Final answer:
To increase superheat on a thermostatic expansion valve, the adjusting stem should be turned clockwise. This control valve reduces the flow of refrigerant and increases the superheat in the evaporator coil.
Step-by-step explanation:
To increase superheat on a thermostatic expansion valve, the adjusting stem should be turned clockwise. The adjusting stem is a part of the thermostatic expansion valve that controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. By turning it clockwise, the valve closes and reduces the flow of refrigerant, which in turn increases the superheat in the evaporator coil.
Superheat refers to the amount of heat that is added to a vapor above its boiling point. In the context of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, increasing superheat helps ensure that all liquid refrigerant is completely evaporated before entering the compressor, preventing liquid slugging and damaging the compressor.
By properly adjusting the thermostatic expansion valve, technicians can optimize the performance of the system, ensuring efficient cooling and preventing potential issues caused by inadequate superheat.