Recovering refrigerant from a system in the vapor phase will minimize the loss of which substance?

Recovering refrigerant from a system in the vapor phase minimizes the loss of oil. When refrigerant is recovered in the vapor phase, it tends to leave behind liquid refrigerant that may carry oil and other contaminants with it. By focusing on vapor recovery, the system allows for more efficient separation of oil from the refrigerant. This is vital because oil circulates through the refrigerating system to lubricate the compressor and other moving parts. If oil is lost during recovery, it can lead to lubrication issues and potential damage to the system.

Additionally, oil is usually more viscous than refrigerants and does not vaporize as readily. Therefore, the tendency to retain oil in the system during vapor recovery helps maintain the essential lubrication for the operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, promoting their longevity and performance.

In this context, considering the implications of oil loss demonstrates an important aspect of refrigerant recovery practices aimed at maintaining system integrity and efficiency.