2nd Class Power Engineering (2B3) Practice Exam

In an absorption refrigeration system, slugs of liquid from the evaporator can cause significant damage in the absorber. This is because the absorber is primarily designed to handle vapor, and the presence of liquid slugs can disrupt the intended operation. When liquid enters the absorber, it can lead to flooding, where the liquid prevents proper gas flow and absorption of the refrigerant vapor. This flooding can result in lower efficiency, increased pressure drops, and potential mechanical damage to the system components.

Additionally, if the liquid slug is large enough, it can cause hydraulic shock and may damage the absorber internals or connected piping. The absorber is tailored for specific flow rates and states of matter, and introducing liquid disrupts this balance, ultimately impacting the overall performance and reliability of the absorption system.

Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the correct operating conditions to prevent liquid carryover from the evaporator to the absorber, thereby safeguarding against these damaging effects.