What type of refrigeration oil should I use for my screw compressor?

Screw compressors typically require POE (Polyol Ester) oils for HFC refrigerants like R134a and R407C, or mineral oils for HCFC systems like R22. The viscosity grade (usually ISO VG 32-68) depends on the compressor manufacturer's specifications. Brands like Bitzer recommend BSE series POE oils, while FUSHENG systems often use mineral oil formulations.

What is the difference between POE and mineral refrigeration oil?

POE (Polyol Ester) oils are synthetic lubricants designed for HFC refrigerants (R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A) and are hygroscopic, requiring careful moisture control. Mineral oils (MO) are petroleum-based, used with CFC and HCFC refrigerants (R22, R502), and are less expensive but incompatible with modern HFC systems. POE oils offer better thermal stability and miscibility with newer refrigerants.

How do I select the right refrigeration oil for a centrifugal chiller?

For centrifugal chillers, select oil based on the OEM specification (e.g., Trane OIL00037, York PureOil S), the refrigerant type (R123 low-pressure or R134a medium-pressure), and the required viscosity grade. Most modern centrifugal chillers use POE oils with ISO VG 32-68. Always verify compatibility with the chiller manufacturer's technical bulletin and ensure the oil meets the required pour point for your operating conditions.

Категории

Пример из практики

Категории

Hanbell Refrigeration Oil

HANBELL Refrigeration Oil is a synthetic lubricant designed specifically for HANBELL compressors, produced under licence by the HANBELL manufacturer, with excellent lubricity, chemical stability and low-temperature characteristics, and is widely used in compressor lubrication, sealing and thermal management of refrigeration systems.

Подробности дела

Characteristics of Hanbell Refrigeration Oil
1. Synthetic ester oil formulation
POE (polyol ester) based oil: Hanbell refrigeration oils are based on synthetic POE oils with excellent lubricity, chemical stability and low temperature fluidity, which are suitable for a wide range of refrigerants (e.g. HCFC, HFC, hydrocarbons and natural refrigerants).

2. Wide adaptability
Compressor type coverage: Suitable for scroll, screw (such as Hanzhong RC-2 series), reciprocating and other compressor types.

3. High stability and long life
Anti-temperature oxidation: Flash point is as high as 271~280℃, which is much higher than the compressor discharge temperature (need to be 15~30℃ higher than the discharge temperature), avoiding high-temperature decomposition or coking.

Low temperature adaptability: Pour point as low as -31.67℃ (such as HBR-B01), cloud point lower than the refrigerant evaporation temperature, to prevent paraffin precipitation clogging system.

Chemical inertness: Strong intermiscibility with refrigerant (e.g., complete intermiscibility with R22), and anti-hydrolysis, antioxidant, reduce the generation of acidic substances to extend the oil change cycle (conventional recommendations for replacement every 10,000 hours).

Main Functions of Hanbell Refrigeration Oil
- Lubrication: Reducing the friction and wear of moving parts to extend the life of the compressor.
- Sealing: Forming a sealing layer between the piston, cylinder and bearing to prevent refrigerant leakage.
- Cooling: Taking away the heat generated during operation and keep the temperature of the components stable (45~60℃ is the ideal range).
- Energy regulation: Driving the energy regulation mechanism through oil pressure to optimize the compressor efficiency.

Common Models of Hanbell Refrigeration Oil
1. HBR-B01
Viscosity grade:VG320
Pour Point:-31.67°C
Flash Point:271°C
Refrigerants: HCFC-22, HCFC-502, HFC refrigerant blends, hydrocarbons (e.g. R-290) and CO2 refrigerant systems.
Application:Screw compressor (e.g. RC-2 series) adapted to Hanzhong R22 refrigerant.

2. HBR-B04
Viscosity grade: VG220
Pour point:-22°C
Flash Point:280°C
Density:0.976 g/cm³
Water content:<40 ppm.
Refrigerants: HCFC (R22, R502), natural refrigerant (R600a, R717, R290) and CFC (R12) system
Applications:Air conditioning, cold storage.

3.HBR-B02/B03/B05
Refrigerants:R134a, R410a/R407c.

4.HBR-A series:HBR-A01/A02/A04
Applications:Low temperature refrigeration and high efficiency rotary compressor.

Key Usage Requirements and Parameters
1. Physicochemical performance requirements
- Freezing point: It needs to be lower than the evaporating temperature of refrigerant (e.g. R22 system requires -55℃ or below) to avoid the increase of flow resistance.
- Viscosity: Choose the appropriate viscosity according to the type of refrigerant, too high will lead to increased friction, too low will not be able to form an effective oil film.
- Turbidity point: It needs to be lower than the refrigerant evaporation temperature to prevent paraffin precipitation from blocking the throttle valve.
- Flash point: Should be 15~30℃ higher than the compressor discharge temperature to prevent burning or coking.

2. Temperature and Pressure Control
- Oil temperature range: 45~60℃ is the best, the maximum does not exceed 70℃. Abnormal warming may indicate a malfunction (e.g. increased friction or poor cooling).
- Differential oil pressure: 0.5~1.5MPa is recommended for vertical compressors, and the oil pressure can be increased appropriately to optimize break-in during commissioning of new machines.

Replacement and Maintenance Precautions
1. Replacement operation specification
- Prohibit mixing: Different grades (especially mineral oil and synthetic ester oil) must not be mixed.
- System cleaning: When replacing different types of oil, the old oil residue should be thoroughly removed to avoid chemical reaction or performance degradation.
- Moisture-proof treatment: POE type oil is easy to absorb moisture, the exposure time should be shortened as much as possible, and vacuuming operation should be done well.

2. Post-failure treatment
- Motor burning: After replacing the compressor, it is necessary to test the oil acidity after 72 hours of operation, and replace the oil and filter drier if necessary to prevent acidic corrosion.
- Water inlet accident: Remove the water thoroughly, and test the oil acidity, replace the oil and filter drier in time.

Daphne Refrigeration Oil

DIVERSITY OF EXPLORATION

OUTDOOR SCENE

However, those with sealed components, including motors, controllers, and connectors, can also be operated outdoors. Performance IC forklifts tend to be utilized in heavy-duty applications, such as brick and lumber yards, where larger capacity and performance is required to move the heavy loads.