Non-condensable gases traveling with refrigerant usually accumulate in which component?

• A. Evaporator
• B. Receiver
• C. Compressor
• D. Condenser

Answer: (D)

Non-condensable gases don’t condense with the refrigerant at operating temperatures, so they stay as gas and ride along on the high-pressure side. In a refrigeration cycle, that gas enters the condenser with the refrigerant vapor that needs to be condensed into liquid. Since these gases don’t liquefy, they tend to accumulate there as gas pockets, forming a blanket over the heat-transfer surfaces. That blanket impedes heat rejection, raises head pressure, and reduces condenser efficiency. Purging or venting these gases is a normal maintenance step to restore proper operation. Therefore, non-condensable gases traveling with refrigerant usually accumulate in the condenser.