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 or air conditioning system, you need to compare the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction line to the saturation temperature that corresponds to the low side pressure. Superheat is the amount of temperature the refrigerant vapor is above its saturation temperature.

In this case, the suction line temperature is 52 degrees F, and the saturation temperature at a low side pressure of 34 degrees F is approximately 34 degrees F (this is established from the pressure-temperature relationship of refrigerants).

To calculate superheat:

1. Subtract the saturation temperature from the suction line temperature:

Suction Line Temperature - Saturation Temperature = Superheat.

2. Therefore, it is 52 degrees F - 34 degrees F = 18 degrees F.

This calculation shows that the vapor is indeed 18 degrees F above the saturation point, indicating the system is operating with 18 degrees F of superheat. This value is important because superheat can prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, which can protect the system from damage and maintain efficiency. Thus, the correct answer is that the superheat of the system is 18 degrees F.