Which of the following actions is critical when a compressor is subjected to too much liquid feed from the evaporator?

Monitoring the discharge temperature closely is critical when a compressor is subjected to too much liquid feed from the evaporator because liquid refrigerant can lead to liquid slugging. This condition occurs when liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, which is designed to handle vapor rather than liquid. If there is too much liquid, it can cause the compressor to overheat and potentially lead to catastrophic failure.

By closely monitoring the discharge temperature, operators can detect signs of compressor strain early on. An abnormal increase in temperature can indicate that the compressor is struggling to process the liquid effectively, prompting the operator to take necessary actions to alleviate the situation, such as reducing the liquid feed or adjusting system parameters.

In contrast, increasing refrigerant flow would exacerbate the issue of excess liquid, and reducing compressor speed might not solve the underlying problem, potentially leaving the compressor at risk. Similarly, increasing suction pressure without addressing the root problem could lead to further complications in the system. Thus, monitoring the discharge temperature allows for timely intervention to prevent damage and maintain efficient operation.