The characteristics of the R-22 two-stage compression refrigeration systems were investigated. The apparatus consisted of 0.5HP and 1HP hermetic reciprocating compressors for the high and low stage sides respectively, a condenser, an evaporator, a heat exchanger, four expansion valves, and two intercoolers. The experiments covered a range of refrigerant flow rates from 24 to 84kg/h, and the inlet temperature of cooling water in the condenser and heat source water in the evaporator ranged from 20 to 30$^.circ}C$The results Showed that the refrigerant flow rate had greater effect on the refrigerating capacities, the compression efficiency and the coefficient of performance of two-stage compression systems than the inlet temperature of heat source water. And all these values were decreased with increasing inlet temperatures of the cooling water. The pressure drops in the evaporator of two-stage compression systems were decreased in proportion to the increase in the inlet temperature of the heat source and cooling water, but it was increased by the refrigerant flow rate.