If liquid carryover is a concern in a refrigeration system, which vessel should be included?

Including an accumulator in a refrigeration system is essential when there is a concern about liquid carryover. The primary function of an accumulator is to collect excess liquid refrigerant that may not have vaporized completely within the evaporator. By capturing this liquid, the accumulator prevents it from returning to the compressor, which can lead to potential damage or efficiency issues.

In the case of concerns about liquid carryover, the accumulator serves as a buffer, allowing only vapor to reach the compressor and ensuring that liquid refrigerant is stored and managed appropriately. This is crucial for maintaining the operational reliability and efficiency of the refrigeration system, as excessive liquid in the compressor can result in liquid slugging, increased wear, and potential failures.

In contrast, while other vessels such as a liquid storage tank, evaporator, or surge drum might play important roles in a refrigeration system, they do not specifically address the issue of liquid carryover as effectively as an accumulator does. Each of these components has its own function; for instance, a liquid storage tank is primarily used for storing refrigerant, while a surge drum helps manage fluctuations in liquid levels but does not specifically target the problem of liquid carryover to the compressor. Thus, the accumulator is the correct choice for managing liquid carryover concerns effectively