If a restriction develops in the refrigerant flow to a jet ejector in an oil-raising system, what may occur?

In an oil-raising system that utilizes a jet ejector, the flow of refrigerant is crucial for creating the necessary differential pressure to lift the oil effectively. If a restriction occurs in the refrigerant flow, it can lead to a decrease in pressure at the jet ejector. This results in insufficient head – the energy available to lift the oil – thereby compromising the system's ability to raise the oil.

When the refrigerant flow is restricted, the jet ejector cannot generate the required suction effect, and as a consequence, the capacity to lift the oil diminishes. This means that, rather than moving upward through the system, the oil may stagnate or not rise to the designated height, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential failures in the system's design objectives. Understanding this is essential for diagnosing problems within refrigeration systems, as maintaining proper refrigerant flow is critical for ensuring that all components function correctly, especially those that depend on pneumatic pressure differentials.