Refrigeration Cycle Moisture Issues
Moisture, typically in the form of water, is detrimental to refrigeration systems. Its primary issue arises from its phase change properties at low temperatures found within the cycle.
Mechanism of Capillary Choke
- Low Temperatures: Refrigerant pressure drops significantly across the expansion device, such as a capillary tube. This pressure drop causes a corresponding temperature decrease.
- Freezing Point: If moisture is present in the refrigerant, it can reach its freezing point ($0^\circ C$ or $32^\circ F$) in the low-temperature region of the system.
- Capillary Tube Restriction: The capillary tube has a very small internal diameter. Frozen moisture (ice) can accumulate within this narrow passage.
- Blockage Formation: This ice accumulation gradually obstructs the tube, leading to a condition known as choke.
Consequences of Choking
A choked capillary tube severely restricts or completely halts the flow of refrigerant. This prevents the system from effectively transferring heat, thus disrupting the refrigeration cycle and preventing cooling.
While other components might eventually stop working due to system failure, the immediate and direct consequence of moisture freezing in the coldest part (often the capillary tube) is the choke itself.
Similar Questions
- The receiver tank will help remove water from the system by giving ________.
- Which type of pencil drier adsorbs moisture?
- How is the moisture content of 'condition space' improved?
Important Questions from Refrigeration Cycles and Devices
A domestic refrigerator works on the:
Subcooling is a process of cooling the refrigerant in the vapour compression refrigeration system:
The air refrigeration system works on the __________.
A nozzle is not used in a:
Which of the following devices is present in the vapour absorption refrigeration system and absent in the vapour compression refrigeration system?
