What is the purpose of in liquid line filters?

Category: home and garden indoor environmental quality
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A filter-drier in a refrigeration or air conditioning system has two essential functions: one, to adsorb system contaminants, such as water, which can create acids, and two, to provide physical filtration.



Herein, what is a liquid line filter drier?

The purpose of a refrigerant drier is to ensure the refrigerant system stays clean and dry. It removes contaminants including moisture, dirt, acid and solder flux, beads and filings. Whenever the refrigerant system is opened for repair or to replace a component, always replace the filter drier.

Additionally, how do I know if my liquid line filter drier is clogged? A symptom of a clogged liquid line filter drier is a temperature drop across the filter drier. Filter driers are typically shaped like a hot dog and are about the same diameter.

Consequently, what is the purpose of a suction line filter drier?

These suction line filter-driers include protection from moisture and organic or inorganic acids, resulting from burnouts, or chemical changes in the system refrigerant or oil. They're especially suited for system cleanup after a burnout, or when major work has been performed on the system.

When should I change my AC filter drier?

A filter drier needs to be replaced anytime the air conditioners refrigeration system is worked on. When you replace a compressor, a TXV or any time the system is open to the atmosphere, change the filter.

36 Related Question Answers Found

How does a liquid line drier work?

Liquid Line Type is placed after the condenser coil and before the expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant that flows from the condenser to the expansion valve is filtered from particles and moisture before entering it. Good filter will filter out particles that are 20 micron or above from the system.

What is the difference between a strainer and a filter drier?

The indicator is a porous filter paper impregnated with chemical salt that changes color when exposed to moisture 20-25) What is the difference between a strainer and a filter-drier? Strainers have no desiccant inside to absorb the moisture, they are simply filters used to prevent solid particles.

What is liquid line in a air conditioner?

The larger line typically carries a cool gas and is insulated. This is commonly referred to as the suction line, but it is also called the return line or vapor line. The smaller uninsulated line typically carries a warm liquid. It is most often called the liquid line.

What is inside a filter drier?

The most common materials used in filter drier construction are activated alumina and molecular sieve. Activated alumina is used for removing organic acid molecules from refrigeration systems. Activated alumina is often used in both liquid and suction line filter driers for acid cleanups after system burnouts.

Where is the liquid receiver located?


A Liquid Receiver is a storage tank for holding liquid refrigerant and is located after the condenser in a refrigeration system. A Liquid Receiver is an important part of any system because it ensures liquid refrigerant is entering the expansion device.

Do you have to replace the receiver drier?

The desiccant bag can only hold a finite amount of moisture. If too much water gets into the system, the receiver/drier should be replaced. The receiver/drier should also be replaced if it leaks, is clogged or the A/C compressor is being replaced (as a preventive measure).

Why is liquid line sweating?

Re: Liquid line sweating
If Head pressure rises, so does temperature. In other words, restricted air flow = hot liquid line. That being said, some brands will meter refrigerant at the outdoor unit. If you have a system like that, its totally OK to see the the liquid line sweating.

Will my AC work without a filter?

Your air conditioner will run without a filter, but you shouldn't try it! Without a filter, you leave your system wide open to all types of dirt and debris that will damage the HVAC system and lead to expensive repairs.

What is a suction line filter drier?

These suction line filter-driers include protection from moisture and organic or inorganic acids, resulting from burnouts, or chemical changes in the system refrigerant or oil. They are specially suited for system clean-up after a burnout, or when major work has been performed on the system.

What is a suction line?


The suction line is the part of the piping system of a ac/ref unit. After the refrigerant evaporates into a gas in the evaporator coil the section of piping from this coil to the condenser coil is called the suction line. The larger one is your suction line and is usually insulated.

What happens if you install a filter drier backwards?

When installing a new filter drier, an arrow on the filter drier's housing will indicate which direction refrigerant is designed to flow. If installed backwards, the filter drier will become useless.

Where is the suction line accumulator located?

The accumulator is installed in the suction line, close to the compressor. It usually is a vertical container with top connections. An internal U-tube reaching down near the bottom is installed on the compressor outlet connection so that the tube inlet is near the top of the container.

What is a suction filter?

What is a Suction Filter and Why do you Need it? The suction filter provides protection to the hydraulic pump from particles larger than 10 microns. You should use a suction filter if there is any likelihood of pump damage due to larger particles or pieces of dirt.

What is the difference between a low pressure refrigerant and a high pressure refrigerant?

19-21) What is the difference between a low pressure refrigerant and a high pressure refrigerant? Low pressure refrigerants have a boiling point at atmospheric pressure above 10°C (50°F) while high pressure refrigerants have a boiling point at atmospheric pressure between -50°C (-58°F) and 10°C (50°F).

What is the purpose of superheat?


Let's start with superheat: Boiling is when a liquid gains heat and transforms into a vapor. Superheat occurs when that vapor is heated above its boiling point. Superheat is critical in HVAC because it ensures the liquid refrigerant is boiled off before it leaves the evaporator and heads to the compressor.

What is compressor burnout?

Compressor burnout is a very specific mode of failure that may be caused by high temperatures in the motor windings or discharge area of the compressor. High temperatures break down the motor winding insulation, which may cause a loss of electrical resistance and result in a short to the ground or even an open winding.

What happens when orifice tube is clogged?

Clogged Orifice Tube. The orifice tube can become restricted and clogged with debris. A clogged orifice tube is typically caused by compressor failure. When this happens, little pieces of metal and aluminum shrapnel will be found in the tube's screen filter.