Rotary compressor and liquid

[MrTube]

Hi,

I'm curious just how sensitive to slugging rotary compressors are.

I would assume they are far less sensitive to it then a reciprocating type compressor?



Thanks,

[chilliwilly]

They are not specifically designed to pump liquid, but they are more tolerant than recips. Some recovery units have rotary and the vane type compressors so they can shift liquid, gas, or a mixture of both.

[doctor freon]

In terms of non-compressibility of liquids doing damage rotarys are probably less sensitive to liquids than recips, but liquid in the compressor can have other impacts, particualry on the lubricant which can also cause different , but no less damaging problems.

[Sserrviceman]

Rotary compressor is able to fend off a light to mild flood-back that would completely destroy a reciprocating compressor. Due to its design, the rotary's casing working temperature is about 100 centigrade degree. This heat is transferred via radiation and conduction to liquid accumulator and keeps it warm. That helps to evaporate (flash) the liquid refrigerant droplets, before they might get sucked into the compression chamber. The danger here is that light floodback will turn into heavy floodback.

[Terron]

Rotary compressors can handle liquid much better than reciprocating compressors during operation....with out having any critical problems, but there is a price to be paid. Most likely you will have to replace the oil filters (shortly after), test the oil for any break down, and depending on how much liquid was taken on.... replace the shaft seal (shortly after).