Receiver Dryer: Description and Operation

Fig 4 Accumulator -- Typical:

ACCUMULATOR
The accumulator is mounted in the engine compartment between the evaporator coil outlet tube and the compressor inlet. Refrigerant enters the accumulator canister as a low pressure vapor through the inlet tube.

Any liquid, oil-laden refrigerant falls to the bottom of the canister, which acts as a separator. A desiccant bag is mounted inside the accumulator canister to absorb any moisture which may have entered and become trapped in the refrigerant system.