Oil return accumulator

What are the features of an oil return accumulator?

Other features include a 50 x 60 mesh screen to protect the oil return orifice, an anti-siphon hole and a fusible alloy plug in the accumulator. The anti-siphon hole located near the outlet of the U-tube prevents liquid from siphon-ing into the outlet tube and compressor during an off-cycle.

Where is the oil return orifice located in a refrigerant accumulator?

The oil and refrigerant can separate into oil rich and refrigerant rich layers in the accumulator, with the refrigerant rich layer at the bottom. The oil return orifice would be located in the refriger-ant rich layer. The solution to this problem is to provide active mixing of the layers in the accumulator.

What size oil return accumulator do I Need?

Typical accumulators manufactured for air conditioning or commercial usage have oil return orifices in size from .0625 to .125 inch diameter.

How do I install an oil accumulator?

Install the accumulator after the suction line filter or the orifice in these accumulators may clog if the oil into the accumulator carries wax or other debris. This is especially important on systems using POE oil. Insulate the accumulator to prevent condensation from forming on the outside.

How does a refrigerant accumulator work?

Refrigerant liquid and vapor may move from the evaporator and suction line into the accumulator during the off cycle. The refrigerant vapor may condense and form liquid. This liquid refrigerant will flow into the small metering orifice at the bottom of the u-tube and fill the u-tube with liquid refrigerant.

What is a accumulator used for?

In addition to protecting the compressor from damage, the Accumulator helps maintain system efficiency and proper crankcase oil levels. Henry Technologies' Suction Line Accumulators are suitable for use with HFC and HCFC refrigerants and their associated oils, as well as other industrial fluids non-corrosive to steel and copper.