A question on hot-air bypass valve

[pengzhao]

I've got a chiller for cooling a scientific equipment. Its refrigerant was recently re-charged, but the hot-air bypass valve becomes very hot after the charging no matter what the heat load is.
Is it normal for the hot-air bypass to be hot this way?
It feels like over 100 degree C.

[genduct]

since the "recharge" has the unit finally working to full capacity

[jpsmith1cm]

I've not worked on scientific equipment, but I've never heard of a 'hot air bypass valve'

Now, if this is a hot gas bypass valve, then if it is hot, it is bypassing. This is typically an indication of low load.

When the unit was recharged, did the tech repair a leak?

[pengzhao]

Thanks for your kind help.
Yes, it should be called "hot gas bypass".
My tech did not fix any leaks, he said he can't find any major leaks.
My equipment is just like an AC but the compressor has been running for 4 years continuously.
Do you mean it is normal for this valve to be much hotter than before?

[jpsmith1cm]

I would say that there is a problem.

As I said before, I'm not very familiar with laboratory equipment, but Hot Gas Bypass valves are typically used for low ambient control.

Too much hot gas bypassing can overheat the compressor and cause more problems with it.

And there is ALWAYS a leak. If it was good for 4 years and recently required gas, there is a leak.

[beenthere]

Probably has a hot gas bypass for dehumidification. Depending on temp and humidity setting, the compressor won't shut off.

[genduct]

I suspect your unit is running continuously and not shutting off. In order to do that the excess capacity is "eating up" with your hot gas bypass.
My remark was that if the unit performance was reduced before the tech paid you a visit then then fixed unit now has more capacity and I suspect that you now are bypassing more than before.

Just a guess is all