Final answer:
A rotating mechanical seal in a refrigeration compressor is held in position by a spring. This allows the seal to maintain contact with the mating surface, preventing refrigerant leakage and ensuring the compressor's efficiency in the refrigeration cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
A rotating mechanical seal, installed on a refrigeration compressor, is typically held in position by a spring. The function of the seal is to prevent leakage of refrigerant and to separate the high-pressure and low-pressure areas of the compressor. The spring applies a mechanical force to maintain the seal in contact with its mating surface, ensuring an efficient seal during operation despite any shaft movement or misalignment.
In a refrigeration cycle, the compressor raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant gas which then condenses in the condenser coils after heat transfer to the surrounding space. This cycle is essential for the cooling process in refrigerators and air conditioners.