Method and apparatus for extracting liquid from a vapor compression refrigeration system

摘要

Liquid is extracted from a vapor compression refrigerant flow circuit utilizing a compressor suction line accumulator having a sump portion and boss formed thereon for receiving a device for extracting liquid from the sump of the accumulator. The device includes a curved tube and shutoff valve connected thereto and wherein the tube has a compression sleeve type tube connector and nut assembly secured thereto at a predetermined point on the tube so that the fluid inlet end of the tube may be inserted into the interior of the vessel containing the sump and oriented such that any liquid in the sump is assured of being forced out through the tube and the shutoff valve during steady state operation of the system. Contaminants in the form of excess compressor lubricant or tracer liquids may be extracted from the system during steady state operation and the system may be pumped down to isolate the refrigerant fluid on the condenser or high pressure side during insertion of and removal of the liquid extraction device with respect to a vessel on the low pressure side of the refrigerant flow circuit.