Refrigeration Lubricants

Refrigeration Lubricants

Agenda
Introduction
Refrigeration Cycle
Refrigerant Lubricants
Refrigeration Compressor Manufacturers
R-12 and R-22 Systems
Summary

Refrigeration Lubricants
Target market is refrigeration systems found in large

commercial operations such as meat and fish plants,

dairies manufacturing, skating rinks and refrigeration
systems on ships.
Main refrigerant used in these applications is
ammonia (NH3) with the phasing out of CFCs.
Some plants may run on carbon dioxide (CO2),
CFCs were first used in the 1930s as a replacement
for ammonia, however, in the 70s it was discovered
that CFCs contribute to the depletion of the ozone
layer.
3

Refrigeration Lubricants
Refrigeration Cycle
There are four basic steps in refrigeration systems,

expansion, evaporation, compression and condensation.

Evaporation

Compression
Condensatio
n

Expansion

Press x Vol Temp

Refrigeration Lubricants
Product Line
Petro-Canadas refrigeration lubricant

product line consists of the following:

Reflo 68A (HT)

Reflo 46A (HT)

Reflo CFC (naphthenic)

As CFC refrigerants (Freon, Genetron,

Isotron, etc.) are being faced out,

demand for Reflo CFC will diminish.
5

Refrigeration Lubricants
Traditional refrigeration fluids were made from

Naphthenic base stocks (freon systems). They offer

Good natural low temperature properties

Virtually wax-free (explaining WF suffix in most names)

Highly refined

However has up to 2% solubility in Ammonia

Low VIs

Current Ammonia refrigeration lubricants are made

from a variety of basestocks: Naphthenic, SR, PAO, HT,

etc.
6

Reflo growth situation

number

REFLOCustomers
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

Customers

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

year

Pet ro-Canada Europe Lubricants

Reflo growth situation

litres

REFLOVolume
160000
140000
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
0

Volume

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

year

Pet ro-Canada Europe Lubricants

Refrigeration Lubricants
HT Advantage
Ammonia refrigeration oils made from

HydroTreated base stocks are far superior to either

Naphthenic or SR based products

Lower Ammonia solubility

Lower volatility

Higher stability

Comparable pricing

Reflo A Oils
Benefits
Low volatility reduces oil consumption (by up to 80%

compared to naphthenics) and improves equipment

efficiency

Superior oxidation stability extend oil life

High Vi provides higher viscosity over a wide

temperature range resulting in reduced bearing wear and

increased compressor efficiency

Reduced Seal swell - consideration when switching

from competitive products especially naphthenics.

10

Reflo A Oils
Benefits

11

Reflo A Oils
Benefits

12

Reflo A Oils
Benefits
Excellent long-term resistance to thickening

reduces sludge and varnish formation

Corrosion inhibitors and chemical stability
protects components against rust and attack from
chemical impurities.

13

Refrigeration Lubricants
Refrigeration Compressors
Some of the major refrigeration compressor

manufactures are:

APV Baker - Reflo approval

Frick - HT approval

Gram - HT approval

Grasso - Reflo approval

Howden Compressors - Reflo approval

Mycom - Reflo approval

Sabroe - Reflo approval

Vilter - no approval process (their oil is a CPI paraffinic

product)

14

Refrigeration Lubricants
R-12 & R-22
Reflo 68A has been specifically formulated for

Ammonia refrigeration systems, however:

Reflo 68A can be used in R-12 (Freon) system not
operating below -20C
Reflo 68A is not recommended for R-22 (HCFC)
systems
Prime recommendation for either R-12 and R-22
systems would be Reflo CFC
15

Refrigerant Lubrication
Selection Chart
# R-Common name

Product

lubricant type

12

CFC/Freon

Naphthenic

12

CFC/Freon

HydroCracked Down to -20C

22

HCFC Naphthenic

22

HCFC HydroCracked

23

HFC

Polyol Ester

None

134a HFC

Polyol Ester

None

comments

Reflo CFC
Reflo 68A

Reflo CFC
Not recommd

717 Ammonia

HydroCracked

717 Ammonia

Naphthenic

Reflo 68A
Not recommd

16

Switch from Naphthenic to Reflo 68A

No flushing required. A complete drain is

sufficient if the compressor is operating in

good condition and the oil has not
thickened.
If the competitive product has been used
for a long time, perhaps replace the seals at
change-out to prevent leaks afterwards

17

Refrigeration Lubricants
Summary
Reflo 68A is a superior performing ammonia

refrigeration lubricant:

Excellent Lubricity
Good low temperature fluidity
Low volatility
Non-carbon forming
Chemical stability
Low solubility in ammonia gas

Reflo CFC for use in fluorinated refrigeration

systems, CFC Type (R11, R-12, R-113) and HCFC

Type (R-22).
18