Which leaks does the compressor shaft seal prevent?

Which leaks does the compressor shaft seal prevent?

• A. Refrigerant from leaking out at the rotating shaft
• B. Oil from leaking out at the rotating shaft
• C. Air from leaking out at the rotating shaft
• D. Refrigerant and Oil from the rotating shaft

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that a compressor shaft seal keeps the two fluids that live on opposite sides of the seal from migrating along the rotating shaft. Refrigerant gas is on one side, oil is in the crankcase on the other. If there were no seal, refrigerant could leak into the crankcase or out of the compressor, and oil could leak into the refrigerant side or out of the unit. The seal creates a barrier that prevents both of these leaks while still allowing the shaft to spin. Air leakage isn’t the focus here, since the seal’s job is to separate refrigerant from oil. So the function is to prevent both refrigerant and oil leaks along the rotating shaft.

The main idea is that a compressor shaft seal keeps the two fluids that live on opposite sides of the seal from migrating along the rotating shaft. Refrigerant gas is on one side, oil is in the crankcase on the other. If there were no seal, refrigerant could leak into the crankcase or out of the compressor, and oil could leak into the refrigerant side or out of the unit. The seal creates a barrier that prevents both of these leaks while still allowing the shaft to spin. Air leakage isn’t the focus here, since the seal’s job is to separate refrigerant from oil. So the function is to prevent both refrigerant and oil leaks along the rotating shaft.