Where should refrigerant be recovered from a condenser outlet?

• A. If the condenser is above the receiver
• B. If the condenser is below the receiver
• C. If the condenser is at the same level as the receiver
• D. From any available point on the condenser

Answer: (B)

Recovering refrigerant from a condenser outlet when the condenser is below the receiver is the most appropriate choice for effective refrigerant recovery. In this scenario, gravity assists in the liquid refrigerant flow, allowing for complete recovery. The position of the components is crucial because if the condenser is situated below the receiver, any remaining refrigerant in the condenser will naturally flow down into the receiver, facilitating the recovery process.

Choosing this point maximizes refrigerant recovery by ensuring that any liquid refrigerant trapped in the condenser can drain out fully, minimizing the likelihood of leaving residual refrigerant in the system.

The other positions of the condenser in relation to the receiver can complicate recovery. If the condenser is above the receiver, it may lead to difficulties in completely draining all the refrigerant due to the effects of gravity. Similarly, when the condenser is at the same level as the receiver, it can also hinder the flow of refrigerant, resulting in a less effective recovery process. From any available point may lead to incomplete recovery and does not take the specific dynamics of the refrigeration system into account, which is why it's critical to understand the optimal recovery processes based on the arrangement of system components.