Vapor bubbles present in the liquid upon arrival to the thermal expansion valve in a refrigeration system may cause erosion of the expansion valve's needle and seat. This, in turn, could cause what condition?

Correct Answer: Option D — TXV hunting

Vapor bubbles in the liquid line reaching the thermal expansion valve cause erratic valve modulation and continuous pressure fluctuations known as hunting. High-velocity fluid and vapor jets erode the precision needle and seat over time due to wire-drawing effects.