What does liquid carryover in a refrigeration system indicate?

Liquid carryover in a refrigeration system indicates that liquid refrigerant is entering the compressor. This is a critical issue that can lead to compressor damage because compressors are designed to compress gas, not liquid. When liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, it can cause hydraulic damage, resulting in mechanical failure or significant wear and tear.

The presence of liquid carryover typically suggests that the refrigeration system is not effectively separating the liquid phase from the vapor phase in the evaporator or that the system is operating under conditions which allow liquid to bypass the compressing chambers. Addressing this condition often requires investigating the evaporator design, checking for proper refrigerant levels, and ensuring that the system operation parameters are within recommended ranges.

Understanding the implications of liquid carryover is crucial for maintaining system integrity and operational efficiency, as well as prolonging the life of the compressor.