Did You Know? Any Incompatibility between Base Oil and Refrigerant Could Destroy a Refrigeration Compressor

Refrigeration compressor lubricants are typically a blend of specialized additives and base oils to provide the necessary lubrication properties while also being compatible with refrigerants. Any incompatibility between the base oil and the refrigerant can lead to catastrophic consequences for the equipment.

Most compressor lubricants are synthetic. This gives them a longer service life and better ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the system compared to mineral - based oils.

Most domestic air conditioners now use a blended refrigerant called R - 410A. The application of polyol ester (POE) base oil is beneficial for the lubrication system, and this type of oil can also be separated from the refrigerant.

While the compatibility between the refrigerant and the lubricant is perhaps the most pressing lubrication issue, there are many other aspects. For example, water contamination is harmful to many hydrolysis - unstable synthetic base oils. Water reacts with the base oil to form acids, which change the viscosity and impair the lubrication properties. This can lead to premature compressor failure and inadequate system cooling.

Lubricant problems are common in any system. One way to avoid problems during the gas compression process is simply to remove the lubricant from the reaction. This often occurs as "dry" compressors are becoming more widely used. "Dry" means a lack of oil in the compression chamber. If the lubricant is not in the compression chamber, it is less likely to mix with the refrigerant and cause problems. However, in wet or water - containing compressors, the oil is present in the compression chamber and is closely mixed with the refrigerant. In these systems, the compatibility between the lubricant and the refrigerant is of utmost importance.

Many large compressors utilize a forced - lubrication system, which consists of an oil reservoir, pipes, and a pump. The pump pushes the oil through the pipes into the compressor for lubrication and cooling, and then the oil returns to the reservoir. The operation of these systems enables filtration, cooling, and the separation of gas and water from the oil.

Smaller compressors usually have a static lubrication system, in which the compressor holds the oil and the system is completely sealed. As long as it is cleaned and sealed before use, the likelihood of lubricant failure in this type of system is low. In most cases, these systems will run for many years without the need for an oil change. The lubricant is present in the compressor for lubrication, but some oil will flow out through the refrigerant pipes. In some cases, an oil sump or knockout method must be used to prevent the system's cooling capacity from being reduced due to oil clogging the pipes.