🔍 Key Concepts

• Function of discharge reed valves in a reciprocating refrigeration compressor • How leaking discharge valves affect system pressures and compressor performance • Difference between valve reconditioning and valve replacement in small/high-speed compressors

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to gas that is supposed to leave the compression space when a discharge valve leaks—where does it go, and what does that do to low-side and high-side pressures? • Consider whether reed valves in typical refrigeration compressors are designed to be reground, or if they lose their spring/action when damaged. • Which option deals with the actual cause of the problem, and which options only deal with symptoms or are poor maintenance practice?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify how a leaking discharge valve changes the compression efficiency and whether it tends to equalize pressures between the discharge side and the cylinder/suction side. • Check whether regrinding/relapping is an accepted practice for thin reed valves in modern refrigeration compressors or if damage generally requires new valve plates/reeds. • Confirm which choice directly corrects the mechanical defect (leak) rather than just adjusting controls (like a high-pressure cut-out setting).