What is the primary purpose of an accumulator?

What is the primary purpose of an accumulator?

• A. prevent liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor
• B. store high-pressure gas
• C. filter moisture
• D. increase refrigerant circulation

Answer: (A)

The accumulator protects the compressor by catching any liquid refrigerant that didn’t fully vaporize in the evaporator, allowing only gas to return to the compressor. Placed on the suction side between the evaporator and compressor, it acts as a reservoir where liquid refrigerant can settle while vapor passes through to the compressor. This prevents liquid slugging, which can damage the compressor and disrupt lubrication. As the system runs, the liquid in the accumulator evaporates and the vapor continues to the compressor, helping to smooth suction and protect performance. It’s not designed to store high‑pressure gas, filter moisture, or increase circulation; those functions belong to other components like the high‑pressure side, the drier, and the expansion or circulation paths.

The accumulator protects the compressor by catching any liquid refrigerant that didn’t fully vaporize in the evaporator, allowing only gas to return to the compressor. Placed on the suction side between the evaporator and compressor, it acts as a reservoir where liquid refrigerant can settle while vapor passes through to the compressor. This prevents liquid slugging, which can damage the compressor and disrupt lubrication. As the system runs, the liquid in the accumulator evaporates and the vapor continues to the compressor, helping to smooth suction and protect performance. It’s not designed to store high‑pressure gas, filter moisture, or increase circulation; those functions belong to other components like the high‑pressure side, the drier, and the expansion or circulation paths.