Question

In a flooded evaporator using an accumulator and float valve, where does flash gas go?

1) passes directly into the evaporator
2) passes directly into the suction line
3) does not occur
4) stays in the receiver

Answer 1

In a flooded evaporator with an accumulator and float valve, flash gas passes directly into the suction line, separating it from the liquid refrigerant to protect the compressor and ensuring efficient operation of the refrigeration cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a flooded evaporator system using an accumulator and float valve, flash gas—which occurs as liquid refrigerant evaporates due to pressure drop after expansion or heat gain—typically passes directly into the suction line. The purpose of the accumulator is to separate this flash gas from the liquid refrigerant to prevent the compressor from ingesting liquid, which could cause damage. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that flash gas passes directly into the suction line. This allows the evaporator to make full use of the refrigerant's cooling capacity, while the separated gas is drawn into the compressor to continue the refrigeration cycle.