Which compressor type can handle some liquid refrigerant flood back?

The scroll compressor is specifically designed to tolerate a certain level of liquid refrigerant flood back without sustaining damage. This capability is critical in applications where liquid refrigerant may inadvertently return to the compressor due to system conditions, such as during low-load situations or during fluctuations in temperature.

Scroll compressors operate using two interleaved spirals: one stationary and one that orbits. This design allows them to compress refrigerant efficiently while also accommodating some liquid presence without causing hydraulic lock— a condition that other compressor types may experience under similar circumstances.

This characteristic makes scroll compressors particularly versatile and reliable in many refrigeration and air conditioning applications, where variations in refrigerant phase can occur. In contrast, other types of compressors, such as reciprocating, rotary, or screw, generally have more stringent requirements regarding the absence of liquid refrigerant to avoid potential mechanical issues. Therefore, scroll compressors are favored in scenarios where there is a risk of liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor.