In a refrigeration cycle, the oil separator is installed immediately after which component?

• A. Condenser
• B. Evaporator
• C. Compressor
• D. Expansion valve

Answer: (C)

Oil tends to ride with the refrigerant after it leaves the compressor, and keeping that oil in the compressor’s lubrication path is essential for reliability. Placing an oil separator on the discharge line immediately after the compressor allows the high‑pressure gas to shed the oil so it can be returned to the compressor crankcase, while the refrigerant vapor proceeds to the condenser. If oil separated later in the cycle (after the condenser or evaporator), oil would continue to circulate with the refrigerant and could impair heat transfer and lubrication. So the oil separator is installed right after the compressor.