In a cooling system, neglecting condenser water treatment would most directly raise which indicator first?

• A. Suction pressure
• B. Compressor head pressure
• C. Discharge pressure
• D. Bearing temperature

Answer: (B)

Neglecting condenser water treatment allows scale and fouling on condenser tubes, which lowers the condenser’s heat transfer capability. With poorer heat rejection, the refrigerant leaving the condenser stays hotter and at a higher pressure. The compressor then has to push this refrigerant against a higher high-side pressure, so the head pressure rises first. Suction pressure is more tied to evaporator load and may not increase initially, and bearing temperature isn’t directly affected by condenser water quality. Discharge pressure tracks the same high-side pressure, but the first observable rise is the compressor head pressure.