Where does air typically get trapped in a refrigeration system?

Air typically gets trapped in the top of the condenser and receiver in a refrigeration system due to the principle of buoyancy and the behavior of gases in relation to liquids. In a refrigeration cycle, the condenser is responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant as it transitions from a gas to a liquid. As this process occurs, any air or non-condensable gases that enter the system tend to rise and collect at the highest points, such as the top of the condenser and the receiver.

These non-condensables can create inefficiencies in the system by reducing overall performance, as they occupy space that should be filled with refrigerant vapor, potentially leading to increased pressures and reduced heat exchange efficiency. Adequate design and maintenance are essential to minimize the entrapment of air, such as ensuring proper evacuation of the system during installation or servicing.

In contrast, while it's possible for air to become trapped in other areas like the evaporator, expansion valve, or near the compressor discharge, these locations do not typically serve as the primary points where air accumulates in the same way as the condenser and receiver do.