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Lubrication of refrigeration compressors: present and future. 1.

Lubrification des compresseurs frigorifiques : présent et avenir. 1.

Author(s) : CLAIRÉ J. Y., DELAFARGUE G.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Adequate lubricant selection associated with refrigerant fluid is of utmost importance for the optimal performances of compression refrigeration units. Bearing in mind that several kinds of lubricant chemistries are available today on the market, the authors consider useful to make reminders in this first article about the lubrication basics of different types of compressors according to their operating conditions. This includes the refrigerant fluid in use, and its degree of miscibility or not in the lubricant. Various types of lubricants (based on naphtenic and paraffinic mineral base oils as well as synthetic oils: polyalphaolefins, polyolesters, alkylbenzenes, polyalkylene glycols, polyvinylethers). In the second part of the article, a rigorous method of lubricant selection for refrigeration compression applications when refrigerant fluid and lubricant in use are miscible will be detailed. This method is based on the case of the viscosity – pressure – temperature and miscibility curves. The case for refrigeration units using fluids (ammonia-R717) tat are not miscible in lubricant will also be addressed. Furthermore the specific case of HCFC-towards-HFC/HFO retrofits is also studied in the document. Despite the development of promising future technologies which do not require refrigeration fluids (e.g. magnetic refrigeration), it is expected that refrigeration compression units using refrigerant fluids in compliance with forthcoming legislations, should remain for a while in the market. Accordingly it would require a full understanding of the key role of the lubricant for trouble-free and optimized operations of the refrigeration units.

Details

  • Original title: Lubrification des compresseurs frigorifiques : présent et avenir. 1.
  • Record ID : 30011901
  • Languages: French
  • Subject: General information
  • Source: Revue générale du Froid & du Conditionnement d'air - vol. 103 - n. 1144
  • Publication date: 2014/06

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