10.
Filter drier and strainer should be installed to keep the system clean.
How to install the strainer: Insert the tubing in the valve connection until the tubing and the strainer
flange ring are up against the tubing stop, which will lock the strainer in place.
Moisture and particles are harmful to the system and must be removed. But, those particles are too
small for the inlet strainer. Because of that, a filter drier needs to be installed to the system.
BRAZING PROCEDURES
When installing CRO's with solder connections, the internal parts must be protected by wrapping the
valve with a wet cloth to keep the body temperature below 250°F. The tip of the torch should be large
enough to avoid prolonged heating of the connections. Overheating can also be minimized by directing
the flame away from the valve body.
When installing Crankcase pressure regulator with solder connections, there are several things that
should be considered carefully;
1. The internal parts must be protected by wrapping the valve with a wet cloth to keep the body
temperature below 250° F.
2. The tip of the torch should be large enough to avoid prolonged heating of the connections.
Directing the flame away from the valve body can also minimize the overheating.
Any of the commonly used solders may be used with these copper connections. The key points to
remember are: avoid overheating the valve and avoid running solder into the internal parts of the valve.
These copper connections can use any of the commonly used solders The two main points that should
be considered carefully are: avoid overheating the valve and avoid running solder into the internal parts
of the valve.

ACCESS VALVE ON CROT MODELS

When the CROT model is used, care must be taken with the access valve core to protect the synthetic
seating material. The valve core is shipped in an envelope attached to the access valve. If the access
valve connection is to be used as a reusable pressure tap, to check the inlet pressure (evaporator), the
CROT must be brazed in before the core is installed. If the access valve connection is to be used as a
permanent pressure tap, for a pressure actuated defrost control or any other purpose, the core and
access valve cap may be discarded.

TEST and OPERATING PRESSURES

Inert dry gases such as nitrogen, CO 2 or helium are often used for leak detection. Excessive leak testing
or operating pressures may damage these valves or reduce the life of the diaphragm or bellows.
CAUTION: Inert gases must be added to the system carefully through a pressure regulator.
Unregulated gas pressure can seriously damage the system and endanger human life. Never use
oxygen or explosive gases.
For doing leak detection you can use inert dry gases such as nitrogen, CO2 or helium. Excessive leak
testing or operating pressures can reduce the life of the bellows which may damage the crankcase
pressure regulator valves.
CAUTION : Please be careful when adding inert gasses to the system through a pressure regulator.
Unregulated gas pressure is very hazardous because it can cause serious damage to the system and
endanger human life. Do not use oxygen or explosive gases.
CRO's should be adjusted at start-up when the pressure in the evaporator is above the desired setting.
The final valve setting should be below the maximum suction pressure recommended by the
compressor or unit manufacturer.
Crankcase pressure regulator should be adjusted during start up when the pressure in the evaporator is
higher than the desired setting. The final valve setting should be below the maximum suction pressure
recommended by the compressor or unit manufacturer.
Since the primary job of the CRO is to protect the compressor motor against overloading due to high
suction pressure, it is important to arrive at the correct pressure setting to offer this protection.
Crankcase pressure regulator is used to protect the compressor motor from overloading because of high
suction pressure. You should notice that it is important to arrive at the correct pressure setting to apply
this protection.
The best way to see if the motor is overloaded is to check the current draw at start-up or after a defrost
cycle. If an overloaded condition is evident, a suction gauge should be put on the compressor because
the CRO setting may be too high and may have to be adjusted.
You have to check the current draw at start-up or after a defrost cycle to inspect whether the motor is
overloaded or not. If the motor is overloaded, you should put a suction gauge on the compressor
because the setting of crankcase pressure regulator may be too high and may have to be adjusted.
If the compressor is overloaded and the CRO valve is to be reset to offer the necessary protection, the
following instructions are suggested.
You need to reset the crankcase pressure regulator valve when the compressor is overloaded by
following the below procedure:
Step 1. Shut the unit off long enough for the system pressure to equalize.
Step 2. Start the unit and observe the suction pressure. This is the pressure at which the valve is
controlling.
Step 3. Turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise the correct number of turns to set the valve
approximately 10 psi below the desired setting.
Step 4. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
Step 5. Adjust the valve in a clockwise direction to the desired setting.
Step 6. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 and readjust if required.
Step 1. Shut off the unit for a few moments so that the system pressure will be equalized.
Step 2. Start the unit and observe the suction pressure. This is the pressure at which the valve is
controlling.
Step 3. Turn the adjusting nut counterclockwise to set the valve approximately 10 psi below the desired
setting.
Step 4. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
Step 5. Adjust the valve in a clockwise direction to the desired setting.
Step 6. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 and readjust if needed.

