How can you identify a compressor that suffered from liquid slugging?

Identifying a compressor that has suffered from liquid slugging involves analyzing physical indicators within the compressor unit. Liquid slugging occurs when liquid refrigerant enters the compressor instead of vapor, which can lead to significant mechanical damage. Physical inspection of the valves can reveal signs of this issue, such as damage or wear that may occur due to the liquid being compressed, which is not normal operation.

In particular, you might observe bent or broken valves. Additionally, inspecting components like the crankcase and cylinder can provide insights into whether liquid refrigerant has entered these areas, as you might find signs of oil and refrigerant mixing or other unusual wear patterns.

While other methods such as observing buzzing sounds, oil pressure readings, or compressor temperature can offer some information about the general health of the compressor, they are not definitive indicators of liquid slugging. A buzzing sound might signify electrical issues or an overloaded compressor, while oil pressure readings and temperature would provide data about the overall operation but wouldn’t pinpoint liquid slugging specifically.