What is a filter drier?
Filter Driers
What is a filter drier?
Filter-driers are a key component in any refrigeration or air conditioning system for the filtering purposes. A filter-drier in a refrigeration or air conditioning system has two essential functions: one, to adsorb system contaminants, such as water, which can create acids, and two, to provide physical filtration. Evaluation of each factor is necessary to ensure proper and economical dryer design.
How does filter drier work?
Filter driers are exactly what they sound like, they are filters. They filter the refrigerant inside the AC system. Filter driers need to be able to trap and contain moisture, acid, contaminants and wax from circulating throughout the air conditioner. Today's systems are very well designed but problems can arise. HFC refrigerants by themselves will work for many years in a system, even when they are heated up above normal. However, under certain conditions HFC's can react and form acids. Moisture in the system can have a reaction with the refrigerants and cause hydrofluoric acid. These acids unchecked can cause havoc onyour air conditioning system.
Types of Filter
There are basically two types in use today.
- Liquid Line Type
- Suction Line Type
Liquid Line Type
It is placed after the condenser coil and before the expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant that flows from the condenser to the expansion valve is filtered from particles and moisture before entering it. Good filter will filter out particles that are 20 micron or above from the system.
Suction Line Type
It is placed after the evaporator and before the compressor. This device is used to protect the compressor especially after any failure that contaminates the system. Motor failure in the compressor usually causes acid and other contaminants to be introduced into the refrigerant system hence it is important to have the suction line filter drier installed.