What is the primary goal of a compressor pumpdown procedure?

The primary goal of a compressor pumpdown procedure is to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. This is crucial because liquid refrigerant can cause significant damage to the compressor by leading to liquid slugging, which hampers the compressor's ability to perform effectively. When liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, it may not be able to compress it properly, leading to potential mechanical failure. Thus, the pumpdown procedure is designed to evacuate the refrigerant from the evaporator and refrigerant lines, ensuring that only vapor enters the compressor for safe and efficient operation.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of a refrigeration system's maintenance and operation, they do not directly address the critical function of preventing liquid from reaching the compressor during the pumpdown procedure. The purpose of this procedure is specifically focused on protecting the compressor from refrigerant in its liquid form, ensuring long-term reliability and performance of the system.