New Jersey Blue Seal Refrigeration Practice Exam

The scale trap is typically located between the evaporator and the compressor in a refrigeration system. This placement is significant because the scale trap is designed to capture any residues or contaminants that may form as a result of the refrigerant cycling through the system. Condensation and other processes within the evaporator can lead to the accumulation of scale or other particulates, which could harm the compressor if they were to pass through.

By positioning the scale trap in this location, it serves as a protective measure, ensuring that any scale or debris is collected before it can enter the compressor, where it could cause malfunctions or reduce efficiency. This practice contributes to the overall reliability and longevity of the refrigeration system.

The placement of a scale trap elsewhere in the system, such as between the condenser and the expansion valve or between the discharge line and the suction line, would not effectively address the specific risks posed by contaminants originating from the evaporator, which is why those locations would not be suitable for a scale trap.