Flash tank overflow warning system

Abstract

A flash tank overflow warning system for refrigeration systems and cold climate heat pumps. Some embodiments may include heat pump systems that have a compressor, a condenser, and a flash tank. A vapor injection line may be disposed between the flash tank and the compressor to direct vapor refrigerant from the flash tank to the compressor. A warning line may be coupled to a side surface of the flash tank and may be disposed between the flash tank and the vapor injection line. The vertical attachment position of the warning line on the side surface may determine a ratio of vapor to liquid refrigerant in the flash tank. The warning line may prevent overcharging during the active charging process by an operator (e.g., an HVAC technician, etc.). For example, once the warning system triggers, the operator would stop charging and may or may not release a little bit of refrigerant to achieve an ideally charged system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.