What is the primary cause of liquid slugging in a compressor?

The primary cause of liquid slugging in a compressor is refrigerant entering as a liquid. When a compressor is designed to compress gas, the presence of liquid refrigerant can cause serious mechanical issues. If liquid refrigerant makes its way into the compressor, it can lead to hydraulic lock, where the incompressible liquid prevents the proper movement of the compressor’s pistons, leading to potential damage.

This situation typically occurs in systems where there is a malfunction or improper sizing that leads to excessive refrigerant flow or issues in the evaporator that result in liquid not fully evaporating before entering the compressor. Recognizing and addressing liquid slugging is crucial to maintaining compressor health and system efficiency.

Understanding this concept is essential in HVAC systems, as it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that refrigerant is in the correct state (gas vs. liquid) before it enters the compressor for efficient operation and longevity of the equipment.