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Specificity of the lubrication of refrigeration compressors in ammonia applications. 1.

Spécificités de la lubrification des compresseurs frigorifiques en application à l’ammoniac. 1.

Author(s) : DELAFARGUE G., HARRINGTON K., DIEBOLD A.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Many compression refrigeration units today are using Ammonia NH3 (R-717) as refrigerant fluid. This technology is quite old, used since the beginning of refrigeration technology development, and its use is still very wide today, in spite of restrictive legislation owing to toxicity. Furthermore, the Montreal protocol introducing the notion of ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and the Kyoto protocol introducing the notion of GWP (Global Warming Potential), indirectly promoted the re-birth of ammonia (0 ODP / 0 GWP), which matches the new requirements of sustainable cold production. The main results of a detailed study handled by ExxonMobil Research & Engineering in 2011, comparing different lubricant technologies available on the market, are presented.In an attempt to help understand the lubrication aspects, this paper will revisit the specificities of ammonia compressor lubrication, and will provide an overview of the associated lubrication challenges. Then main results of a detailed study handled by ExxonMobil Research & Engineering in 2011, comparing the different lubricant technologies available on the market, will be presented. The aim of this study was to evaluate and confirm, via representative tests directly linked with product performance on application, the strengths or weaknesses of each lubricant technology, both in a performance and sustainability perspective. More especially, potential impact of lubricant technology on plant efficiency is studied in this paper.

Details

  • Original title: Spécificités de la lubrification des compresseurs frigorifiques en application à l’ammoniac. 1.
  • Record ID : 30008942
  • Languages: French
  • Source: Revue générale du Froid & du Conditionnement d'air - vol. 103 - n. 1132
  • Publication date: 2013/04

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