Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
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Figure 22 - Typical Receive Package Assembly
Refrigerant Receiver
The function of a Liquid Refrigerant Receiver is to store liquid refrigerant to provide continuous flow of liquid
refrigerant to the expansion device and to provide storage for the refrigerant charge during system service or
maintenance.
A receiver is required to store refrigerant during warmer weather. The receiver should be sized so it is at 80 to 82%
of capacity while containing the entire system charge. Another aspect of receivers is that they contain both liquid
and gaseous refrigerant at the same time. By their design, receivers prohibit liquid sub-cooling from occurring.
Without liquid sub-cooling the capacity of the system is reduced, and care must be taken in the design of the liquid
line to avoid flashing at the TX valve.
Flooded systems are an excellent method of providing head pressure control in cold climates, but they increase
initial cost, add complexity to the refrigeration system, increase installation time, and increase the refrigerant
charge. The loss of sub-cooling should be recognized. If a flooded system is required, consult the manufacturer prior
to installation.
Applications
Liquid refrigerant receivers are installed in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The receiver is installed after
the condenser to collect the condensed refrigerant to allow a continuous liquid supply to the expansion device.
Liquid receivers are also used to store the refrigerant charge while the system is pumped down for service or
maintenance.
NOTE:
For applications below 0°F (-17.8°C), low ambient receiver packages are required.
Selection Guidelines
Receiver storage capacities are based on the liquid occupying no more than 90% of the internal volume when the
temperature of the refrigerant is 90°F (32°C) per ASHRAE Standard 15-78. Receivers should be selected based on
the operating charge for all system components, including the liquid lines. It is usual to add a small percentage to
