Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation

Fig.12 Accumulator - Typical:

The accumulator is mounted in the engine compartment between the evaporator outlet and the compressor suction port. An integral mounting bracket is used to secure the accumulator to the right side rail with a screw. Two connectors of the suction and liquid line assembly are sealed to an integral connector block on the top of the accumulator canister with rubber O-ring seals and secured there with two screws. A threaded fitting on the top of the accumulator canister provides the port through which the low pressure clutch cycling switch monitors the refrigerant system pressures.

The accumulator cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The suction and liquid line assembly the rubber O-rings and the low pressure clutch cycling switch are available for service replacement.

Refrigerant enters the accumulator canister 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 located inside the accumulator canister absorbs any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system.