Optimizing Lubricants for Hydrocarbon Refrigerants
Optimizing Lubricants for Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Applications
ABSTRACT
Hydrocarbon refrigerants, though not new to the industry of cooling and refrigeration, are finding increased value due to environmental and performance benefits as a refrigerant. From small domestic appliances to large industrial systems and applications in between, refrigerants like R-600a, R-290, R-1270 and others are increasing in use.
Like any refrigerant used in a system there will be an interaction with the lubricant that is designed to work within the system. Compressor/System performance and reliability are tied to this lubricant-refrigerant interaction which needs to be optimized. Lubricant optimization with various hydrocarbon refrigerants and compressor/system designs can benefit in energy efficiency gains, charge optimization and compressor bearing durability.
This paper investigates various hydrocarbon refrigerant applications detailing specific needs and challenges that exist when developing a lubricant formulation based on refrigerant lubricant chemistry and additive response, focusing on lubricants that provide overall performance benefits.
Written by: Joe Karnaz (a) – Technical Director, Shrieve; Chris Seeton (b) – Global Application Engineering Director, Shrieve; Liz Dixon (c) – Global Technology Director, Shrieve
CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Lubricants for Hydrocarbon Refrigerants
2.1. Lubricant and Refrigerant Interaction
2.2. Lubricants for R-600a Refrigerant
2.3. Lubricants for R-290 Refrigerant - Conclusions