Refrigeration piping — location of expansion device In a standard vapor-compression system with a liquid receiver after the condenser, the expansion (throttling) device is installed between which two components?

Introduction / Context:
The expansion device meters liquid refrigerant and drops its pressure from condenser/receiver conditions to evaporator conditions. Correct placement ensures stable feed and effective heat absorption.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• System has: compressor → condenser → receiver → expansion device → evaporator → back to compressor.
• Subcooled liquid in receiver; two-phase mixture after throttling.

Concept / Approach:
The receiver stores high-pressure liquid leaving the condenser. The expansion device must receive this liquid and expand it to the low-pressure evaporator. Therefore, it is installed in the liquid line between the receiver and the evaporator inlet.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Sight glasses and filter-driers are also placed in the liquid line upstream of the expansion valve to ensure clean, bubble-free liquid, confirming this segment is the correct location.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Compressor–condenser or condenser–receiver segments still carry high-pressure fluid; no throttling should occur there.Evaporator–compressor line is the low-pressure suction line; installing a throttling device there would starve the evaporator.

Common Pitfalls:
Feeding a flashing two-phase mixture into long vertical rises before the valve—maintain solid column of liquid to the valve for stable control.

Final Answer:

receiver and evaporator