What is required to prevent liquid from reaching the compressor?

To prevent liquid from reaching the compressor, the installation of liquid separators is essential. Liquid separators are designed to remove any liquid refrigerant from the suction line before it enters the compressor. If liquid refrigerant were to reach the compressor, it could lead to liquid slugging, which can cause severe damage to the compressor and affect overall system performance.

Liquid separators work by utilizing gravity or centrifugal forces to ensure that only vapor refrigerant is allowed to pass through to the compressor while directing any liquid back to the evaporator or appropriate part of the system. This separation is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the compressor, which is designed to compress vapor, not liquid.

Properly sized suction lines and continuous operation of the compressor would contribute to the efficiency of the system, but they do not specifically address the need to keep liquid from reaching the compressor itself. Lowering system temperatures can affect the pressure and phase of the refrigerant, but it doesn't inherently prevent liquid from entering the compressor. Therefore, ensuring the installation of liquid separators is the best method for safeguarding the compressor from potentially damaging liquid refrigerant.