Abstract: An oil separator for a refrigeration system having two inlets for receiving two streams of a mixture of oil and refrigerant for separation. One inlet is on each side of the oil separator. This allows for a separator with a smaller diameter to be used to achieve the same preferred speed of travel of the oil-refrigerant mixture.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and recycling system for removing and recycling chloroflourocarbon (CFC), hydroflourocarbon (HFC) and hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants from refrigeration systems. Closed loop interconnection prevents release of refrigerant to the atmosphere. Liquid refrigerant is drawn by suction through a filter and transferred to a storage tank. When all liquid refrigerant has been transferred, a refrigerant vapor recovery process automatically engages, retrieves and condenses the remaining refrigerant vapors, thus evacuating the refrigeration system to a pressure of approximately 29 inches Hg absolute for low pressure refrigeration systems and 15 inches Hg absolute for high pressure refrigeration systems. After evacuation of the refrigeration system, the present invention automatically shuts off.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil diffuser in the suction line of a compressor. The oil diffuser provides an increased cross sectional area whereby the flow velocity is decreased and further provides non-aligned entering and discharge lines whereby inertial forces and gravitational forces acting on oil flowing into the diffuser tends to move the oil away from the circuitous path necessary for entering into the discharge line. The resulting separated oil can enter the discharge line via a small hole in the tube which only permits metered mounts of oil to be supplied to the suction of the compressor.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioning system CO.sub.2 as the refrigerant is compred by an internally controlled swash plate compressor (1) and circulates in a main circuit (2) having at least two heat exchangers (3, 5). An expansion valve (4) subdivides the main circuit (2) into a high and a low pressure part. The capacity control of the swash plate compressor (1) and therefore the air conditioning system takes place by means of a valve (23), which is located in a partial circuit (22) branched from the main circuit (2) by means of a constant choke (21) and which includes the drive chamber (18) of the swash plate compressor (1), so that in the latter it is possible to modify the pressure for adjusting the stroke length of the compressor piston (7). The branching point for the partial circuit (22) is located on an oil separator (20), which is located in the flow direction behind a first heat exchanger (5), so that the swash plate compressor (1) is cooled and is supplied with returned, cooled oil.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system for recovering refrigerant from a cooling system is disclosed. A compressor (60) is provided having an oil drain outlet (66). An oil separator (50) is also provided for receiving incoming refrigerant before the refrigerant is drawn into the compressor (60). The oil separator has a helical coil (90) disposed in a heat exchange relationship with the oil separator (50) for receiving the refrigerant after the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor (60) and thereby cooling the refrigerant. A condenser coil (92) is also provided for receiving the refrigerant after the refrigerant has passed through the helical coil (90) and further cooling the refrigerant, causing it to condense. An aluminum base (100) is provided for dissipating heat from the condenser coil (92) and the oil separator (50) since the condenser coil (92) and the oil separator (50) are mounted directly on the aluminum base (100).

Abstract: An air conditioning system of the present invention has a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an oil separator, a condenser, a expansion device, an evaporator, a first accumulator, and a second accumulator which are connected in order by piping, said evaporator, said first accumulator, said second accumulator, and said compressor being connected in series; a first oil return bypass for connecting said oil separator and a connection pipe between said first and second accumulators; and a second oil return bypass for connecting said first accumulator and a connection pipe between said second accumulator and said compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming refrigerant including a distillation tank, an eliminator arranged within an upper portion of said distillation tank, a booster connected to an upper end of the distillation tank for extracting refrigerant vapor from the distillation tank, a heat exchanger connected to the booster, a heat pump for transferring condensing heat from the heat exchanger to the distillation tank, and an air/water/refrigerant separator connected to the heat exchanger, whereby the apparatus can effectively reclaim refrigerant and separate air and water from the refrigerant.

Abstract: A normally closed valve is located downstream of the oil separator to insure that sufficient oil pressure builds up to lubricate the compressor. The valve is responsive to the differential pressure between discharge and economizer such that throttling takes place over a limited portion of the operating envelope.

