What is the function of eliminators in a shell and tube type evaporator?

What is the function of eliminators in a shell and tube type evaporator?

• A. To regulate refrigerant flow
• B. To prevent liquid from entering the compressor suction line
• C. To maintain optimal refrigerant temperature
• D. To enhance heat exchange efficiency

Answer: (B)

Eliminators play a crucial role in a shell and tube type evaporator by preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor suction line. In an evaporator, refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates, transforming from liquid to gas. If liquid refrigerant were to enter the compressor, it could cause damage due to liquid slugging, which occurs when the compressor tries to compress liquid instead of gas. To avoid this potentially damaging situation, eliminators are installed to separate the vapor from the liquid refrigerant. They work by allowing only the vapor to exit the evaporator while capturing any liquid droplets, thereby ensuring that the compressor receives only vaporized refrigerant. This function is vital for maintaining the efficiency and safety of the refrigeration system. The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of eliminators. While regulating refrigerant flow, maintaining optimal refrigerant temperature, and enhancing heat exchange efficiency are important functions in various aspects of refrigeration systems, they do not specifically relate to the primary purpose of eliminators in preventing liquid from reaching the compressor.

Eliminators play a crucial role in a shell and tube type evaporator by preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor suction line. In an evaporator, refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates, transforming from liquid to gas. If liquid refrigerant were to enter the compressor, it could cause damage due to liquid slugging, which occurs when the compressor tries to compress liquid instead of gas.

To avoid this potentially damaging situation, eliminators are installed to separate the vapor from the liquid refrigerant. They work by allowing only the vapor to exit the evaporator while capturing any liquid droplets, thereby ensuring that the compressor receives only vaporized refrigerant. This function is vital for maintaining the efficiency and safety of the refrigeration system.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of eliminators. While regulating refrigerant flow, maintaining optimal refrigerant temperature, and enhancing heat exchange efficiency are important functions in various aspects of refrigeration systems, they do not specifically relate to the primary purpose of eliminators in preventing liquid from reaching the compressor.