this post was submitted on 08 Nov 2024
121 points (97.6% liked)

What is this thing?

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Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

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[–] [email protected] 118 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (3 children)

Sensor/thermal bulb from a capillary tube. Likely from a refrigerator.

[–] [email protected] 19 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Alright, thank you! 17 years of wondering are finally over.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

You should still keep your piece of trash just for the memories, now.

[–] [email protected] 22 points 2 weeks ago

Of course! It is my most dearest piece of trash.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 21 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

From a quick search, it is used to control the flow of refrigerant based on its temperature. The tube deforms based on how hot or cold the refrigerant is, and there are contacts on the tube to switches that permit or resrrict coolant flow

In other words, it's a simple thermostat

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 weeks ago
[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 weeks ago

Just to add my 2 cents, it's more likely a filter/drier from a refrigerator. Those are much more common, even though a sensor/thermal bulb looks very similar.