Final answer:
To prevent total air loss when the compressor discharge line is broken, systems are often equipped with check valves and pressure relief valves. Additionally, the closed-loop design of refrigeration or HVAC systems maintains pressure and contains air or refrigerant despite line damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the compressor discharge line is broken, certain mechanical or safety features can help prevent total loss of air. For instance, a check valve installed prior to the discharge line can prevent the backflow of air, maintaining pressure within the system. Additionally, pressure relief valves or safety valves may release excess pressure to avoid system damage, safeguarding the stored air. In refrigeration or HVAC systems, the cycle involves the compressor elevating the temperature and pressure of the gas, after which it condenses into a liquid through heat transfer inside a heated space. This liquid then passes through a pressure-reducing valve and is cooled by expansion as it returns to the evaporator coils, outlining the closed-loop nature of the system which inherently helps prevent the total loss of pressurized air or refrigerant in the event of a breach. The system's design, incorporating components like expansion valves and condenser coils, contributes to its resilience against substantial air loss, even when interrupted by a breach such as a broken discharge line.