What is a characteristic of a scroll type compressor in terms of liquid flood-back?

A scroll type compressor is designed with unique characteristics that make it less susceptible to damage from liquid flood-back compared to other compressor types. Liquid flood-back occurs when liquid refrigerant returns to the compressor instead of vapor, which can lead to significant operational issues and potential damage.

The scroll compressor's internal design allows it to handle some amount of liquid refrigerant more effectively. The two spirals within the compressor can compress refrigerant even in the presence of some liquid, minimizing the risk of hydraulic lock and ensuring that the compressor can handle brief instances of liquid returning to it without immediate damage. While it's always important to operate the system within the recommended parameters, the scroll compressor has a greater tolerance for liquid refrigerant compared to reciprocating compressors, which are typically more vulnerable to such conditions.

This robustness in handling flood-back situations makes scroll compressors particularly suitable for applications where variations in refrigerant flow might occur, thereby enhancing their reliability and longevity in heat pump systems.