REFRIGERATION OILS

Refrigeration oils are critical to the performance, reliability, and lifespan of compressors and refrigeration systems. They provide lubrication, cooling, sealing, and contamination control within HVAC and refrigeration equipment.

At Air Flow Control, we supply high-quality refrigeration oils compatible with modern refrigerants and compressor technologies used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Refrigeration oil performs several vital functions:

✔ Lubricates compressor moving parts
✔ Reduces wear and friction
✔ Removes heat from compressor components
✔ Ensures proper sealing between piston & cylinder
✔ Protects against corrosion and oxidation
✔ Helps maintain system efficiency

Without proper lubrication, compressors can overheat, seize, or suffer premature failure.

Mineral Oil (MO)

• Traditionally used with CFC and HCFC refrigerants (e.g., R22)

• Good lubrication properties

• Not compatible with most HFC refrigerants

• Used mainly in older systems

Synthetic Oil (SO)

• Improved chemical stability over mineral oil

• Better compatibility with R22

• Superior cleanliness and lower wax formation

• Suitable for semi-hermetic and reciprocating compressors

Polyolester Oil (POE)

• Synthetic oil used with HFC refrigerants like R134a, R404A, R410A, R407C, R32

• Excellent miscibility with modern refrigerants

• High thermal stability

• Widely used in scroll, screw, and rotary compressors

• Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture – requires careful handling)

This is currently the most common oil used in modern HVAC systems.

Refrigeration oil is not just a lubricant — it is a vital component for protecting compressors and ensuring long-term performance of HVAC and refrigeration systems. Selecting the correct oil improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and increases equipment life.