If the liquid drain from the condenser reads 82°F and the head pressure is 182 psi G, what does this indicate?

The scenario where the liquid drain from the condenser reads 82°F at a head pressure of 182 psi G suggests an issue with the refrigerant system related specifically to non-condensable gases. In a properly functioning system, the condenser's temperature should correspond closely to the head pressure, indicating that the refrigerant is condensing effectively at that particular pressure.

At 182 psi G, the saturation temperature for ammonia (since that is the refrigerant usually referenced in industrial systems) would typically be higher than 82°F. The discrepancy between the actual liquid temperature and what is expected indicates that something is interfering with the normal function of the condenser. When there are non-condensable gases present in the system, they can occupy space in the condenser, thereby raising the pressure without contributing to condensation. This results in the unusual temperature reading that is lower than expected at that head pressure.

This situation illustrates the importance of maintaining a clean refrigerant system free from moisture and non-condensable gases, as they can compromise efficiency and effectiveness in cooling applications. The presence of non-condensables would necessitate further investigation and possible remediation to ensure optimal function of the refrigeration system.