Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation

ACCUMULATOR

DESCRIPTION

Accumulator - Typical:

The A/C accumulator is mounted in the engine compartment between the A/C evaporator and the A/C compressor. An integral mounting bracket is used to secure the A/C accumulator to the frame rail. The A/C low pressure switch is mounted on a fitting located on the top of the A/C accumulator.

The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The rubber O-rings used on accumulator connections and the A/C low pressure switch are available for service replacement.

OPERATION
Refrigerant enters the A/C accumulator mostly as a low pressure vapor through the inlet tube. Any liquid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag is mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system A filter is also mounted inside the canister to trap any foreign material that may have entered the refrigerant system during assembly. The low pressure vapor exits the A/C accumulator through the outlet tube.

The A/C accumulator cannot be repaired. If the A/C accumulator is faulty or damaged, or if an internal failure of the A/C compressor has occurred, the A/C accumulator must be replaced.