Inventors:
Gary E. Griffin - Penn Yan NY
Robert F. Prayne - Seneca Falls NY
Assignee:
Parker-Hannifin Corporation - Cleveland OH
International Classification:
F25B 4300
B01D 4512
Abstract:
An accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a housing having a cylindrical sidewall and upper and lower end walls. Inlet and outlet tubes are provided in the housing for directing refrigerant into and out of the accumulator. The inlet tube includes a first end fluidly connected to an inlet fitting at the upper end wall of the housing, and a second end located proximate the lower end wall of the housing. A longitudinal orifice is provided along the entire length of the inlet tube, from a location above the level of stored liquid refrigerant in the accumulator, to a location below the level of stored liquid. The orifice is oriented to direct fluid tangentially along the inside surface of the side wall. The inlet tube is formed by a strip of material where the side edges of the strip are brought together to define the opening, or the side edges can be brought into contact along a seam and a plurality of openings can be provided along the tube. The inlet tube can also comprise a strip of material which cooperates with the inside surface of the sidewall to form a flow path from the inlet fitting into the housing.