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Refrigerant Pipe Sizing

ACR Copper · Liquid & Suction Lines · ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook

When to use: Use to select ACR copper pipe sizes for split-system, multi-split, and VRF refrigerant circuits. The calculator sizes the liquid line (small diameter, low velocity), suction line (large diameter, moderate velocity for oil return), and hot gas discharge line. Velocities are checked against ASHRAE limits to ensure oil entrainment and noise control. For VRF systems, follow manufacturer pipe sizing tables for equivalent lengths.

System Parameters
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr
tons
Refrigerant Properties
Mass Flow Rate723 lb/hr
Liquid Line Velocity Limit100 ft/min
Vapor Line Velocity Limit1200 ft/min
Recommended Pipe Sizes
Liquid Line5/8"
Velocity: ~81 ft/min · ACR copper, insulate against flash
Suction Line7/8"
Velocity: ~1176 ft/min · Insulate entire length, slope to compressor
Discharge Line7/8"
Velocity: ~1440 ft/min · Hot gas, insulate where required
References
ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook – Pipe sizing
ACCA Manual J – Refrigerant circuit design
Liquid line: 50–150 ft/min for oil return
Suction line: 700–1200 ft/min min. for oil return
Use actual manufacturer tables for VRF systems