Hose from Compressor to condenser has bulge. 2005 Astro

[N6KB]

On the hose, actually the pipe portion, that runs from the high pressure output of the compressor to the condenser there is a larger diameter section. What is this? I am in the process of rinsing all of the system components in preparation of installing a new compressor. The reason to clean the parts I am told is to remove any debris that the failed compressor may have produced and pumped into the system. Is this bulge in the line some kind of screen or filter? Is it important to flow the cleaning solution in the backwards direction to get it clean? I suppose cleaning any of the components is likely to work best with cleaning solution flow in opposite direction of normal refrigerant flow.

[chevymaher]

Find one of these that fits yours. It has a screen that prevents metal from getting in the compressor.

[Sailing_Faith]

Can you take a picture of the ‘bulge’? (And maybe find another name for it?)

[Leeann_93]

If it's what I think it is, it's a muffler. I don't think it has a screen or anything else - it's just a change in size, like a resonator in some exhaust systems, to eliminate a harmonic someone didn't like.