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Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems: Tests For Boundary Lubrication
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems: Tests For Boundary Lubrication
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems: Tests For Boundary Lubrication
gear-driven centrifugal compressors in which the dilution of the sides, and acts as a coolant to remove heat from the bearings and to
lubricant by a refrigerant is expected to be quite low. transfer heat from the crankcase to the compressor exterior. Oil also
However, because all these machines operate in air, available reduces noise generated by moving parts inside the compressor.
data may not apply to a refrigerant environment. Divers (1958) Generally, the higher the viscosity of the oil, the better the sealing
questioned the validity of tests in air because several of the oils that and noise insulation.
performed poorly in Falex testing have been used successfully in Although the compression components of centrifugal compres-
refrigerant systems. Murray et al. (1956) suggest that halocarbon sors require no internal lubrication, rotating shaft bearings, seals,
refrigerants can aid in boundary lubrication. Refrigerant 12, for and couplings must be adequately lubricated. Turbine or other types
example, when run hot in the absence of oil, reacted with steel sur- of lubricants can be used when the lubricant is not in contact or cir-
faces to form a lubricating film. These studies emphasize the need culated with refrigerant gas. Chapter 34 of the 2000 ASHRAE Hand-
for laboratory testing in a simulated refrigerant environment. book—Systems and Equipment describes how reciprocating and
In Huttenlocher’s (1969) method of simulation, refrigerant vapor rotary compressors are lubricated.
is bubbled through the lubricant reservoir before the test to displace Hermetic systems, in which the motor is exposed to the lubricant,
the dissolved air. The refrigerant is bubbled continually during the require a lubricant with electrical insulating properties. The refrig-
test to maintain a blanket of refrigerant on the lubricant surface. erant gas carries some lubricant with it into the condenser and evap-
Using the Falex tester, Huttenlocher showed the beneficial effect of orator. This lubricant must return to the compressor in a reasonable
R-22 on the load carrying capability of the same lubricant compared time and must have adequate fluidity at low temperatures. The
with air or nitrogen. Sanvordenker and Gram (1974) describe a fur- lubricant should remain miscible with the refrigerant for good heat
ther modification of the Falex test using a sealed sample system. transfer in the evaporator and for good lubricant return. The lubri-
Both R-12 (a CFC) and R-22 (a HCFC) atmospheres had bene- cant must be free of suspended matter or components such as wax
ficial effects on a lubricant’s boundary lubrication characteristics that might clog the expansion tube or deposit in the evaporator and
when compared with tests in air. HFC refrigerants, which are chlo- interfere with heat transfer. In hermetic refrigeration systems, the
rine-free, provide beneficial effects to boundary lubrication when lubricant is charged only once, so it must function for the lifetime of
compared to tests conducted in air. However, they contribute to the compressor. The chemical stability required of the lubricant in
increased wear as compared to a chlorinated refrigerant with the the presence of refrigerants, metals, motor insulation, and extrane-
same lubricant. ous contaminants is perhaps the most important characteristic dis-
Komatsuzaki and Homma (1991) used a modified four-ball tinguishing refrigeration lubricants from those used for all other
tester to determine the antiseizure and antiwear properties of R-12 applications (see Chapter 5).
and R-22 in mineral oil and R-134a in a propylene glycol. As expected, an ideal lubricant does not exist; a compromise
Test parameters must simulate as closely as possible the system must be made to balance the requirements. A high-viscosity lubri-
conditions; namely the base material from which the test specimens cant seals the gas pressure best, but may offer more frictional resis-
are made, their surface condition, the processing methods, and the tance. Slight foaming can reduce noise, but excessive foaming can
operating temperature. There are several bearings or rubbing sur- carry too much lubricant into the cylinder and cause structural dam-
faces in a refrigerant compressor, each of which may use different age. Lubricants that are most stable chemically are not necessarily
materials and may operate under different conditions. A different good lubricants. The lubricant should not be considered alone,
test may be required for each bearing. Moreover, bearings in her- because it functions as a lubricant-refrigerant mixture.
