A suction line accumulator is a tank-like component installed before the compressor to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor's intake. It acts as a reservoir, allowing any liquid to evaporate into a gas before it can be sucked into the compressor's pistons or scrolls. This is a vital safety feature for heat pumps and systems with long line sets where "liquid slugging" is a risk. Liquid refrigerant cannot be compressed, so if it enters the compressor, it can cause immediate and catastrophic mechanical failure. Accumulators are often found in high-end residential units and almost all commercial refrigeration systems.