phase-change questions

[tft]

I was ripping apart an old fridge I found on the side of the road the other day, and I saw a few interesting things I: was wondering about.

First, the compressor (1/5hp) seems to have 3 lines going to the condensor. What's the deal with that?

Second, on the return line, after the evaporator, it has an accumulator, the only thing is that the evaporator and the accumulator are made out of aluminium, while the capillary line, and the return line are made out of copper. There seems to be some type of glue holding this together, but I was under the impression that everything had to be soldered together, and I thought you couldn't solder different types of metals together. I was just wondering because I might use these parts in my setup. Also, is an accumulator really necessary, and what's it called when there's an accumululator on the capillary line, is that necessary?
Thanks

[Warlord2]

I can answer a few of these,

first I have been told a accumulator isnt necessary if you fill the system right (not too full!!). Second that might be brazing you see connecting the evap to cap, not solder but something like it that takes more heat. If you pick up the right brazing rods you can solder all kinds of different metals together without a problem, (also very strong). I dont think any glue would be strong enough for such pressures.

cant answer the question about the 3 line going to the condernsor though, Im sure someone here can help you.

[tft]

thanks, this phase-change project is a lot more involved than I initialy thought. I'm trying to get all the info I can before I start the final assembly
Thanks

[aenigma]

Yeah alot of freezers have aluminum evaporators.I am not real sure what kind of brazing rods they use..I think it might be some kind of silver, maybe even bronze....

The 3 lines are discharge suction and factory fill line, very good place for a schrader, as it is also suction line....

"accumulator on the capillary line"
I thinkg your talking about a dryer, which is actually on the discharge line, well the exit of the condenser to be specific....

[tft]

thanks for the info

Is it a good idea to keep the dryer in a phase change sys?
Also, I was planning on making a reservior out of plexi to water cool the condensor. Would this yeild significant enough gains over air cooling to warrant the time and effort?
Thanks

[Warlord2]

yes you should leave the dryer, its there to get any loose moister out of the system even after you get a good vacuum. as for the watercooled condensor, it might be a little more compact, and you dont have to buy a condensor that is $60+ if you dont have a junk yard by you.