The CRO-4 has a 3/8” adjustment screw on top of the adjustment housing. The CRO(T)-6 and
CRO(T)-10 have a valve cap and a hex adjustment in the adjustment housing. Remove the cap and use
a 1/4” hex wrench for the CRO(T)-6 and a 5/16” hex wrench for the CRO(T)-10. A clockwise rotation
increases the setting while a counterclockwise rotation decreases the setting.
How to adjust crankcase pressure regulator valves: First, prepare a proper size of hex wrench that you
need. Crankcase pressure regulator valve has a 3/8” adjustment screw on top of the adjustment housing.
Another type of crankcase pressure regulator may have a valve cap and a hex adjustment in the
adjustment housing. You can remove the cap and then turn the adjustment screw clockwise or
counterclockwise as per requirement by using a proper hex wench. Turning the adjustment screw
clockwise increases the valve setting while turning it counterclockwise decreases the setting.
When CRO's are installed in parallel, each should be adjusted the same amount. If one valve has been
adjusted more than the other, best performance will occur if both are adjusted all the way in before
resetting them an equal amount.
Because crankcase pressure regulator valves are installed in parallel, each should be adjusted the same
amount. If one valve has been adjusted more than the other, best performance will occur if both are
adjusted all the way in before resetting them an equal amount.
SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
The CRO-4 can be disassembled for inspection and cleaning, however, the CRO(T)-6 and CRO(T)-10
are hermetic and cannot be disassembled for cleaning. Replacement is usually necessary if they become
inoperative. If a CRO fails to open, close properly, or won't adjust, it is probably due to solder or
other foreign materials lodged in the port. It is sometimes possible to dislodge these materials by
turning the adjustment nut all the way in with the system running. If the CRO(T)-6 or CRO(T)-10
develop a refrigerant leak around the spring housing, it probably has been overheated during
installation or the bellows failed due to severe compressor pulsations. In either case, if the valve fails in
the open position, the valve must be replaced.
Some type of crankcase pressure regulator valves can be disassembled for inspection and cleaning
purposes. But in some applications you may find crankcase pressure regulator valves which are
hermetic so that they can not be disassembled for cleaning and when these valves are faulty, they
should be replaced with a new one. If there is foreign material lodged in the port, it may cause
crankcase pressure regulator valve fails to open, close properly, or won’t adjust. To overcome this
problem you can simply dislodge those materials by turning the adjustment nut all the way in with the
system running. When there is refrigerant leak around the spring housing, it may be caused by
overheating during installation or the bellows has failed due to severe compressor pulsations. If if the
valve fails in the open position, it must be replaced.

