Knowledge Hub

Shrieve HVAC&R Knowledge Hub

Shrieve is at the forefront of lubrication in HVAC&R applications. We take a proactive involvement in industry bodies such as ASHRAE, helping to direct trends and develop new, sustainable refrigerant solutions to ensure our lubricant programs are able to complement the latest system design. We regularly attend conferences, helping to educate the marketplace and inspire the next generation of chemists and engineers.

If you would like to request full versions of our whitepapers and articles, please contact us.

Selecting HFO, R-1234yf Service Lubricants

The current European aftermarket is being serviced by a limited range of commercially available lubricants which are promoted as being suitable for R1234yf refrigerant-based systems. Are these lubricants able to meet the chemical compatibility and miscibility requirements for long-term system operation when used in R1234yf systems?

Utilising PAG Chemistry in Electric Compressors

The complexity of choosing the right oil for their AC system means OEMs and mechanical engineers are often not making the most effective choice. Here Dr. Liz Dixon, Global Technology Director at Shrieve, explains why polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) are the lubricant of choice for hybrid and electric vehicle ACs.

Refrigerant & Lubricant Chemistry Interaction: 125 years of ASHRAE

This paper discusses some of the refrigerants and matching lubricants that will be focused on over the next several years, specifically regarding the Chinese market.

Lubricants for Compressor Bearing Designs

This paper discusses the process to evaluate lubricants for various types of compressors and bearing design with a focus on what’s needed for current refrigerant trends. In addition, the paper shows how the lubricant chemistry choice can be manipulated through an understanding of the bearing design and knowledge of interaction with the refrigerant to maximize performance. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of synthetic lubricants for both natural and synthetic low GWP refrigerants.

Opening the Lubricant Toolbox

This paper focuses on the various types of lubricant chemistries available for use in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and markets. Why some lubricants are used, while others are not used and while some lubricants are impractical. Various tools, techniques, and computer-assisted programs are outlined that are useful when evaluating lubricant and refrigerant interaction properties. A few key examples of refrigerants particular to current lower global warming potential reduction efforts are investigated and what systematic approach can be used to make sure we don’t exclude potential lubricant candidates as viable options.

Evaluation of Lubricant Properties and Refrigerant Interaction

This paper looks at what current parameters are valued for a refrigeration lubricant, how these parameters are measured, and why they are important. A focus is put on looking at what is needed to be successful with next-generation low GWP refrigerants and some examples of lubricant candidates for various low GWP refrigerants. Studies are shown that investigate how we make evaluations and how some of the current approaches need to be revisited.