What is the purpose of a suction line accumulator in a refrigeration system?

A suction line accumulator is an essential component in refrigeration systems, specifically designed to prevent liquid slugging. When a refrigeration system operates, the refrigerant usually changes state from liquid to vapor as it absorbs heat. However, under certain conditions, liquid refrigerant can inadvertently enter the compressor. This occurrence, known as liquid slugging, can lead to severe damage to the compressor.

The accumulator captures any excess liquid refrigerant that might be present in the suction line before it reaches the compressor. By allowing only vapor to pass through to the compressor, it ensures smooth and efficient operation, protecting the compressor from potential harm. Thus, the primary function of the suction line accumulator is to manage the flow of refrigerant and prevent liquid from causing operational issues.

The other choices serve different purposes: storing gas refrigerant is not the main function of an accumulator; boosting pressure is typically handled by the compressor itself; and while filtering dust particles is important in some systems, it is not a role fulfilled by the suction line accumulator. The accumulator's design and operation are focused specifically on mitigating the risks associated with liquid refrigerant reaching the compressor.