ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairHeating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)Medium
A vehicle's HVAC system is equipped with a fixed orifice tube instead of an expansion valve. Which component typically replaces the receiver/drier in a system using an orifice tube?
- AEvaporator
- BCompressor
- CAccumulator
- DCondenser
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Accumulator
Systems with a fixed orifice tube use an accumulator on the low-pressure side, after the evaporator, to store excess liquid refrigerant and prevent it from entering the compressor. This replaces the function of the receiver/drier found in expansion valve systems.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The evaporator is present in all AC systems and absorbs heat from the cabin, a different function.
- B. The compressor is present in all AC systems and circulates refrigerant, a different function.
- D. The condenser is present in all AC systems and converts vapor to liquid, a different function.
Orifice Tube System Components
Describes the unique components found in an automotive AC system that uses a fixed orifice tube for refrigerant metering, differing from expansion valve systems.
- Uses a fixed orifice tube instead of an expansion valve.
- Features an accumulator on the low-pressure side.
- Accumulator protects the compressor from liquid refrigerant return.
Memory trick: Orifice's Other Option: Accumulator.