Suction Line Accumulator
(Suction Trap/ Surge Tank)

Purpose:

• To prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor during the off-cycle
  

Required:

• When minimum superheat cannot be obtained thus guarding against:
  
  
  • Liquid flooding
    
    
  • Liquid dilution
    
    
  • liquid slugging
    
    
  • When hot gas defrost system is installed
    
    
  • When an AXV is used
    
    
  • Used on some Heat Pumps also acts as temporary receiver
    
    
    

Installation:

• Located as close to the compressor as possible
  
  
• Downstream from all other accessories (if sized at 50% of system charge)
  
  
• Located upstream from CPR only if (sized at 100% of system charge)
  
  
• Normally installed on low temperature semi-hermetic compressors
  
  
• Sometimes not required on low temp. hermetic systems
  
  
• Under normal conditions they should not be insulated some units have:
  
  
• ---Built in heaters--Coiled hot gas discharge inside shell