Receiver dryer for a refrigeration system

A receiver dryer for a refrigeration system which comprises:

• a receiver dryer body formed in an extrusion operation and having (a) a central axis extending along the interior length thereof, (b) passageway defining means formed as an integral portion of the extruded receiver dryer body for defining at least a pair of open passageways extending along the interior length of said receiver dryer body, and (c) retention rib defining means formed as an integral portion of said extruded receiver dryer body for defining at least two sets of retention ribs extending along the interior length of said receiver dryer body, said two sets of retention ribs defining the lateral edges of a plane which is interposed between said pair of open passageways;
• a desiccant receiving device including a planar structural member having a plurality of openings therein and a porous screen portion bonded to said planar structural member and defining therewith an open volume for receiving a granular desiccant therein;
• said planar structural member having opposite lateral side edges thereof received in opposite sets of said retention ribs of said receiver dryer body and opposite end edges extending beyond both ends of said receiver dryer body whereby said desiccant receiving device defines a barrier between said pair of open passageways;
• a granular desiccant located in said open volume of said desiccant receiving device;
• a pair of end caps closing off opposite ends of said receiver dryer body, said opposite end edges of said planar structural member of said desiccant receiving device engaging the interior surface of each of said end caps to thereby define first and second separate compartments on each side of said desiccant receiving device with each compartment associated with one of said open passageways;
• a first fitting member means secured to one of said end caps for defining a passageway through said one end cap connected to one of said open passageways, whereby a fluid to be treated may flow through said passageway of said first fitting member means and one of said open passageway to reach said first compartment;
• and
• a second fitting member means secured to one of said end caps for defining a passageway through said end cap to said second compartment whereby said fluid in said first compartment can flow through said desiccant receiving device into said second compartment and out from said second compartment through said opening defined by said second fitting member means.