MACS 609 Certification Practice Exam

Which type of mobile A/C system will usually require additional time/precautions to extract all the refrigerant?

1. Accumulator type

2. Orifice tube type

3. Capillary tube type

4. Expansion valve type

The correct answer is: Accumulator type

The accumulator type mobile A/C system is designed to maintain a constant supply of refrigerant while also preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. Due to the role of the accumulator in storing refrigerant and capturing any excess liquid, it usually contains a significant amount of refrigerant that must be safely extracted before servicing or repairs can begin. When servicing an accumulator type system, technicians must take extra precautions to ensure that all refrigerant is removed properly. This involves carefully following procedures to extract refrigerant from both the accumulator and the rest of the system to avoid environmental damage and adhere to regulatory standards. The pressure and the need to ensure the complete evacuation of any liquid refrigerant can add time to the process. Other system types, such as the orifice tube type, capillary tube type, and expansion valve type, have different designs and operational characteristics that may allow for more straightforward extraction of refrigerant. These other systems typically do not store refrigerant in the same way as an accumulator does, which generally leads to less complexity and fewer precautions required during the refrigerant recovery process.