Abstract: In a refrigerant recovery system, a refrigerant compressor has an inlet for connection to a source of refrigerant to be recovered and an outlet for connection to a refrigerant storage container. A separator is connected in series with the compressor for separating lubricant from refrigerant either before or after passage of the refrigerant through the compressor. A valve or other suitable means is operatively connected between the inlet and outlet of the compressor for equalizing pressure across the compressor during non-operation of the compressor. A pressure sensor is coupled to the refrigerant recovery system and responsive to refrigerant pressure at the lubricant separator. A manual or automatic valve is coupled to a drain on the separator for draining lubricant from the separator during non-operation of the compressor when refrigerant pressure at the separator reaches a selected level during non-operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A closed cycle cryogenic refrigerating system with a fixed restrictor operates with a compressor inlet pressure in a range of 0.1 Mpa to 0.4 Mpa and compressor discharge pressure in a range of 1.5 Mpa and 2.5 Mpa. A basic cryogenic refrigerant mixture is used to which is added approximately 3% to 25% of helium, hydrogen and/or neon. A ratio of refrigerant density at the inlet of the fixed restrictor between steady-state operation and operation at the beginning of cool-down is in an approximate range of 7 to 17. Relatively rapid cool-down is achieved and evaporator temperature is maintained in an approximate range of 70K to 120K.

Abstract: Compressor lubricant in a screw compressor-based refrigeration system is cooled by directing the lubricant from the system oil separator to an oil-cooling heat exchanger disposed in the lower portion of the system condenser where it is bathed in condensed system refrigerant. Parasitic capacity losses with respect to the compressor lubricant cooling process are thereby avoided.

Abstract: An oil separator for separating liquid oil from a gaseous refrigerant in a refrigerant system has an oil separator chamber and an oil reservoir chamber arranged horizontally adjacent to one another. The oil separator chamber contains an oil separator having an inlet for receiving a refrigerant/oil mixture, a separator for separating the gas and oil from the oil/gas mixture, a gas outlet and an oil outlet leading from the very bottom of the oil separator chamber into the oil reservoir chamber. The oil reservoir chamber contains an oil return inlet opening near a bottom of the oil reservoir chamber leading to an outside of the oil reservoir chamber. Also, an arrangement is provided at the oil outlet for allowing a flow of oil from the oil separator chamber to the oil reservoir chamber, but preventing a flow of oil from the oil reservoir chamber to the oil separator chamber.

Abstract: An oil/vapor separator separates lubrication oil from refrigerant vapor in an air conditioning cycle. The separator includes a chamber in which are disposed upper and lower apertured buffer plates sandwiching a filter therebetween. Oil and vapor passing through the buffer plates and the filter exits the lower buffer plate in a swirling path so that centrifugal force displaces oil outwardly against a wall of the chamber, and the oil gravitates downwardly for collection at the bottom of the chamber. The refrigerant vapor is discharged through a vapor outlet pipe positioned centrally in the chamber. An apertured separating plate is situated between the lower buffer plate and the collected oil to isolate the collected oil from the swirling vapor. The vapor outlet pipe extends through the separating plate and is supported thereby.

Abstract: A refrigerating system is provided which includes a refrigerating line through which refrigerant flows, a refrigerant compressor for circulating the refrigerant through the refrigerating line, and an oil separation passage connected to the refrigerant compressor. The refrigerant compressor includes an enclosed chamber storing therein a refrigeration oil insoluble in the refrigerant. The oil separation passage directs the refrigerant introduced from an inlet port of the refrigerant compressor to an outlet port through the enclosed chamber for separating the refrigeration oil contained in the refrigerant entering from the inlet port.

Abstract: A refrigerant circulating system that uses a highly polar refrigerant, as typified by a hydrofluorocarbon-based one, and a refrigerating oil that has slight solubility with a liquid refrigerant on the condensation side. Also, a refrigerant circulating cycle that uses a highly polar refrigerant, as typified by a hydrofluorocarbon-based one, and a refrigerating oil that has a slight solubility with a liquid refrigerant and which has a greater specific gravity than the liquid refrigerant. Thereby, it provides a high electrical insulation and moisture resistance, good oil return to the compressor, and high reliability.

Abstract: In a system having low and high stage compressors with an oil separator downstream of each stage there can be a tendency for oil from the first stage to collect in the second stage. So, responsive to a low level of oil in the first stage oil system, oil is supplied from the second stage oil system to the first stage oil system.

Abstract: An oil separator for a refrigeration system employing a screw compressor includes a generally cylindrical, vertically upstanding housing the bottom of which defines an oil sump and the top of which is penetrated by discharge conduit connecting the oil separator to the refrigeration system condenser. The center line of the discharge conduit is parallel to but offset from the center line of the separator housing so that the discharge conduit is non-concentric with the housing. As a result, an enlarged tangential inlet to the interior of the separator is made possible which is unimpeded by the discharge conduit. The cross sectional flow area through which the mixture discharged from the compressor passes prior to entering the separator can therefore likewise be increased. As a result, pressure drop in the refrigerant gas as a result of the oil separation process is reduced and overall system efficiency is enhanced while the diameter of the separator housing is minimized.