metic compressors have very small clearances. Permissible bearing The precise relationship between composition and performance
wear is minimal because wear debris remains in the system and can is not well defined. Standard ASTM bench tests can provide such
cause other problems even if the clearances stay within working information as (1) viscosity, (2) viscosity index, (3) color, (4) spe-
limits. Compressor system mechanics must be understood to per- cific gravity, (5) refractive index, (6) pour point, (7) aniline point,
form and interpret simulated tests. (8) oxidation resistance, (9) dielectric breakdown voltage, (10)
Some aspects of compressor lubrication are not suitable for lab- foaming tendency in air, (11) moisture content, (12) wax separation,
oratory simulation. One aspect, the return of liquid refrigerant to the and (13) volatility. Other properties, particularly those involving
compressor, can cause the lubricant to dilute or wash away from the interactions with a refrigerant, must be determined by special tests
bearings, creating conditions of boundary lubrication. Tests using described in the refrigeration literature. Among these nonstandard
operating refrigerant compressors have also been considered, and properties are (1) mutual solubility with various refrigerants, (2)
one such wear test has been proposed as a German Standard (DIN chemical stability in the presence of refrigerants and metals, (3)
8978). The test is functional for a given compressor system and may chemical effects of contaminants or additives that may be in the oils,
permit comparison of lubricants within that class of compressors. (4) boundary film-forming ability, (5) solubility of air, and (6) vis-
However, it is not designed to be a generalized test for the boundary cosity, vapor pressure, and density of oil-refrigerant mixtures.
lubricating capability of a lubricant. Other tests using radioactive
tracers in refrigerant systems have given useful results (Rembold MINERAL OIL COMPOSITION
and Lo 1966).
For typical applications, the numerous compounds in refrigera-
tion oils of mineral origin can be grouped into the following struc-
REFRIGERATION LUBRICANT
tures: (1) paraffins, (2) naphthenes (cycloparaffins), (3) aromatics,
REQUIREMENTS and (4) nonhydrocarbons. Paraffins consist of all straight chain and
Refrigeration compressors are classified as continuous or branched carbon chain saturated hydrocarbons. N-Pentane and iso-
dynamic and positive displacement. Dynamic types such as the cen- pentane are examples of paraffinic hydrocarbons. Naphthenes are
trifugal compressor depend on energy transfer from a rotating set of also completely saturated but consist of cyclic or ring structures;
blades to the gas. Momentum imparted to the gas is converted to cyclopentane is a typical example. Aromatics are unsaturated
useful pressure by decelerating the gas. Positive-displacement com- cyclic hydrocarbons containing one or more rings characterized by
pressors can be either reciprocating or rotary. Both designs confine alternate double bonds; benzene is a typical example. The nonhy-
discrete volumes of gas within a closed space and then elevate pres- drocarbons are molecules containing atoms such as sulfur, nitro-
sure by reducing the volume. gen, or oxygen in addition to carbon and hydrogen.
Refrigeration systems require lubricant to do more than lubri- The preceding structural components do not necessarily exist in
cate. Oil seals compressed gas between the suction and discharge pure states. In fact, a paraffinic chain frequently is attached to a
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems 7.3
naphthenic or aromatic structure. Similarly, a naphthenic ring to Nonhydrocarbons are mostly removed during the refining of
which a paraffinic chain is attached may in turn be attached to an aro- refrigeration oils. Those that remain are expected to have little effect
matic molecule. Because of such complications, mineral oil compo- on the physical properties of the lubricant, except, perhaps, on its
sition is usually described by carbon-type and molecular analysis. color, stability and lubricity. Since all the nonhydrocarbons (e.g.,
In carbon-type analysis, the number of carbon atoms on the par- sulfur compounds) are not dark, even a colorless lubricant does not
affinic chains, naphthenic structures, and aromatic rings is deter- necessarily guarantee the absence of nonhydrocarbons. Kartzmark
mined and represented as a percentage of the total. Thus, % CP, the et al. (1967) and Mills and Melchoire (1967) found indications that
percentage of carbon atoms having a paraffinic configuration, nitrogen-bearing compounds cause or act as catalysts toward the
includes not only the free paraffins but also those paraffinic chains deterioration of oils. The sulfur and oxygen compounds are thought
attached to naphthenic or to aromatic rings. to be less reactive, with some types considered to be natural inhib-
Similarly, % CN includes the carbon atoms on the free naph- itors and lubricity enhancers.