Miller, Rex & Mark R. Miller. (2006). Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
CRANKCASE PRESSURE REGULATING VALVES
Crankcase pressure regulating valves are designed to prevent overloading of the compressor motor.
They limit the crankcase pressure during and after a defrost cycle or after a normal shutdown period.
When properly installed in the suction line, these valves automatically throttle the vapor flow from the
evaporator until the compressor can handle the load. They are available in the range of 0 to 60 psig.
The purpose of crankcase pressure-regulating valve is to protect the compressor motor from
overloading by limiting the crankcase pressure during and after a defrost cycle or after a normal
shutdown period. Crankcase pressure regulating valves are installed in the suction line and these valves
automatically throttle the vapor flow from the evaporator until the compressor can handle the load. The
range of these valves is 0 to 60 psig.
Operation of the Valve
Crankcase pressure-regulating valves (CROS) are sometimes called suction pressure-regulating valves.
They are sensitive only to their outlet pressure. This would be the compressor crankcase or suction
pressure. To indicate this trait, the designation describes the operation: close on rise of outlet pressure,
or CRO. As shown in Fig. 11-26, the inlet pressure is exerted on the underside of the bellows and on
top of the seat disc. Since the effective area of the bellows is equal to the area of the port, the inlet
pressure cancels out and does not affect valve operation. The valve-outlet pressure acting on the bottom
of the disc exerts a force in the closing direction. This force is opposed by the adjustable spring force.
These are the operating forces of the CRO. The CRO’s pressure setting is determined by the spring
force. Thus, by increasing the spring force, the valve setting or the pressure at which the valve will
close is increased.
Crankcase pressure-regulating valve is also known as suction pressure-regulating valve. This valve is
sensitive only to their outlet pressure (compressor crankcase or suction pressure). To indicate this trait,
the designation describes the operation: close on rise of outlet pressure, or CRO.
How the valve operates: the inlet pressure is exerted on the underside of the bellows and on top of the
seat disc. Since the effective area of the bellows is equal to the area of the port, the inlet pressure
cancels out and does not affect valve operation. The valve-outlet pressure acting on the bottom of the
disc exerts a force in the closing direction. This force is opposed by the adjustable spring force. These
are the operating forces of the CRO. The spring force will determine the CRO’s pressure setting. By
increasing the spring force, the valve setting or the pressure at which the valve will close is increased.
As long as the valve-outlet pressure is greater than the valve-pressure setting, the valve will remain
closed. As the outlet pressure is reduced, the valve will open and pass refrigerant vapor into the
compressor. Further reduction of the outlet pressure will allow the valve to open to its rated position,
where the rated pressure drop will exist across the valve port. An increase in the outlet pressure will
cause the valve to throttle until the pressure setting is reached.
The valve will remain closed as long as the valve-outlet pressure is greater than the valve-pressure
setting. When the outlet pressure drops, the valve will open and pass refrigerant vapor into the
compressor. Further reduction of the outlet pressure will allow the valve to open to its rated position,
where the rated pressure drop will exist across the valve port. When there is an increase in the outlet
pressure, the valve will be throttled until it has reached the pressure setting.
The operation of a valve of this type is improved by an antichatter device built into the valve. Without
this device, the CRO would be susceptible to compressor pulsations that greatly reduce the life of a
bellows. This feature allows the CRO to function at low-load conditions without any chattering or other
operation difficulties.
An antichatter device can improve the valve operation. This device is built into the valve. Without this
device, the CRO would be susceptible to compressor pulsations that greatly reduce the life of a
bellows. This feature allows the CRO to function at low-load conditions without any chattering or other
operation difficulties.
Valve Location
As Fig. 11-27 indicates, the CRO valve is applied in the suction line between the evaporator and the
compressor. Normally, the CRO is installed downstream of any other controls or accessories. However,
on some applications it may be advisable or necessary to locate other system components, such as an
accumulator, downstream of the CRO. This is satisfactory as long as the CRO valve is applied only as a
crankcase pressure-regulating valve. CRO valves are designed for application in the suction line only.
They should not be applied in hot–gas bypass lines or any other refrigerant line of a system. Crankcase
pressure-regulating valves are installed in the suction line between the evaporator and the compressor.
The mounting location of this valve is in the suction line between the evaporator and the compressor.
Usually, it is installed downstream of any other controls or accessories. It is recommended to install
other system components, e.g., an accumulator, downstream of the crankcase pressure regulator. This is
satisfactory as long as the CRO valve is applied only as a crankcase pressure-regulating valve. CRO
valves are designed for application in the suction line only. They should not be applied in hot–gas
bypass lines or any other refrigerant line of a system. Crankcase pressure-regulating valves are installed
in the suction line between the evaporator and the compressor.

