What component supplies saturated liquid refrigerant to the bottom of the evaporator in flooded systems?

In flooded refrigeration systems, the surge drum plays a critical role in maintaining the proper flow of refrigerant. It is specifically designed to store and manage the refrigerant and ensure that it is fed in the correct state into the evaporator. The saturated liquid refrigerant is delivered from the surge drum to the bottom of the evaporator, enabling efficient heat absorption and optimal refrigeration performance.

The surge drum operates by allowing for the separation of the liquid and vapor phases of the refrigerant, effectively preventing any vapor from reaching the evaporator, which could compromise efficiency. By supplying saturated liquid refrigerant directly to the evaporator, the surge drum helps maintain consistent temperature and pressure conditions, which are essential for maximizing cooling capacity and ensuring the system functions correctly.

In context, other components such as the condenser and compressor serve different purposes; the condenser condenses refrigerant vapor into liquid, and the compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. The drier acts to remove moisture and contaminants from the refrigerant but does not directly supply it to the evaporator. Therefore, the surge drum is the component that effectively provides the saturated liquid necessary for the operation of the evaporator in flooded refrigeration systems.