Receiver Dryer: Description and Operation

Receiver/Drier With Refrigerant Lines - Typical:

The receiver/drier stores unnecessary refrigerant, filters the refrigerant, helps remove moisture from the refrigerant and retains any refrigerant vapor that may leave the A/C condenser until it becomes a liquid.

The receiver/drier is installed on the high-side of the A/C system and is serviced only as part of the liquid line.

The receiver/drier performs a filtering action to prevent foreign material in the refrigerant from contaminating the A/C expansion valve. Refrigerant enters the receiver/drier as a high-pressure, low temperature liquid. Desiccant inside the receiver/drier absorbs any moisture which may have entered and become trapped within the refrigerant system. In addition, during periods of high demand operation of the A/C system, the receiver/drier acts as a reservoir to store surplus refrigerant.

The receiver/drier cannot be repaired. If the receiver/drier is faulty or damaged, or if the refrigerant system has been contaminated or left open to the atmosphere for an indeterminable period or if the A/C compressor has failed, it must be replaced.