In a 4-pipe gas defrost system, defrost condensate liquid is returned to?

In a 4-pipe gas defrost system, the correct destination for the defrost condensate liquid is the intercooler. The intercooler is designed to cool the refrigerant after it has been compressed and before it enters the cooling portion of the system. When defrosting occurs, the condensate produced needs to be managed efficiently in order to prevent ice buildup and maintain system efficiency.

Returning the defrost condensate to the intercooler helps in utilizing the heat exchange process within the system effectively. This process can enhance system performance by ensuring that the refrigerant is at an optimal temperature for the cooling cycle, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

While other components such as the high-pressure receiver (HPR) or the various temperature-regulated devices (LTRS and LTRL) play their own roles in the system, they are not typically the designed return path for the defrost condensate. Understanding the specific function of each system component helps clarify why the intercooler is the appropriate destination for the liquid collected during the defrost cycle.