Emerson Suction Accumulators A-Series: Operating Instructions

General Information

The function of a suction accumulator is to hold liquid refrigerant and protect the compressor against temporary ingress of liquid fluid from the suction line. This occurs during reversing flow in heat pump applications, after defrost termination in refrigeration applications, or during temporary flooding back from the system.

Safety Instructions

• Read operating instructions thoroughly. Failure to comply can result in device failure, system damage, or personal injury.
• This product is intended for use by qualified personnel with appropriate knowledge and skills, such as those trained according to EN 13313 or with specific training for flammable refrigerants.
• Flammable refrigerants require special handling and care due to their flammability. Sufficient ventilation is required during system service. Contact with rapidly expanding gases can cause frostbite and eye damage. Proper protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, etc.) must be used.
• Ensure the system is correctly labeled with the applied refrigerant type and a warning for explosion risk.
• In a severely contaminated system, avoid breathing acid vapors and avoid contact with skin from contaminated refrigerant/lubricants. Failure to do so could result in injury.
• Before opening any system, ensure the pressure is brought to and remains at atmospheric pressure.
• Do not release any refrigerant into the atmosphere!
• Do not exceed the specified maximum ratings for pressure and temperature.
• Observe and avoid mechanical damage to the component housing.
• Do not use any other fluid media without prior approval from EMERSON. Use of fluids not listed could result in a change of hazard category of the product and consequently a change of conformity assessment requirement in accordance with European Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
• Ensure that design, installation, and operation comply with European and national standards/regulations.
• The suction accumulator must be used only for the purpose for which it is designed.
• For flammable refrigerants, only use accessories approved for them!

Mounting Location

• The suction accumulator should be installed as close as possible to the compressor(s) in the main suction line but before any installed vibration absorber.
• On heat pump systems with a reversing valve, the suction accumulator should be installed between the main suction line of the reversing valve and the compressor.

Installation

• Ensure that the inlet connection is connected to the main suction line.
• The suction accumulator shell must be mounted securely in a vertical position.
• WARNING: Protect the suction accumulator against vibration generated by the compressor. Install the vibration absorber between the suction accumulator and the compressor.

Brazing

Refer to Fig. 1 for brazing illustration. Perform the brazing joint as per EN 14324. Before and after brazing, clean tubing and brazing joints. Minimize vibrations in the piping lines by using appropriate solutions. To avoid oxidation, it is advised to purge the system with an inert gas such as nitrogen while brazing. Do not exceed the maximum surface temperature of 120 °C!

Pressure Test

After completion of installation, a pressure test must be carried out according to EN 378 for systems complying with the European Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, or to the maximum working pressure of the system for other applications.

Tightness Test

Conduct a tightness test according to EN 378-2 with appropriate equipment and method to identify leakages from joints and products. The allowable leakage rate must be according to the system manufacturer's specification.

WARNING: Failure to pressure test or tightness test as described could result in loss of refrigerant, damage to property, and/or personal injury. The tests must be conducted by skilled personnel with due respect regarding the danger related to pressure.

Operation

• After the tightness test, start the system. The liquid level in the suction accumulator can generally be observed by removing external insulation and watching the condensation or frost level on the external surface of the suction accumulator.
• During operation, the external surface of the suction accumulator will sweat. Insulate the suction accumulator.

Service / Maintenance

• When disposing of or removing the component or part from the refrigeration system, ensure that no refrigerant remains trapped inside the part.
• According to EN 378-4, during each periodic maintenance, tightness tests shall be carried out on the relevant part of the refrigerating system. This shall apply where appropriate following any repair.
• A fused plug is incorporated in suction accumulators of the A..-4.. and A..-5.. range. It will open if the fluid temperature exceeds 221 °C in case of external fire.
• Do not attempt to repair the fused plug in case of leakage detection. The suction accumulator must be replaced.
• The external surface of the shells is coated by epoxy powder painting for optimum protection against corrosion. The external surface of the shell shall be checked as per EN 378 during routine/periodic inspection/service.

Technical Data

Dimensions / Connections

Refer to Fig. 2 for dimensions.