Abstract: A vane-type rotary refrigerant compressor adapted for use in an air conditioning system is disclosed which includes a rotor fixed on a drive shaft for rotation therewith and disposed in an elliptical chamber of a cylinder block which is enclosed by a housing and whose axial ends are closed by front and rear side plates. The rotor has a plurality of slots in which vanes are slidably received so that a plurality of compression chambers are formed during the operation of the compressor. An oil separator compartment is defined by the housing and the rear side plate, communicating with a discharge chamber into which compressed refrigerant is discharged. In the rear side plate is formed a discharge passage establishing communication between the discharge chamber and the oil separator compartment. The discharge passage has a restricted portion and a bend so as to provide resistance against the flow of the compressed refrigerant for damping its pulsating stream.

Abstract: The closed loop oil service system operates in conjunction with an air conditioner or refrigerant compressor lubricated lubricating oil contained within the compressor casing. The compressor includes a submerged oil drain port, submerged oil view port, a refrigerant inlet port and refrigerant outlet port. The closed loop oil service system utilizes a canister containing compressor lubricating oil and having a long stem first valve and a short stem second valve. Depending on the mode of oil service being performed the system may also incorporate a refrigerant recovery unit, a refrigerant drum or a clear calibrated fluid injection device. The system also includes at least a pair of coupler hoses which fluidly and gaseously connect the canister valves and compressor ports in varying configurations. In one embodiment, one coupler hose is connected between compressor oil drain port and canister first valve. The second coupler hose is connected between compressor refrigerant inlet port and canister second valve.

Abstract: Compressor lubricant in a screw compressor-based refrigeration system is cooled by directing the lubricant from the system oil separator to an oil-cooling heat exchanger disposed in the lower portion of the system condenser where it is bathed in condensed system refrigerant. Parasitic capacity losses with respect to the compressor lubricant cooling process are thereby avoided.

Abstract: An improved oil/gas separator having an upright cylindrical housing with a radial oil/gas inlet and a gas outlet pipe arranged within the housing downward and terminating within the housing with an open end. A helical wall is mounted coaxially around the gas outlet pipe and an oil collection zone is arranged below the open end of the gas outlet pipe. A drip ring is mounted at a low end portion of the gas outlet pipe adjacent to the open end to prevent oil from being entrained into the gas proceeding into the open end. A replaceable porous filter can be provided above an exit end of the gas outlet pipe for a last stage of oil removal from the gas flowing through the separator. A baffle is arranged below the porous filter and above the helical wall for collecting oil removed by the porous filter.

Abstract: A refrigerant filter/accumulator and an oil separator, both suitable for refrigerant recovery equipment, are disclosed. In the filter/accumulator (10) refrigerant enters (11), is filtered by cup-shaped filter (15), and liquid-refrigerant drains into accumulator section (20). Superheated refrigerant from compressor (17) passes through pipe (21, 22, 23) and vaporises refrigerant which leaves the unit via outlet (26). Accumulated oil can be drained when desired via oil port (35). In another embodiment refrigerant enters section (20) and passes upwardly through a coarse filter and baffle [both depending from ledge (30)] before encountering filter (15) and exiting from the upper section of the unit. In the oil separator (not shown) superheated refrigerant enters a vessel at a lowpoint and must flow up in a tortuous path through a mesh, thus prompting settlement of oil.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and recycling apparatus and method for removing and recycling chloroflourocarbon (CFC), hydroflourocarbon (HFC) and hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants from refrigeration systems through a closed loop connection which prevents the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere. A refrigerant is drawn by suction through a filter in its liquid state and transferred to a storage tank. When all liquid refrigerant has been so transferred, a refrigerant vapor recovery process automatically engages and retrieves and condenses the remaining refrigerant vapors, thus completing evacuation of the closed loop refrigeration system until the refrigeration system is evacuated to a pressure of approximately 29 inches Hg absolute for low pressure refrigeration systemes and 20 inches Hg absolute for high pressure refrigeration systems, at which time the present invention automatically shuts off.