thenes as well as those on the naphthenic rings attached to the aro- Solvent refining, hydrofinishing, or acid treatment followed by a
matic rings, and % CA represents the carbon atoms on the aromatic separation of the acid tar formed are often used to remove more ther-
rings. Carbon analysis describes a lubricant in its fundamental mally unstable aromatic and unsaturated compounds from the base
structure and correlates and predicts many physical properties of the stock. These methods also produce refrigeration oils that are free
lubricant. However, direct methods of determining carbon compo- from carcinogenic materials sometimes found in crude oil stocks.
sition are laborious. Therefore, common practice uses a correlative The properties of the components naturally are reflected in the
method, such as the one based on the refractive index-density-rela- parent oil. An oil with a very high saturate content, as is frequently
tive molecular mass (n-d-m) (Van Nes and Weston 1951) or one the case with paraffinic oils, also has a high viscosity index, low
standardized by ASTM D 2140 or ASTM D 3288. Other methods specific gravity, high relative molecular mass, low refractive index,
are ASTM D 2008, which uses ultraviolet absorbency and a rapid and low volatility. In addition, it would have a high aniline point and
method using infrared spectrophotometry and calibration from would be less miscible with polar refrigerants. The reverse is true of
known oils. naphthenic oils. Table 1 lists typical properties of several mineral-
Molecular analysis is based on methods of separating the struc- based refrigeration oils.
tural molecules. For refrigeration oils, important structural mole-
cules are (1) saturates or nonaromatics, (2) aromatics, and (3) SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS
nonhydrocarbons. All the free paraffins and naphthenes (cyclopar-
affins), as well as mixed molecules of paraffins and naphthenes are The limited solubility of mineral oils with R-22 and R-502 orig-
included in the saturates. However, any paraffinic and naphthenic inally led to the investigation of synthetic lubricants for refrigera-
molecules attached to an aromatic ring are classified as aromatics. tion use. In more recent times, the lack of solubility of mineral oils
This representation of lubricant composition is less fundamental in nonchlorinated fluorocarbon refrigerants, such as R-134a and
than carbon analysis. However, many properties of the lubricant rel- R-32, has led to the commercial use of some synthetic lubricants.
evant to refrigeration can be explained with this analysis, and the Gunderson and Hart (1962) describe a number of commercially
chromatographic methods of analysis are fairly simple (ASTM D available synthetic lubricants such as synthetic paraffins, polygly-
2549, ASTM D 2007, Mosle and Wolf 1963, Sanvordenker 1968). cols, dibasic acid esters, neopentyl esters, silicones, silicate esters,
The traditional classification of oils as paraffinic or naphthenic and fluorinated compounds. Many have properties suited to refrig-
refers to the amount of paraffinic or naphthenic molecules in the eration purposes. Sanvordenker and Larime (1972) describe the
refined lubricant. Paraffinic crudes contain a higher proportion of properties of these synthetic lubricants, alkylbenzenes, and phos-
paraffin wax, and, thus, have a higher viscosity index and pour point phate esters in regard to refrigeration applications using chlorinated
relative to naphthenic crudes. fluorocarbon refrigerants. The phosphate esters are unsuitable for
refrigeration use because of their poor thermal stability. Although
very stable and compatible with refrigerants, the fluorocarbon lubri-
COMPONENT CHARACTERISTICS cants are expensive. Among others, only the synthetic paraffins
Saturates have excellent chemical stability, but poor solubility have poor miscibility relations with R-22. Dibasic acid esters, neo-
with polar refrigerants, such as R-22; they are also poor boundary pentyl esters, silicate esters, and polyglycols all have excellent vis-
lubricants. Aromatics are somewhat more reactive but have very cosity temperature relations and remain miscible with R-22 and
good solubility with refrigerants and good boundary lubricating R-502 to very low temperatures. At this time, the three synthetic
properties. Nonhydrocarbons are the most reactive but are benefi- lubricants seeing the greatest use are alkylbenzene for R-22 and
cial for boundary lubrication, although the amounts needed for that R-502 service and polyglycols and polyol esters for use with R-134a
purpose are small. The reactivity, solubility, and boundary lubricat- and refrigerant blends using R-32.
