FILTER FOR VAPOR COMPRESSION SYSTEMS

• Main Author: JUDGE JOHN F
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.12.2007
• Subjects: BLASTING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; HEATING; LIGHTING; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; WEAPONS

In a closed loop refrigerant system and method, a refrigerant liquid filter is provided downstream of the condenser to receive and clean high pressure, high temperature liquid refrigerant. The invention provides means for cooling liquid refrigerant so as to render otherwise soluble contaminants insoluble before leaving the filter. The means for cooling preferably includes a refrigerant line provided in thermal contact with the liquid refrigerant in the filter. The refrigerant line contains expanded refrigerant gas or expanded liquid/gas mixture, which is at a lower temperature than the liquid refrigerant received from the condenser. Condensed liquid refrigerant is provided to the filter, which filter further includes a filter element for removing contaminants that have been rendered insoluble by the cooling of the liquid refrigerant. The filtered liquid refrigerant, from which otherwise soluble contaminants and insoluble contaminants have been removed, can then be supplied to downstream components such as expansion devices, evaporators, and compressors.