What could potentially fail if a low pressure chiller is leak tested with nitrogen in excess of 10 psi?

In the context of low-pressure chillers, using nitrogen for leak testing is a common practice. However, it's essential to control the pressure during this testing. The rupture disc is designed to protect the system from high pressures by failing at a predetermined level, allowing for the safe release of internal pressure.

If the nitrogen pressure exceeds 10 psi, there is a risk of activating the rupture disc, which is intended to function as a failsafe. When the pressure becomes too high, the rupture disc can burst, leading to a loss of refrigerant and potentially compromising the integrity of the system.

The other components listed, such as the expansion valve, compressor, and condenser coils, typically can withstand pressures well above 10 psi and are constructed with safety margins to manage operational pressures. However, the rupture disc specifically is a weak point designed to relieve excess pressure, making it susceptible to failure under conditions exceeding its rating. Thus, over-pressurizing the system during leak testing can cause it to rupture, leading to system potential failures.