What is the PRIMARY purpose of a purge unit on a CFC-11 chiller?

The primary purpose of a purge unit on a CFC-11 chiller is to remove non-condensables from the system. Non-condensables are gases that do not liquefy under the system’s operating conditions, which can include air and other gases that can enter the refrigeration system. If these non-condensables accumulate, they can adversely affect the efficiency and performance of the chiller.

The purge unit continuously monitors and extracts these gases from the refrigeration cycle, ensuring that the efficiency of the chiller is maintained and preventing potential problems such as flooding and increased pressure within the system. By keeping the refrigerant free of non-condensables, the system can operate smoothly, providing effective cooling and optimal performance.

While other options touch on related concepts, they do not address the core function of the purge unit as effectively. For instance, removing CFCs is not the primary function since the refrigerant itself needs to remain within the system for it to function properly. Similarly, condensing air or water out of the system is not the main task of a purge unit; those processes are typically managed by other components within the chiller. Thus, focusing on the removal of non-condensables accurately highlights the essential role of the purge unit in