What is the result of excessive liquid line length or lift?

Excessive liquid line length or lift can lead to the formation of flash gas. In a heat pump or refrigerant system, when the refrigerant is transported through a long liquid line or has to be lifted to a higher elevation, there can be a pressure drop along the line. This drop can cause some of the refrigerant to change phase from liquid to gas before it reaches the expansion device or evaporator. This phenomenon, known as flash gas, reduces the efficiency of the system because it can lead to reduced refrigerant flow and hinder the cooling or heating performance.

Flash gas can also create issues such as compressor noise or damage, as the compressor may be designed to handle liquid refrigerant rather than vapor. Thus, the presence of flash gas signifies that the refrigeration cycle is not operating optimally, leading to potential performance issues in heat absorption and a decrease in overall system efficiency.