ing properties of a refrigeration lubricant are affected by the relative There are two basic types of alkylbenzenes, namely, branched
amounts of these components in the lubricant. and linear. The products are synthesized by reacting an olefin or
The saturate and aromatic fractions separated from a lubricant do chlorinated paraffin with benzene in the presence of a catalyst. Cat-
not have the same viscosity as the parent lubricant. The saturate frac- alysts commonly used for this reaction are aluminum chloride and
tion is much less viscous, while the aromatic fraction is much more hydrofluoric acid. After the catalyst is removed, the product is dis-
viscous than the parent lubricant. Both fractions have the same boil- tilled into fractions. The relative size of these fractions can be
ing range. Thus, for this range, the aromatics are more viscous than changed by adjusting the relative molecular mass of the side chain
the saturates. For the same viscosity, the aromatics have a higher vol- (olefin or chlorinated paraffin) and by changing other variables. The
atility than the saturates. Also, the saturate fraction has a lower den- quality of alkylbenzene refrigeration lubricant varies, depending on
sity and a lower refractive index, but a higher viscosity index and the type (branched or linear) and manufacturing scheme. In addition
molecular mass than the aromatic fraction of the same lubricant. to good solubility with refrigerants, such as R-22 and R-502, these
Among the saturates, the straight chain paraffins are undesirable lubricants have better high-temperature and oxidation stability than
for refrigeration applications because they precipitate as wax crys- mineral oil-based refrigeration oils. Typical properties for a
tals when the lubricant is cooled to its pour point and tend to form branched alkylbenzene are shown in Table 1.
flocs in certain refrigerant solutions (see the section on Wax Sepa- Polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) derive from ethylene oxide or pro-
ration). The branched chain paraffins and naphthenes are less vis- pylene oxide. The polymerization is usually initiated with either an
cous at low temperatures and have extremely low pour points. alcohol, such as butyl alcohol, or by water. Initiation by an alcohol
7.4 1998 ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (SI)
results in a monol while initiation by water results in a diol. PAGs depressants for mineral oil, (3) viscosity index improvers for min-
are commonly used as lubricants in automotive air-conditioning eral oil, (4) thermal stability improvers, (5) extreme pressure and
systems using R-134a. PAGs have excellent lubricity, low pour antiwear additives, (6) rust inhibitors, (7) antifoam agents, (8) metal
points, good low-temperature fluidity, and good compatibility with deactivators, (9) dispersants, and (10) oxidation inhibitors.
most elastomers. Major concerns are that these oils are somewhat Some additives offer performance advantages in one area but are
hygroscopic, are immiscible with mineral oils, and require additives detrimental in another. For example, anti-wear additives can reduce
for good chemical and thermal stability (Short 1990). the wear on compressor components; but because of the chemical
Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are normally manufactured from linear reactivity of these materials, the additives can reduce the overall sta-
a-olefins. The first step in manufacture is the synthesis of a mixture bility of the lubricant. Some additives work best when combined
of oligomers in the presence of a BF3·ROH catalyst. Several param- with other additives. They must be compatible with materials in the
eters can be varied to control the distribution of the oligomers so system (including the refrigerant) and be present in the optimum
formed. The second step involves a hydrogenation processing of the concentration; too little may be ineffective, while too much can be
unsaturated oligomers in the presence of a metal catalyst (Shubkin detrimental or offer no incremental improvement.
