Receiver drier

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Fig 1: Receiver Drier

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

Intake line from the condenser
Outlet line to expansion valve
Drying element
Liquid refrigerant
Riser.

The receiver drier is located to the right of the condenser in the engine compartment. In the refrigerant circuit, it is located on the high pressure side between the condenser and the expansion valve.

Liquid refrigerant passes at high pressure from the condenser through the intake pipe (1) and into the receiver drier. A drier element (3) separates any moisture from the refrigerant and filters any contaminants.

The refrigerant passes onwards through the riser (5) to the outlet line (2) and on to the expansion valve.

If the cooling system has been open (unplugged) for 10 minutes, or has leaked for some time, so that moisture may have entered the system the receiver drier must be replaced.

The receiver drier can only absorb a limited amount of moisture. If the system contains more moisture than the receiver drier can handle it may lead to icing which blocks the expansion valve.