COMBINATION PHASE SEPARATOR AND DRIER FOR A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE

摘要

A device is provided for a refrigeration system that separates liquid and vapor phases of the refrigerant while also drying the liquid phase to remove water. The phase separator and drier are provided integrally as part of the same device. The device can be used with e.g., dual evaporator refrigeration systems and both single and multi-component refrigerants. Improved efficiencies in space and plumbing so as to reduce costs can be achieved.

主权项

1. A dual evaporator refrigeration appliance, comprising:
a refrigerant for circulation within a refrigeration system of the appliance; a compressor for providing a pressurized flow of the refrigerant; a condenser configured to receive and cool the flow of pressurized refrigerant provided by the compressor; a first reducing device configured to receive the flow of refrigerant from the condenser and configured for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant stream; a phase separating and drying device configured for receipt of the refrigerant stream provided by the first reducing device, the phase separating and drying device comprising
a chamber having a top, middle, and a bottom along a vertical direction;an inflow line in fluid communication with the first reducing device, the inflow line having at least one opening positioned for releasing refrigerant into the chamber;a vapor outflow line positioned near the top of the chamber and configured for receiving vapor refrigerant from the chamber;a liquid outflow line positioned near the bottom of the chamber and configured for receiving liquid refrigerant from the chamber;a drying element configured to remove water from liquid refrigerant provided by the inflow line; a first evaporator configured to receive and evaporate refrigerant provided by the vapor outflow line of the phase separating and drying device; and a second evaporator configured to receive and evaporate refrigerant provided by the liquid outflow line of the phase separating and drying device.