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The condensed liquid refrigerant, in the thermodynamic state known as a [[boiling point#Saturation temperature and pressure|saturated liquid]], is next routed through an [[Thermal expansion valve|expansion valve]] where it undergoes an abrupt reduction in pressure. That pressure reduction results in the adiabatic [[flash evaporation]] of a part of the liquid refrigerant. The auto-refrigeration effect of the adiabatic flash evaporation lowers the temperature of the liquid and vapor refrigerant mixture to where it is colder than the temperature of the enclosed space to be refrigerated.
The cold refrigerant liquid and vapor mixture is then routed through the coil or tubes in the evaporator. Air in the enclosed space circulates across the coil or tubes due to either thermal [[Natural convection|convection]] or a [[Fan (machine)|fan]]. Since the air is warmer than the cold liquid refrigerant, heat is transferred which cools the air and causes [[evaporation]] of the liquid, returning it to a gaseous state
To complete the [[refrigeration cycle]], the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator is again a saturated vapor and is routed back into the compressor. Over time, the evaporator may collect ice or water from ambient [[humidity]]. The ice is melted through [[auto-defrost|defrosting]]. The water from the melted ice or the evaporator then drips into a drip pan, and the water is carried away by gravity or a condensate pump.
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