In refrigeration systems, how is the term "flooded" typically defined?

The term "flooded" in refrigeration systems specifically refers to a condition where the evaporator is fully filled with liquid refrigerant. In a properly functioning system, the evaporator typically processes the refrigerant in both its liquid and vapor states. However, a flooded evaporator means that there is an excess of liquid refrigerant present, which can enhance heat transfer efficiency because it maximizes the area of heat exchange.

When the evaporator is flooded, it implies that the refrigerant is not entirely evaporating and converting into vapor before exiting the evaporator, which can be beneficial for certain applications, particularly in systems designed to operate in this manner. This creates a situation where the evaporator is not just absorbing heat from the surrounding environment but also maintaining a higher liquid level to increase the heat exchange process.

This definition underscores the operational context in which refrigeration systems are designed to work with liquid refrigerant in the evaporator to optimize their heat absorption capabilities.