In: Mechanical Engineering
What is the function of the desiccant bag inside an accumulator?
Accumulators always have a desiccant bag inside. The desiccant bag, normally activated by moisture (oil and refrigerant), absorbs H2O (water) and traps debris. Once activated, it will trap any water in the system.
When an A/C system is opened, the natural humidity in the air enters the A/C system, and the desiccant bag can immediately become completely saturated and be rendered ineffective. If the desiccant bag cannot absorb any additional moisture that remains in the system, a chemical reaction between water and refrigerant can create an acid that will eventually eat though seals and o-rings throughout the air conditioning system. For this reason, it is important that the accumulator or receiver drier be replaced any time the A/C system is opened to the atmosphere.