Abstract: An oil collector unit of a refrigerant recovery system includes a housing, an interior middle vertical wall disposed in the housing, an interior middle horizontal wall disposed in the housing and intersecting the interior vertical wall and defining left and right pairs of upper and lower chambers on opposite sides of the middle vertical wall having passageways between the upper and lower chambers at opposite ends of the middle horizontal wall which are spaced from the opposite ends of the housing, and a plurality of tubes connected in flow communication with selected ones of the chambers of the housing so as to define a circuitous flow path through the chambers of the housing permitting travel of a fluid mixture of refrigerant and oil therethrough and separation of oil from refrigerant therewithin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved oil separator in which the oil/refrigerant mixture is caused to flow through two different filter elements. Each of the filter elements is contained in a separate chamber within the separator. A valve assembly is also provided that selectively permits only oil to flow from the first chamber to an oil collection area in the second chamber. The valve assembly regulates the flow of collected oil to the collection area such that the oil/refrigerant mixture cannot escape from the first chamber except by flowing through the filter element of the second chamber. In one embodiment, the valve assembly can include an elongated oil drain extending from a first end adjacent to an oil drain aperture in a dividing wall separating the first and second chambers to a second, open end. A valve seat is formed on the second end of the oil drain.

Abstract: An oil purification apparatus for use in conjunction with a refrigeration system. The oil purification apparatus includes an isolation tank for receiving a quantity of contaminated oil from the refrigeration system and holding the oil isolated from the refrigeration system. A separation system including a heater and an agitation mechanism reclaims refrigerant contaminant entrained in the oil. A vapor loop selectively conveys the reclaimed refrigerant from the oil purification apparatus to the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Means are provided to separate liquid particles from a flowing gas and liquid particle mixture which does not require any moving parts. A housing receives the gas and liquid particle mixture and includes a porous membrane interface which separates a higher pressure area from a lower pressure area within the housing. An elongated spiral conduit forming an area of higher pressure provides a flow path from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. The liquid particles in the flowing gas and liquid particle mixture are urged by their flow through the elongated spiral conduit into contact with the porous membrane interface. The liquid particles coat the porous membrane interface and form a film created by the surface tension of the liquid. Liquid from particles which continue to come into contact with the porous membrane interface is urged through the membrane into the lower pressure area while gas is retained in the higher pressure area. The separated liquid and cleansed gas can be removed from the housing for reuse.

Abstract: The invention resides in improvements to refrigeration systems which rely on circulation of refrigerant gas through compression and expansion phases, and thereby discharging heat from a fluid to be cooled. The invention includes a subcooler (38) in the refrigerant loop, downstream of the refrigerant condenser (34) and a gas trap (36) between the condenser (34) and the subcooler (38), that assures temperature drop in the subcooler (38). The invention also comprehends a shut-off valve (44) between the compressor and the heat source heat exchanger (28). The invention further includes a high capacity-to-volume oil to air heat exchanger (48), for cooling the lubricating oil in the oil loop (26). Preferred refrigerant is ammonia. Incorporating the above improvements into refrigeration systems enables an overall reduction in system sizing. Such systems, having heat exchange capacity of at least 200,000 Btu/hr., up to at least 500,000 Btu/hr.

Abstract: A compression refrigerating system includes an oil and air separator spaced between the refrigerant receiver and the evaporators of the system, and the refrigerant of the mixture of oil and refrigerant contributes to the cooling of the refrigerant circulating to the evaporators by the evaporation in the oil separator.

Abstract: Oil laden refrigerant is supplied tangentially into an oil separator for a primary removal of oil and then into a coalescer for a secondary removal of oil. Flow between the oil separator and coalescer is controlled by a valve so as to insure that a rapid build up of pressure takes place in the sump to insure adequate lubrication to the compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and recycling used refrigerants from automotive air conditioning systems and similar air conditioning systems is disclosed having a unique cleaning assembly, a unique coolable storage means, and for recharging recycled refrigerant a unique metering means, as well as gauge assembly for measuring the amount of gas contaminates in the used refrigerants.