1993). PAOs have good miscibility with R-12 and R-114. Some R-22 In general, additive-type lubricants are not required to lubricate
applications have been tried but are limited by the low miscibility of a refrigerant compressor. However, lubricants that contain additives
the fluid in R-22. PAOs are immiscible in R-134a (Short 1990). PAOs give highly satisfactory service and some additives, such as anti-
are mainly used as an immiscible oil in ammonia systems. wear additives, offer some performance advantages over straight
Neopentyl esters (polyol esters) are derived from a reaction mineral oils. Their use is justified as long as the user knows of their
between an alcohol and a normal or branched carboxylic acid. The presence and provided the additives are not significantly degraded
most common alcohols used are pentaerythritol, trimethylolpro- with use. Additives can often be used with synthetic lubricants to
pane, and neopentyl glycol. For higher viscosities, a dipentaeryth- reduce wear because, unlike mineral oil, they do not contain sulfur.
ritol is often used. The acids are usually selected to give the correct An additive-type lubricant is only used after thorough testing to
viscosity and fluidity at low temperatures matched to the miscibility determine whether the additive material (1) is removed by system
requirements of the refrigerant. Complex neopentyl esters are dryers, (2) is inert to system components, (3) is soluble in refriger-
derived by a sequential reaction of the polyol with a dibasic acid fol- ants at low temperatures so as not to cause deposits in capillary
lowed by a reaction with mixed monoacids (Short 1990). This tubes or expansion valves, and (4) is stable at high temperatures to
results in a lubricant with a higher relative molecular mass, high vis- avoid adverse chemical reactions such as harmful deposits. This can
cosity indices, and higher ISO viscosity grades. Polyol ester lubri- best be done by sealed tube and compressor testing using the actual
cants are used commercially with HFC refrigerants in all types of additive/base lubricant combination intended for field use.
compressors.
LUBRICANT PROPERTIES
LUBRICANT ADDITIVES
Additives are used to enhance certain lubricant properties or Viscosity and Viscosity Grades
impart new characteristics. They generally fall into three groups, Viscosity defines a fluid’s resistance to flow. It can be expressed
namely polar compounds, polymers, and compounds containing as absolute or dynamic viscosity (mPa·s), or kinematic viscosity
active elements such as sulfur or phosphorous. Additive types (mm2/s). In the United States, dynamic viscosity is expressed in
include (1) pour point depressants for mineral oil, (2) floc point Saybolt Seconds Universal viscosity (abbreviated SSU or SUS),
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems 7.5
Table 2 Recommended Viscosity Ranges which is the time required for 60 cm3 to gravity flow through a Say-
bolt universal viscometer. ASTM Standard D 2161 contains tables
Small and Commercial Systems to convert SSU to kinematic viscosity. The density must be known
Type of Lubricant Viscosities
to convert kinematic viscosity to absolute viscosity; that is, absolute
Refrigerant Compressor at 38°C, mm2/s or dynamic viscosity (mPa·s) equals density (g/cm3) times kine-
matic viscosity (mm2/s). Refrigeration oils are sold in viscosity
Ammonia Screw 60-65 grades, and ASTM has proposed a system of standardized viscosity
Ammonia Reciprocating 32-65 grades (D 2422).
Carbon dioxide Reciprocating 60-65a In selecting the proper viscosity grade, the environment to which
Refrigerant 11 Centrifugal 60-65 the lubricant will be exposed should be considered. The viscosity of
Refrigerant 12 Centrifugal 60-65 the lubricating fluid decreases if temperatures rise or if the refriger-
Refrigerant 12 Reciprocating 32-65 ant dissolves appreciably in the lubricant. Synthetic oils, with the
Refrigerant 12 Rotary 60-65 exception of alkyl benzenes, are less affected by temperature
Refrigerant 123 Centrifugal 60-65 change than mineral oils.
