What is the primary refrigerant flow path through a metering device?

The primary refrigerant flow path through a metering device is from high pressure to low pressure. Metering devices, such as expansion valves or capillary tubes, are designed to regulate the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator coil. When refrigerant flows from a high-pressure area, typically after being compressed by the compressor, to a low-pressure area in the evaporator, it undergoes a pressure drop. This drop in pressure allows the refrigerant to expand and change from a liquid into a vapor, facilitating heat absorption as it passes through the evaporator coil.

This process is crucial for the refrigeration cycle, as it ensures that the refrigerant can effectively absorb heat from the surrounding environment, thus cooling it down. Understanding this flow path is essential for comprehending how HVAC systems maintain temperature control and operate efficiently.