4 Refrigeration Oil Functions And Related Notes
The refrigeration oil used to lubricate the moving parts in the refrigeration compressor is called refrigeration oil or refrigeration lubricant. In the compressor, refrigeration oil mainly plays the functions of lubrication, sealing, cooling, and energy regulation.
Refrigeration Oil Functions
In the compressor, refrigeration oil mainly plays the four functions of lubrication, sealing, cooling and energy regulation.
1. Lubrication
Refrigeration oil plays a lubricating role in the operation of the compressor to reduce the friction and wear of the compressor, thereby extending the service life of the compressor.
2. Sealing
Refrigeration oil plays a sealing role in the compressor so that the piston and cylinder surface in the compressor and the rotating bearings are sealed to prevent refrigerant leakage.
3. Cooling
When the refrigeration oil lubricates the moving parts of the compressor, it can take away the heat generated during the working process so that the moving parts can maintain a lower temperature, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the compressor.
4. Energy regulation
For refrigeration compressors with energy regulation mechanisms, the oil pressure of the refrigeration oil can be used as the power of the energy regulation mechanism.
Classification and Applications
1. Fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigeration oil
Fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigeration oil is composed of low-toxic organic compounds such as fluorocarbon, fluoroethane, and fluoropropane. They have excellent thermodynamic properties and low-temperature stability and can be widely used in the fields of freezing and refrigeration. Among them, fluoropropane refrigeration oil is the most widely used and can be used in many fields, such as manufacturing, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
2. Hydrocarbon refrigeration oil
Hydrocarbon refrigeration oil is mainly composed of organic compounds such as aromatics and alkanes. Commonly used ones are cyclohexane, isopentane, ethylene, and methane. These oils have low toxicity and are suitable for low-temperature applications such as refrigerants and coolants.
3. Silicone refrigeration oil
Silicone refrigeration oil is a synthetic fluid with polydimethylsiloxane as the main component. It has high oxidation resistance and low-temperature performance relative to water and oxygen. Therefore, silicone refrigeration oil is widely used in systems that require high performance, such as food processing and medicine.
4. Water-based refrigeration oil
Water-based refrigeration oil is a commonly used coolant. It is mainly a mixture of water and antifreeze, has good heat dissipation performance, and is suitable for industrial and civil fields. The main disadvantage of water-based refrigerant oil is that it will freeze in extremely low-temperature environments.
Attribute Requirements
Due to different usage scenarios and refrigerants, the selection of refrigerant oil for refrigeration equipment is also different. The requirements for refrigerant oil are as follows:
1. Solidification Point: The temperature at which the refrigerant oil stops flowing under experimental conditions is called the solidification point. The solidification point of the refrigerant oil used in refrigeration equipment should be as low as possible (for example, for R22 compressors, the refrigerant oil should be below -55°C); otherwise, it will affect the flow of the refrigerant and increase the flow resistance, resulting in poor heat transfer.
2. Viscosity: The viscosity of the refrigerant oil is an important parameter in the oil properties. Different refrigerants should be used to select different refrigerants. If the viscosity of the refrigerant oil is too high, the mechanical friction power, friction heat, and starting torque will increase. On the contrary, if the viscosity is too low, the required oil film cannot be formed between the moving parts, and the desired lubrication and cooling effect cannot be achieved.
3. Cloud Point: The cloud point of the refrigerant oil refers to the temperature at which paraffin begins to precipitate from the refrigerant oil when the temperature drops to a certain value, making the lubricating oil turbid. The cloud point of the refrigeration oil used in refrigeration equipment should be lower than the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant. Otherwise, it will cause the throttle valve to clog or affect the heat transfer performance.
4. Flashpoint: The flash point of refrigeration oil refers to the lowest temperature at which the lubricating oil ignites when its vapor contacts the flame. The flash point of the refrigeration oil used in refrigeration equipment must be 15 to 30 °C higher than the exhaust temperature to avoid burning and coking of the lubricating oil.
5. Others: Such as chemical stability and oxidation resistance, moisture and mechanical impurities, and insulation properties.
