What does fractionation refer to in refrigerancy?

• A. The separation of components in a mixture
• B. The increase of pressure in a sealed system
• C. The effect of pressure on temperature
• D. The saturation of refrigerant

Answer: (A)

Fractionation in the context of refrigerants refers to the separation of components in a mixture. This phenomenon occurs when a refrigerant mixture is subjected to varying temperatures and pressures, leading to the different components of the mixture evaporating at different rates. As a result, the lighter components may separate from the heavier components during the refrigeration cycle, which can affect the performance of the refrigeration system.

Understanding fractionation is crucial because if a refrigerant mixture is fractionated, the system may not operate efficiently, or it might not function at all if the intended refrigerant composition is disrupted. Maintaining the correct mixture of refrigerants ensures optimal thermal exchange and efficiency in cooling systems. This concept is particularly important for systems utilizing azeotropic refrigerants, which behave differently compared to non-azeotropic mixtures during phase changes.