Refrigerant enters the metering device as a:

The refrigerant enters the metering device as a high-pressure liquid because the metering device functions primarily to regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. Prior to reaching the metering device, the refrigerant has typically been condensed in the condenser, where it changes from vapor to liquid at high pressure.

Once this high-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the metering device, it experiences a drop in pressure, which allows it to expand and begin the absorption of heat in the evaporator. This process is essential in the refrigeration cycle for producing cooling effects. The metering device is crucial for controlling the amount of refrigerant that passes into the evaporator based on thermal load requirements, ensuring efficient operation of the HVAC system.

Understanding the state of refrigerant entering various components in the refrigeration cycle is vital for troubleshooting and system design. The conditions leading into the metering device ensure that the fluid is in the proper state for efficient thermal exchange in the evaporator.