Refrigeration Oil Use Precautions
When using refrigeration oil, you need to pay attention to the following points to ensure its effectiveness and safety:
Temperature Control: Refrigeration oil usually needs to be used in a low-temperature environment, so before filling, make sure that the oil temperature is suitable for use. Excessive temperature may cause the oil to deteriorate or deteriorate.
Clean Environment: Before filling the refrigeration oil, make sure that the work area and container are clean to avoid impurities and contaminants from entering the oil.
Container Selection: Choose a container suitable for storing refrigeration oil and ensure that the container is well sealed to prevent oxidation and contamination of the oil.
Filling Speed: When filling the refrigerant oil, pour it slowly to avoid bubbles and splashing. Quick pouring may cause the quality of the oil to deteriorate.
Avoid Mixing: Avoid mixing different types or brands of refrigerant oil. Different oils may have different properties and uses, and mixing may cause adverse effects.
Storage and Preservation: After filling, ensure that the refrigerant oil is stored properly and avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high temperature. Seal the container and store it at an appropriate temperature to extend the shelf life of the oil.
Use Specified Refrigerant Oil: For specific refrigeration systems, such as HFC-134a (R-134a) air conditioning systems and components, only specified refrigerant oil can be used. Non-specified refrigerant oil will affect the lubrication effect of the compressor. At the same time, mixing refrigerant oil of different brands will cause the refrigerant oil to oxidize and fail, which may cause the compressor to malfunction.
Prevent Refrigerant Oil From Absorbing Water: Refrigerant oil is very easy to absorb water, so the refrigerant oil bottle should be tightened immediately after use. Deteriorated refrigerant oil cannot be used because refrigerant oil mixed with water will produce acidic substances under the action of oxygen, corroding metal parts.
Use in Moderation: Only appropriate amounts of refrigerant and refrigeration oil are allowed. Excessive use is not allowed so as not to reduce the refrigeration effect or hinder the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.
What is The difference between refrigeration oil and compressor oil?
Refrigerator oil and compressor oil are lubricating oils used for different types of mechanical equipment.
1. Use: Refrigeration oil is mainly used for compressors in refrigeration equipment and refrigeration systems to reduce friction and wear and maintain the normal operation of mechanical equipment. Compressor oil is mainly used in equipment such as compressors and air compressors to lubricate and cool the running parts of the compressor.
2. Characteristics: Refrigeration oil usually has a lower viscosity and can maintain lubrication at low temperatures to ensure the efficient operation of refrigeration equipment. Compressor oil usually has a higher viscosity and can maintain lubrication under high temperatures and high-pressure environments to protect the running parts of the compressor.
3. Composition: Refrigeration oil is usually composed of synthetic oil and additives to provide better low-temperature performance and antioxidant properties. Compressor oil is usually composed of mineral oil and additives to provide better high-temperature performance and anti-wear performance.
4. Temperature Range: Refrigeration oil is mainly used in low-temperature environments, which can maintain lubrication performance and prevent oil solidification. Compressor oil needs to work in a high-temperature environment, which can maintain lubrication performance and prevent oil overheating.
5. Lubrication Performance: Refrigeration oil needs to have good low-temperature fluidity and lubrication performance to ensure the normal operation of mechanical equipment at low temperatures. Compressor oil needs to have good high-temperature lubrication performance and anti-wear performance to protect the running parts of the compressor.
6. Additives: Refrigeration oil usually adds additives such as antioxidants, anti-corrosion agents, and anti-foaming agents to provide better performance and protect mechanical equipment. Compressor oil usually adds additives such as antioxidants, anti-wear agents, and detergent dispersants to provide better high-temperature performance and protect the compressor.
In short, refrigeration oil and compressor oil have obvious differences in use, characteristics, and composition, so they cannot be used interchangeably.
Conclusion
In order to protect the ozone layer, the international community has imposed restrictions on the refrigerants of air-conditioning equipment. Various alternative refrigerants have emerged, and their refrigeration oils have also changed accordingly. The alternative refrigerants for air conditioners are R134a and R410a/R407c, and their replacements are PAG and POE, respectively.
In short, different refrigeration oils have different chemical compositions and physical properties, and each has specific application characteristics. The selection of refrigeration oil should be based on the specific application occasions.
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