What impact do slugs of liquid have in an absorption system compared to a compression system?

In an absorption system, slugs of liquid typically cause less trouble compared to a compression system due to the inherent design and operating principles of each system. In absorption systems, these slugs can be managed more effectively because the cycles can accommodate variations in liquid flow without causing significant operational issues.

Absorption systems generally utilize a refrigerant that absorbs heat, where the handling of phases (gas and liquid) can adapt more fluidly to transient conditions. Liquid slugs may still disrupt the system, such as through flooding the absorber or interfering with the flow rates; however, the impact is mitigated by the absorption process's tolerance for fluctuations.

In contrast, compression systems are much more sensitive to liquid slugs. The compressor is designed to handle gas, and the presence of liquid can lead to serious problems such as liquid locking, excessive pressure, and even physical damage to the compressor itself if liquid enters the compression unit.

This distinction in how each system reacts to liquid slugs highlights why slugs in absorption systems tend to cause less trouble than in compression systems.