liquid slug

English translation: a significant volume of liquid

17:28 Oct 22, 2006

English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Engineering (general)

English term or phrase: liquid slug

The liquid collected in the compressor can cause a heavy liquid slug and possibly damage the compressor.

AC compressor damage caused by liquid slug (approximately 40% of the compressor failures).

This procedure will allow the compressor to pump out possibly condensated refrigerant at low RPM`s with minimized risk of compressor damage due to liquid slugs.

Elvira Stoianov KudoZ activity Questions: 1859 (1 open) (13 without valid answers) (49 closed without grading) Answers: 3988 Luxembourg
Local time: 06:19

Selected answer:a significant volume of liquid

Explanation:
'Slug' is a slang term for a certain distince quantity of liquid (used in a wide variety of contexts, including 'taking a slug from the bottle' or 'give me a slug of scotch' -- the Oxford dico defines it as 'an amount of liquor that is gulped or poured').

The usage in A/C compressor context seems to be trade jargon. See e.g.

During normal compressor operation, the pistons compress refrigerant gas in the cylinders. Moisture in the system can lead to liquid slugging. Liquid slugging is a condition which occurs when liquid is allowed to enter one or more cylinders. Because liquid is practically non-compressible, the compressor seals may be compromised when the pistons attempt to compress the liquid. Liquid slugging can lead to permanent valve damage and reduced compressor efficiency.
http://www.sanden.com/support/moisturecontamination.html

(In the above context, 'compromised' is a euphemistic term for 'damaged').

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Note added at 3 hrs (2006-10-22 20:36:17 GMT)
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make that 'distinct quantity'

Selected response from:

Ken Cox
Local time: 06:19

Grading comment

thank you, Ken and also Peter for reinforcing the answer and for the useful links
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED

3 +3

a significant volume of liquid

Ken Cox

small pieces of metal

Jonathan MacKerron

Discussion entries: 3

Answers

17 mins confidence:

small pieces of metal

Explanation:
is one definition offered by Webster

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Note added at 18 mins (2006-10-22 17:47:19 GMT)
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obviously not metal, perhaps simply "lumps"?

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Note added at 19 mins (2006-10-22 17:48:19 GMT)
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OED= "A compact mass of liquid regarded as retaining its identity as it travels."

Jonathan MacKerron
Native speaker of: English

3 hrs confidence:

peer agreement (net): +3

a significant volume of liquid

Ken Cox
Local time: 06:19
Works in field
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 36

Grading comment

thank you, Ken and also Peter for reinforcing the answer and for the useful links

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