Refrigeration System Fundamentals Flashcards
6 cards from real CIRO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Refrigeration System Fundamentals flashcards as text
What is the purpose of an oil separator in an industrial ammonia system?
Answer: To remove compressor lubricating oil from the discharge gas before it enters the condenser, preventing oil accumulation in the system
Oil separators capture lubricating oil entrained in compressor discharge gas, returning it to the compressor crankcase. Oil in the system reduces heat transfer efficiency and can accumulate in low spots.
What is an economizer in a refrigeration system?
Answer: A heat exchanger that subcools liquid refrigerant using an intermediate pressure stage, improving system efficiency
Economizers use a portion of refrigerant at an intermediate pressure to subcool the main liquid flow, increasing the refrigerating effect per pound of refrigerant and improving overall system COP.
What is the difference between a flooded evaporator and a direct expansion (DX) evaporator?
Answer: Flooded evaporators maintain a pool of liquid refrigerant for better heat transfer; DX evaporators meter refrigerant through an expansion valve
Flooded evaporators keep tubes submerged in liquid refrigerant for maximum heat transfer surface contact. DX evaporators feed metered refrigerant that boils as it travels through tubes. Flooded systems are more efficient but require more refrigerant charge.
What is a surge drum (accumulator) in an industrial refrigeration system?
Answer: A vessel that separates liquid refrigerant from vapor returning to the compressor, preventing liquid slugging
The surge drum (suction accumulator) sits between the evaporator and compressor, collecting any liquid refrigerant carry-over and allowing only vapor to enter the compressor suction, protecting against liquid slugging damage.
What is the purpose of a receiver in a refrigeration system?
Answer: To store liquid refrigerant and provide a steady supply to the expansion devices, accommodating varying system charge requirements
The receiver stores high-pressure liquid refrigerant downstream of the condenser, ensuring a consistent supply to expansion devices and accommodating charge variations as system load changes.
What is hot gas defrost?
Answer: A method of removing ice from evaporator coils by routing high-pressure hot refrigerant gas through them to melt accumulated frost
Hot gas defrost diverts compressor discharge gas directly to the evaporator, using the refrigerant's heat to melt frost buildup. This is faster and more efficient than electric or air defrost methods in industrial applications.