What condition is caused by insufficient refrigerant flow in a refrigeration system?

When insufficient refrigerant flow occurs in a refrigeration system, it can lead to starving coils. This condition happens because the coils, which are designed to absorb heat from the surrounding environment, do not receive enough refrigerant to facilitate effective heat transfer. As a result, the coils can become underfed with refrigerant, causing them to operate less efficiently and potentially leading to issues such as increased superheat.

Starving coils indicate that the evaporator is not adequately supplied with refrigerant. This insufficient flow can result from various issues, such as blockages in the system, low refrigerant levels, or malfunctions in pumps or expansion devices. Maintaining proper refrigerant flow is crucial for optimal system performance and efficiency. Understanding and recognizing the signs of starving coils is essential for operators to ensure the reliable operation of refrigeration systems.