Test and Operating Pressures

Excessive leak testing or operating pressures may damage these valves by reducing the life of the
bellows. For leak detection, an inert gas such as nitrogen or CO 2 may be added to an idle system to
supplement the refrigerant pressure.
CAUTION: Inert gas must be added to the system carefully. Use a pressure regulator. Unregulated gas
pressure can seriously damage the system and endanger human life. Never use oxygen or explosive
gases. The values will withstand 200 to 300 psig. However, check the manufacturer’s recommendations
first.
For doing leak detection you can add inert gas such as nitrogen or CO2 to an idle system. Excessive
leak testing or operating pressures can reduce the life of the bellows which may damage the crankcase
pressure regulator valves.
CAUTION : Please be careful when adding inert gasses to the system. It would be better if you use a
pressure regulator. Unregulated gas pressure is very hazardous because it can cause serious damage to
the system and endanger human life. Do not use oxygen or explosive gases. The values will withstand
200 to 300 psig. However, check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.
Adjusting the Pressure
The standard setting by the factory for CROs in the 0/60 psig range is 30 psig. Since these valves are
adjustable, the setting may be altered to suit the specific system requirements. CROs should be adjusted
at start-up when the pressure in the evaporator is above the desired setting. The final valve setting
should be below the maximum suction pressure recommended by the compressor or unit manufacturer.
The valves setting can be adjusted as per system requirements. The standard factory setting for
crankcase pressure regulator in the 0/60 psig range is 30 psig. It should be adjusted at start up when the
pressure in the evaporator is higher than the desired setting. he final valve setting should be below the
maximum suction pressure recommended by the compressor or unit manufacturer.
The main purpose of the CRO is to prevent the compressor motor from overloading due to high suction
pressure. Thus, it is important to arrive at the correct pressure setting. The best way to see if the motor
is overloaded is to check the current draw at start-up or after a defrost cycle. If overloading is evident, a
suction gauge should be put on the compressor. The CRO setting may be too high and may have to be
adjusted. If the compressor is overloaded and the CRO valve is to be reset, the following procedure
should be followed.
Crankcase pressure regulator is used to protect the compressor motor from overloading because of high
suction pressure. You have to know that it is important to arrive at the correct pressure setting. You
should check the current draw at start-up or after a defrost cycle to inspect whether the motor is
overloaded or not. If the motor is overloaded, you should put a suction gauge on the compressor. The
setting of crankcase pressure regulator may be too high and may have to be adjusted. You need to reset
the crankcase pressure regulator valve when the compressor is overloaded by following the below
procedure:
The unit should be shut off long enough for the system pressure to equalize. Observe the suction
pressure as the unit is started, since this is the pressure the valve is controlling. If the setting is to be
decreased, slowly adjust the valve in a counterclockwise direction approximately one-quarter turn for
each 1 psi pressure change required. After a few moments of operation, the unit should be cycled off
and the system pressure allowed to equalize again. Observe the suction pressure (valve setting) as the
unit is started up. If the setting is still too high, the adjustment should be repeated. The proper size hex
wrench is used to adjust these valves. A clockwise rotation increases the valve setting, while a
counterclockwise rotation decreases the setting.
Shut off the unit for a few moments so that the system pressure will be equalized. Start the unit and
observe the suction pressure. This is the pressure at which the valve is controlling. If the setting is
below the desired setting, slowly adjust the valve in a counterclockwise direction approximately one-
quarter turn for each 1 psi pressure change required. After a few moments of operation, the unit should
be cycled off and the system pressure allowed to equalize again. Observe the suction pressure (valve
setting) as the unit is started up. If the setting is still too high, the adjustment should be repeated. Adjust
the valve by using the proper size hex wrench. Turning the valve in a clockwise direction will increase
the valve setting and turning it counterclockwise will decrease the setting.

When CROs are installed in parallel, each should be adjusted the same amount. If one valve has been
adjusted more than the other, best performance will occur if both are adjusted all the way in before
resetting them an equal amount.
If crankcase pressure regulator valves are installed in parallel and it is desirable to obtain the best
performance, then each valve must be adjusted to the same amount. If one valve has been adjusted
more than the other, both valves should be adjusted all the way in before resetting them an equal
amount.

Service
Since CRO valves are hermetic and cannot be disassembled for inspection and cleaning, they are
usually replaced if inoperative. If a CRO fails to open, close properly, or will not adjust, solder or other
foreign material is probably lodged in the port. It is sometimes possible to dislodge these materials by
turning the adjustment nut all the way in with the system running. If the CRO develops a refrigerant
leak around the spring housing, it probably has been overheated during installation or the bellows have
failed due to severe compressor pulsations. In either case, the valve must be replaced.
Because these valves are hermetic, they cannot be disassembled for inspection and cleaning purposes.
If they found to be faulty, they should be replaced with a new one. If there is foreign material lodged in
the port, it may cause crankcase pressure regulator valve fails to open, close properly, or won’t adjust.
To overcome this problem you can simply dislodge those materials by turning the adjustment nut all the
way in with the system running. When there is refrigerant leak around the spring housing, it may be
caused by overheating during installation or the bellows have failed due to severe compressor
pulsations. If that happens, the valve must be replaced.