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SUCTION ACCUMULATOR OPERATION
Liquid refrigerant collects in the suction accumulator
during the harvest cycle and is removed during the
freeze cycle. The liquid refrigerant is returned to the
compressor through a screen and orifice in the suction
accumulator J tube. Passing the liquid through the
orifice causes a pressure drop; the liquid flashes to a
vapor and creates a refrigeration affect. It is normal to
see frost on the accumulator, suction line and
compressor suction port in the freeze cycle. The
suction accumulator empties within the first 5 minutes
of the freeze cycle. When the refrigeration affect ends
(liquid refrigerant has been removed), the suction line
between the accumulator and compressor will
increase in temperature. The suction line temperature
increases 20 plus degrees two minutes after the liquid
has been removed. The time needed to remove the
liquid refrigerant will vary with the ambient
temperature and the length of the harvest cycle.
Higher ambient temperatures = shorter harvest cycles,
faster removal of liquid refrigerant from the
accumulator and greater suction line temperature
increases.
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