During which phase of gas defrost does the evaporator experience the highest risk for damage?

During the defrost phase, the evaporator is exposed to conditions that significantly increase its risk for damage. This phase involves actively raising the temperature of the evaporator to melt ice or frost buildup, which can lead to higher pressures and temperatures within the system. If not carefully managed, these conditions can result in stress on the evaporator components, potentially causing physical damage or failure.

In particular, if the defrost process is not optimized, issues such as excessive heat transfer or inadequate drainage of water that results from the melting ice can occur. This not only places mechanical stress on the evaporator but also increases the likelihood of corrosion or freezing of components if the defrosting is not efficient. Proper monitoring and control during the defrost stage are essential to mitigate these risks, making it the phase where damage is most likely to happen compared to the other operational phases.