Abstract: An oil separator used in a refrigerating system. The oil separator comprises a body for forming a centrifugal oil separating chamber and an oil storage chamber, with a separating plate dividing the chambers. An inlet passage is connected tangentially to the oil separating chamber, to cause a swirl in the chamber, and a medium outlet passage extends inwardly from an end wall into the oil separating chamber. An oil outlet passage(s) is provided in the separating plate at a position near a periphery thereof. The oil separator body is formed integrally with the compressor housing and a ring member is fitted in an inner surface of the oil storage chamber, and a helically shaped narrow groove is provided on the outer surface thereof to form an oil returning passage. Also, the oil outlet passage can be provided in the separating plate at a position lower than a highest level of the oil storage chamber, thereby allowing the chambers to be arranged in a horizontal side by side relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing high vibration and pulsation levels generated by he discharge of gas-liquid mixtures from compressors. A tuyere is positioned within the compressor housing to separate the gas from the liquid.

Abstract: A pressurized supply of oil for lubrication and other purposes for a helical screw compressor is automatically and continuously maintained in an oil separator in the compressor discharge line by a check valve assembly which is controlled by the pressure differential between the compressor inlet and the condenser, a bypass around the valve's control element permitting equalization of pressure on its opposite sides to permit closing by a biasing element.

Abstract: A device for separating oil from a gas is provided which includes a housing forming a peripheral wall with an inlet at a top end of the housing for receiving an oil/gas mixture, a gas outlet formed by a conduit extending through the top end of the housing and an oil outlet at a bottom end of the housing. Within the housing there is a helical wall extending between the gas outlet conduit and the peripheral wall to cause the oil/gas mixture to flow in a largely circumferential path along the peripheral wall. Between the helical wall and the peripheral wall there is provided a mesh screen for collecting and separating the oil from the oil/gas mixture. The collected oil drips from the screen to a baffle with apertures therein which directs the oil therethrough for receipt in an oil collection zone below the baffle. The gas outlet conduit has an opening above the baffle for permitting relatively oil-free gas to exit the oil separator.

Abstract: A recovery, filtering, and purification, and recycling apparatus and system for use with air conditioners, heat exchangers and the like, has a separator with an associated heat exchanger for vaporizing refrigerant within the separator.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system including a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-drier and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Such refrigerant reclaim system including means for evacuating gaseous refrigerant after the removal of all liquid refrigerant, means for accumulating residual oil in the gaseous refrigerant and returning it to the compressor motor, and means for controlling the inlet and outlet systems to prevent flow of refrigerant except when desired.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: A compact refrigerant reclaim apparatus that is capable of removing refrigerant from a refrigeration system during repairs in order to remove oil and other impurities from said refrigerant and being capable of returning the refrigerant to the refrigeration system in a clean state. The apparatus includes an oil separator that includes oil separation and oil accumulator means.

Abstract: A refrigerant handling system that includes a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, a condenser for withdrawing heat from and at least partially condensing refrigerant passing therethrough, and a compressor oil separator connected between the compressor outlet and the condenser for separating oil from refrigerant passing to the condenser. The compressor oil separator takes the form of a closed canister having an open internal volume, a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet at an upper portion of the canister, and an oil drain at a lower portion of the canister. A refrigerant coil is mounted externally of the canister in heat exchange relationship with the canister sidewall. The vapor inlet, vapor outlet and refrigerant coil are connected in series between the compressor outlet and the condenser coil such that heat of refrigerant passing through the coil heats the canister internal volume to prevent condensation of refrigerant therein.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery apparatus has features for trapping oil recovered from an air conditioning system. It has a low pressure oil separator which is mounted in line with the flow of refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor. The low pressure oil separator will be located at a lower elevation than the compressor. When the compressor is turned off, this allows excess oil in the compressor to drain to its design level.

Abstract: A pressurized flow of a refrigerant gas discharged from a gas compressor and which has compressor lubricating oil entrained as a mist therein, is subjected to an oil separation in a separating unit of a separator assembly wherein by impacting flow of the oil-containing gas against impact structure in the separating unit, oil is caused to separate from the gas with the oil falling to the bottom of the separating unit, post-impact flow of the refrigerant gas being in a torturous flow path in the separating unit which torturous flow produces further and additional oil separation from the gas. The gas ultimately, has outlet from the unit at an upper end thereof from whence the gas passes to a point of use, the separated oil passing from the unit through a return capillary tube conduit to the compressor.

Abstract: An oil separator is provided for separating oil from a refrigerant gas and returning the oil to a compressor. The separator includes a housing which has means associated therewith for conducting a mixture of refrigerant gas and oil into the housing and therein separating the oil from the gas. The separated oil is stored in a reservoir forming a part of the housing. A plurality of oil pickup devices are located within the oil reservoir. Each of the oil pickup devices has an oil pickup opening associated therewith. The oil pickup openings are located at different depths within the oil reservoir. The pickup devices are designed so that they are substantially more receptive to the flow of lubricating oil therethrough than to the flow of refrigerant gas. In one embodiment, the oil pickup devices are capillary tubes having their open ends located at different depths within the oil reservoir.

