Which component is located between the evaporator and the compressor on the low-pressure side?

• A. Receiver
• B. Condenser
• C. Accumulator
• D. Drier

Answer: (C)

The thing being tested is how the system protects the compressor from liquid refrigerant. The accumulator is placed on the low-pressure side, between the evaporator and the compressor, to catch any liquid refrigerant that didn’t fully vaporize in the evaporator. If liquid slips into the compressor, it can cause damage (slugging) or reduce efficiency, so the accumulator gives that liquid a chance to separate and remain in the bottom of the chamber while only vapor proceeds to the compressor.

In the vapor-compression cycle, the condenser and receiver sit on the high-pressure side, and the drier is in the liquid line to remove moisture. Those parts don’t serve the same protective role for the compressor on the low-pressure side. So the accumulator is the correct component for being located between the evaporator and the compressor on the low-pressure side.