If a compressor is receiving liquid refrigerant, what is a noticeable consequence?

When a compressor is receiving liquid refrigerant instead of vapor, it leads to a decrease in the capacity of both the compressor and the refrigeration system. Compressors are designed to compress vapor refrigerant; when they are forced to handle liquid refrigerant, several issues arise.

Firstly, liquid refrigerant does not compress like vapor; it can cause hydraulic shocks and can result in mechanical damage to the compressor. This disruption reduces the ability of the compressor to effectively circulate refrigerant through the system, ultimately leading to decreased overall efficiency and capacity. This phenomenon can lead to system inefficiencies, overheating, and potential compressor failure if the liquid refrigerant situation is not rectified.

In contrast, increased efficiency, increased cooling capacity, and enhanced superheating of vapor do not occur when liquid refrigerant is introduced into the compressor. Instead, the system struggles to maintain its designed operational parameters, showing that managing refrigerant phase is critical for optimal refrigeration performance.