Abstract: An oil separator for an air-cooled refrigeration system employing a screw compressor includes a U-shaped housing the bottom of which defines an oil sump and the upstanding leg portions of which are connected by flow splitting apparatus. The flow splitting apparatus divides and tangentially delivers portions of a mixture of compressed refrigerant gas received from the compressor, and in which oil is entrained, into the upper region of each leg portion. The tangential delivery of the mixture into the leg portions and the centrifugal force created thereby causes the entrained oil to be separated from the gas at two distinct locations in the separator. The separated oil drains along the inner walls of the leg portions of the separator to a common sump while the compressed refrigerant gas from which the oil has been separated exits each of the leg portions through open-ended conduits which extend into the leg portions.

Abstract: In a method for the disposal and recovery of environmentally harmful substances, especially refrigerant from refrigerant systems, in which the refrigerant is aspirated from the refrigeration system with the aid of a compressor and liquefied, and after passing through an oil filter supplied to a disposal container, the invention provides that on its way to the compressor, the refrigerant is kept in the gaseous state by heating and is freed of foreign substances such as oil, water and dirt, which are collected in separate containers, and on its way from the compressor to the disposal container, in the liquid state, is subjected to further cleaning to remove the aforementioned substances.

Abstract: An internally compounded two-stage compressor has an interstage cooler and an oil separator associated therewith. The oil, and any hot gas mixed with it, discharged from the oil separator is passed in heat exchanger relationship with the cooling refrigerant flowing into the interstage cooler.

Abstract: An oil separator suitable for separating oil from vaporized refrigerant leaving the high pressure discharge side of a refrigerant compressor, and for returning the separated oil to the compressor crankcase. The oil separator includes an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis. Oil separation stages and a capillary tube are disposed within the housing. The capillary tube has a first end into which oil may flow, and a second end in fluid flow communication with an oil return outlet on the housing. The first end of the capillary tube and the oil return outlet are positioned relative to one another such that the longitudinal axis of the housing may be oriented at any selected angle in a range of ninety degrees between horizontal and vertical orientations. The capillary tube has a bore and length selected such that a predetermined refrigerant flow rate is created which carries oil to the crankcase.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting contamination of a liquid entrained in a circulating fluid, including a housing having an inlet for receiving the fluid, a reservoir for containing extracted liquid, and an outlet portion disposed in predetermined relationship with the reservoir for venting the fluid from the housing. There is also a separator, which may be formed as part of the housing, for extracting liquid from the fluid and directing the extracted liquid to the reservoir. A probe, disposed in the reservoir, measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical resistance of the liquid to detect a change in resistivity indicative of contamination of the liquid.

Abstract: Sound attenuating liquid-gas separation apparatus includes nested elements which are tuned to abate noise in general and at predetermined frequencies in particular in a screw compressor assembly. The apparatus includes a helical flow path defined internal of an outer shell. The shell is selectively perforated at its downstream end to allow for the egress of separate oil from it. The apparatus includes a columnar, open-ended cylindrical member internal of the outer separator shell and a discharge conduit which penetrates both the separator shell and the open end of the columnar cylindrical member disposed within the shell to create the nesting which both contributes to the oil separation proces and abates noise. By selectively dimensioning and therefore "tuning" the nested members in accordance with the characteristics of the particular compressor with which they are used, compressor assembly noise abatement at predetermined frequencies is accomplished.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus comprises a switching valve for switching the flowing direction of a refrigerant discharged from a compressor to carry out either cooling operation, heating operation or defrosting operation; an outdoor heat exchanger for receiving the refrigerant supplied by the compressor through the switching valve to make the refrigerant heat exchange with air to be heat exchanged; an indoor heat exchanger for making the refrigerant heat exchange with a fluid to be heat exchanged; an oil separator which is arranged in a discharging side refrigerant pipe connecting the switching valve and the discharge port of the compressor to separate the refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil which are discharged from the compressor; a first and second accumulators which are connected in series in an intake side refrigerant pipe connecting the switching valve and the intake port of the compressor; a first bypass passage for connecting the oil separator and the second accumulator through a solenoid valv