What is the primary function of an accumulator in a refrigeration system?

What is the primary function of an accumulator in a refrigeration system?

• A. Store refrigerant under pressure
• B. Prevent liquid from entering the compressor
• C. Maintain low pressure in the evaporator
• D. Regulate refrigerant flow

Answer: (B)

The primary function of an accumulator in a refrigeration system is to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. This is critical because compressors are designed to compress vapor, not liquid. If liquid refrigerant were to enter the compressor, it could cause damage due to hydraulic issues, leading to a phenomenon known as liquid slugging. The accumulator acts as a reservoir that collects excess liquid refrigerant from the evaporator, allowing only vapor to flow into the compressor. This ensures the compressor operates efficiently and safely, maintaining the overall integrity of the refrigeration system. While the other functions mentioned, such as storing refrigerant under pressure and regulating refrigerant flow, are aspects of overall refrigeration system operation, they do not capture the essential protective role an accumulator plays by keeping the compressor safe from liquid refrigerant.

The primary function of an accumulator in a refrigeration system is to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. This is critical because compressors are designed to compress vapor, not liquid. If liquid refrigerant were to enter the compressor, it could cause damage due to hydraulic issues, leading to a phenomenon known as liquid slugging. The accumulator acts as a reservoir that collects excess liquid refrigerant from the evaporator, allowing only vapor to flow into the compressor. This ensures the compressor operates efficiently and safely, maintaining the overall integrity of the refrigeration system.

While the other functions mentioned, such as storing refrigerant under pressure and regulating refrigerant flow, are aspects of overall refrigeration system operation, they do not capture the essential protective role an accumulator plays by keeping the compressor safe from liquid refrigerant.