A car’s air conditioning system functions to provide cool air to the interior of a car during hot, summer months. Having an air conditioning system makes a rather unpleasant summer drive more comfortable and bearable. The transfer of hot air and cool air, a process called air conditioning, occurs as a closed loop exchange system involving the ac compressor, ac condenser, ac receiver drier, expansion valve and evaporator.
The ac compressor compresses cool, low – pressure refrigerant liquid into hot, high – pressure refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas moves onto the condenser where heat from the refrigerant gas is absorbed. Once heat is absorbed, the refrigerant gas is “condensed” into refrigerant liquid. The refrigerant liquid then passes onto the ac receiver drier. The ac receiver drier plays a vital role in the ac system, but more on that later. After the ac receiver drier, the refrigerant liquid passes through the expansion valve where liquid refrigerant is converted into refrigerant gas (again). After this, the refrigerant gas moves on to the evaporator. A fan located inside the evaporator blows the refrigerant gas onto the air conditioning vents located inside the car. Once the refrigerant gas enters the car’s interior, the heat from the air within the car is absorbed. The end result is a cooler and more comfortable air for the occupants of the car.
Notice that the description about the ac receiver drier has been left out in the first paragraph. It is fitting that another paragraph be dedicated to this important component of the air conditioning system. The ac receiver drier does the job of filtering out contaminants and absorbing moisture from the refrigerant liquid. By doing so it protects the other areas in the air conditioning system from being contaminated with dust, dirt or moisture. The ac receiver drier looks like a radiator overflow tank and is often a cylindrical contraption with a small window in it. The small window in the ac receiver drier allows one to check the AC status. When the air conditioning system is working, one should be able to see clear liquid inside the ac receiver drier. If the liquid is milky, then there is water in the system. If the liquid has bubbles, then there is a presence of air in the system. When this happens, the car’s air conditioning system must soon be checked by a qualified mechanic. Chances are the ac receiver drier needs some replacing.
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/protect-your-air-conditioning-system-from-contaminants-with-a-topnotched-ac-receiver-drier-296014.html
Author: Anthony Fontanelle