What is the main function of a low-side vessel in a refrigeration system?

The main function of a low-side vessel in a refrigeration system is to separate liquid refrigerant from gaseous refrigerant. In this context, the low-side vessel typically refers to components such as the evaporator or a receiver, which ensure the refrigerant is in the proper state before moving on to the next stage of the refrigeration cycle.

In the refrigeration process, refrigerant enters the low side of the system where it typically evaporates to absorb heat from the surrounding environment. As it evaporates, it changes from a liquid to a gas and, while doing so, the liquid needs to be separated from the gas to ensure efficient heat absorption and proper cycling within the system. This separation prevents the compressor from pumping liquid refrigerant, which can cause damage or reduce the efficiency of the system.

The role of liquid-gas separation is crucial for both the effective operation of the compressor and maintaining the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system. Therefore, the correct identification of the main function of a low-side vessel as separating liquid from gas is essential for understanding the operational dynamics within refrigeration systems.