The refrigeration compressor is designed to compress vapour only.
A suction line accumulator prevents compressor damage from a sudden surge of liquid refrigerant and oil which could enter the compressor from the suction line.
The suction line accumulator is a temporary reservoir for this mixture, designed to meter both the liquid refrigerant and oil back to the compressor at an acceptable rate.
This prevents damage to the reed valves, pistons, rods, and crank shafts.
