Refrigeration Compressor Lubrication requires the highest quality raw materials and formulation expertise to assure proper lubrication over the lubricant life required by OEMs. Xaerus has partnered with industry experts in the field of physical and analytical chemistry to develop, test and qualify our lubricants that meet or exceed the industry standards required. You can be assured all Xaerus fluids will perform in any and all commercial systems, in all compressor types and brands.
Xaerus is one of the largest global suppliers of refrigeration lubricants. Xaerus offers a comprehensive range of products, technology, and services providing solutions for all residential, light commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning applications.
Xaerus provides lubricant solutions for all key OEM-approved refrigerants.
Specific Applications Include:
- Ammonia
- R-22 Industrial Chillers / Air Conditioning
- R-123
- CO2
- Hydrocarbons:
– Ethane
– Ethylene
– Propane
– Propylene
– Butane
- R-134a
- R-404A
- R-407C
- R-410A
- R-502
- R-32
- New HFO’s
We take pride in our dedication to innovation, technical service, and quality control. Our technical staff is well-versed in chemistry, engineering, and tribology with solid system knowledge.
Refrigerant Selection
The key factor in refrigeration lubricant selection is understanding the interaction and requirements in merging the correct lubricant with the refrigerant. The refrigeration industry has continued the shift away from chlorine containing refrigerants such as CFCs and HCFCs. As HFC’s continue being replaced by lower GWP refrigerants, the number of options has grown considerably. This increases the importance of utilizing Xaerus to ensure proper lubricant selection.
Fluid Selection
Three key questions to consider when selecting a lubricant for your refrigeration system:
What type of compressor does your refrigeration system use?
Is your lubricant miscible with the refrigerant fluid at the evaporator temperature?Is the viscosity of the lubricant enough for effective lubrication for the type of compressor in place?
What type of compressor does your refrigeration system use?
The three main compressor types used in industrial refrigeration are:
- Reciprocating compressors — the oil lubricates cylinders, connecting rods, and journal and thrust bearings; and maintains good sealing in compressing the refrigerant
- Screw compressors — the oil lubricates the screw(s) (except in dry screw units), and sliding and thrust bearings; maintains good sealing; and cools down compressed gas
- Centrifugal compressors — the oil lubricates sliding, anti-friction, and thrust bearings as well as shaft packing and multipliers gears; provides proper sealing; and in many cases cools the compressor parts.
The lubrication requirements for each of these systems are different, so it’s important to choose a lubricant formulated for the specific operating conditions of the application.
Is your lubricant miscible with the refrigerant fluid at the evaporator temperature?
Miscibility curves are used to ensure that the lubricant selected matches the miscibility requirements for the application. Miscibility charts are specific to lubricant-refrigerant combinations and are read based on the evaporator temperature and the percentage of oil carried over into the evaporator for the application in question.
Is the viscosity of the lubricant enough for effective lubrication for the type of
compressor in place?
Solubility is of critical importance for the compressor portion of the refrigeration circuit. That’s why another important aspect of proper lubricant selection is to ensure that the viscosity of the lubricant, after absorption of the gaseous refrigerant at the high compressor temperature, is enough for effective lubrication of the compressor. Viscosity/Pressure/Temperature curves (VPT curves) are used for this purpose and are specific to lubricant-refrigerant combinations.
Expert Xaerus engineers manage the entire fluid recommendation process working with the OEMs regarding specific operating conditions and viscosity requirements.
Questions or comments about Xaerus Performance Fluids?
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your application.
