Thomas A Manning

US Patent:

52338428, Aug 10, 1993

Filed:

Jul 1, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/907087

Inventors:

Thomas O. Manning - Bloomington MN
Michael T. Nelson - Eagan MN

Assignee:

Thermo King Corporation - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

F25B 4900

US Classification:

62132

Abstract:

A heated accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a cylindrical tank closed by upper and lower tank caps. The tank is divided into upper and lower chambers by a plate disposed near the upper tank cap, with the lower chamber defining a sump. The plate includes a central opening surrounded by smaller openings. An outlet U-tube has a first end disposed within the central opening of the plate, a second end which extends through the upper tank cap, and a central portion which extends into the sump. A refrigerant inlet tube includes swirl ports which direct refrigerant into a vortex against the inner surface of an upper portion of the tank. Heat is applied to this same upper tank portion, introducing heat directly into the swirling liquid refrigerant. Refrigerant vaporized by the heat rises into the upper tank chamber where it is drawn by compressor suction into the outlet U-tube.