RECEIVER PURPOSE

The receiver is a refrigeration accessory which is simply a storage tank used to accumulate liquid refrigerant from the condenser.

Ideally, the refrigeration system boils off the refrigerant in the evaporator at the same rate it condenses in the condenser resulting in a uniform rate of refrigerant flow throughout the system. In small systems, such as domestic refrigerators and room air conditioners, this can be achieved, and receivers are not needed.

However, in larger systems this is not the case, and receivers are used as temporary storage containers of liquid refrigerant. Receivers are also useful as storage tanks for the refrigerant during shut-down.

Typical parts of a receiver will be illustrated on the horizontal receiver here