What happens to refrigerant during hot gas defrosting?

During hot gas defrosting, the refrigerant is directed to bypass the condenser as it moves from the compressor back to the evaporator. This process involves using hot refrigerant gas to melt ice or frost build-up on the evaporator coils. By bypassing the condenser, the hot gas retains its temperature and effectively warms up the evaporator, facilitating the defrosting process.

By utilizing the hot gas directly, the moisture that has accumulated as frost is melted away much more efficiently. This method helps to restore the evaporator’s heat exchange capability, ensuring that the refrigeration system operates effectively once the defrost cycle is complete.