What is the superheat of a system with a suction line temperature of 52 degrees F and a low side pressure corresponding to 34 degrees F?

To determine the superheat of a refrigeration system, you need to compare the actual temperature of the refrigerant in the suction line to the saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure in the low side.

In this case, the suction line temperature is 52 degrees F. The low side pressure translates to a saturation temperature of 34 degrees F. Superheat is calculated using the formula:

Superheat = Suction Line Temperature - Saturation Temperature

Substituting the given values:

Superheat = 52 degrees F - 34 degrees F = 18 degrees F

Thus, the correct answer is the one that corresponds to a superheat of 18 degrees F. Understanding how superheat is defined and calculated is essential for evaluating refrigeration systems, as it indicates how much the refrigerant has been heated above its saturation temperature, ensuring it is in a gaseous state before entering the compressor.