Small suction line accumulator

[desA]

I'm trying to locate a small suction line accumulator, as used on a/c rotary compressors. See part in red in sketch below.



If anyone knows where such a device can be purchased separately to the compressor, I'd be most grateful for links & references.

[Brian_UK]

Are you sure that that is an accumulator?

There is often a muffler in that position.

[nevgee]

Are you sure that that is an accumulator?

There is often a muffler in that position.

Mufflers usually are on the discharge ... this one is on the suction, that's assuming the larger pipe is suction and smaller one is discharge. .... perhaps?

[nevgee]

Failing that, why not just make one from copper tubing. allowing for an internal riser and some provision for oil return.

[Brian_UK]

Mufflers usually are on the discharge ... this one is on the suction, that's assuming the larger pipe is suction and smaller one is discharge. .... perhaps?

Except when they are on the suction.

See page 4...
http://www.celsiusair.co.uk/equipmen...e%20Manual.pdf

[Gary]

All rotary compressors have an accumulator mounted on the side. That's because the incoming gas goes straight to the suction valves. The crankcase and motor are on the high side.

[desA]

Are you sure that that is an accumulator?

There is often a muffler in that position.

It is definitely a suction accumulator. There is a fairly complex internal construction to these beasts. They seem to work very reliably.

[desA]

Failing that, why not just make one from copper tubing. allowing for an internal riser and some provision for oil return.

This is possible. The internal riser part is fine.

How would you manage the oil return?

[desA]

A few pictures of an experimental set-up, showing the internal construction of these accumulators / particle-smashers:

[IMG][/IMG]

[nevgee]

This is possible. The internal riser part is fine.

How would you manage the oil return?

You need to make a small opening, slot or hole to allow oil to weep from the lower point back into the riser. The opening needs to allow the oil to return at the same rate it is being recovered of course. Small amounts of refrigerant liquid may pass thru when there is a low oil level, but this should not be a problem generally as the liquid is most likey to boil off before it travels any distance.

[Brian_UK]

This is possible. The internal riser part is fine.

How would you manage the oil return?

See my previous post and see the diagram on page 4.