Refrigeration safety and liquid carryover At the suction line of a vapour-compression system, an accumulator is installed to collect liquid refrigerant and prevent it from reaching which component?

Introduction / Context:
A suction line accumulator is a protective device widely used in vapour-compression refrigeration and heat pump systems. Its purpose is to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, which would otherwise cause severe mechanical damage (liquid slugging) and dilute the lubricating oil.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Single-stage vapour-compression system with evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device.
• Accumulator is located in the suction line (low pressure side) just upstream of the compressor.
• Objective: identify the component being protected from liquid ingress.

Concept / Approach:
Compressors are designed to compress vapour, not liquid. Because liquids are nearly incompressible, any significant liquid entrainment reaching compressor cylinders or scroll/rotary elements can lead to broken valves, bent rods, or catastrophic failure. The accumulator acts as a reservoir that traps liquid and meters only vapour (and a controlled oil mist) forward.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize the accumulator’s position: suction line before compressor.Understand function: separate liquid from vapour and return only vapour to compressor.Therefore, the component protected is the compressor.

Verification / Alternative check:
Service manuals specify accumulators on systems with risk of floodback (e.g., heat pumps in heating mode, low ambient cooling). The protective device is never placed to shield the condenser or expansion valve from liquid, since those components routinely handle liquid.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Evaporator handles boiling liquid by design; condenser receives superheated vapour and rejects heat to produce liquid; expansion valve meters liquid to the evaporator; receiver stores liquid at high side pressure. None require an upstream accumulator.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing receivers (high-side liquid storage) with accumulators (low-side vapour protection). Also assuming sight glass dryness guarantees no liquid floodback.

Final Answer:
Compressor