Refrigerant 22 Centrifugal 60-86
A large reduction in the viscosity of the lubricating fluid may
affect the lubricity and, more likely, the sealing function of the lubri-
Refrigerant 22 Reciprocating 32-65
cant, depending on the nature of the machinery. The design of some
Refrigerant 22 Scroll 60-65 types of hermetically sealed units, such as the single-vane, rotary
Refrigerant 22 Screw 60-173 units, requires the lubricating fluid to act as an efficient sealing
Refrigerant 134a Scroll 22-68 agent. In reciprocating compressors, the lubricant film is spread
Refrigerant 134a Screw 32-100 over the entire area of contact between the piston and the cylinder
Refrigerant 134a Centrifugal 60-65 wall, providing a very large area to resist leakage from the high- to
Refrigerant 407C Scroll 22-68 the low-pressure side. In a single-vane rotary type, however, the
Refrigerant 407C Reciprocating 32-687 critical sealing area is a line contact between the vane and a roller.
Refrigerant 410A Scroll 22-68 In this case, viscosity reduction is serious.
The lubricant with the lowest viscosity that gives the necessary
Halogenated refrigerants Screw 32-800 sealing properties with the refrigerant used for the entire range of
Industrial Refrigerationb temperatures and pressures encountered should be chosen to mini-
mize power consumption. A practical method for determining the
Lubricant Viscosities minimum safe viscosity is to calculate the total volumetric effi-
Type of Compressor at 38°C, mm2/s ciency of a given compressor using several lubricants of widely
Where lubricant may enter refrigeration varying viscosities. The lubricant of lowest viscosity that gives sat-
system or compressor cylinders 32-65 isfactory volumetric efficiency should be selected. Tests should be
Where lubricant is prevented from entering system or cylinders run at a number of ambient temperatures, for example, 20, 30, and
In force-feed or gravity systems 108-129 40°C. As a guideline, Table 2 lists the viscosity ranges recom-
In splash systems 32-34 mended for various refrigeration systems.
Steam-driven compressor cylinders when High viscosity lubricant
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has
condensate is reclaimed for ice-making (30-35 mm2/s at 100°C) established a series of viscosity levels as a standard for specifying or
aSome
selecting lubricant for industrial applications. This system, covered
applications may require lighter lubricants of 14-17 mm2/s; others, heavier in the United States by ASTM D 2422, is designed to eliminate
lubricants of 108-129 mm2/s.
cAmmonia and carbon dioxide compressors with splash, force-feed, or gravity circu- intermediate or unnecessary viscosity grades while providing
lating systems. enough viscosity grades for operating equipment. The system refer-
ence point is kinematic viscosity at 40°C, and each viscosity grade
with suitable tolerances is identified by the kinematic viscosity at
this temperature. Therefore an ISO VG 32 grade lubricant would
identify a lubricant with a viscosity of 32 mm2/s at 40°C. Table 3
lists various standardized viscosity grades of lubricants.
Viscosity Index
Lubricant viscosity decreases as temperature increases and
increases as temperature decreases. The relationship between tem-
perature and kinematic viscosity is represented by the following
equation (ASTM D 341):
where
2
n = kinematic viscosity, mm /s, 2 n 2 10
7
T = thermodynamic temperature, K
A, B = constants for each lubricant
This relationship is the basis for the viscosity-temperature charts
published by ASTM and permits a straight line plot of viscosity over
a wide temperature range. Figure 1 shows a plot for two different
lubricants, such as a naphthenic mineral oil (LVI) and a synthetic
Fig. 1 Viscosity-Temperature Chart for 108 mm2/s HVI and lubricant (HVI). This plot is applicable over the temperature range
LVI Lubricants in which the oils are homogenous liquids.
7.6 1998 ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (SI)
liquid in the interstices. Pour points can be lowered by adding chem- cants, the type, boiling range, and viscosity are also factors influ-
icals known as pour point depressants. These chemicals are encing vapor pressure; naphthenic oils of a specific viscosity grade
believed to modify the wax structure, possibly by depositing a film generally show higher vapor pressures than paraffinic oils.
on the surface of each wax crystal, so that the crystals no longer The vapor pressure of a lubricant increases with increasing tem-
adhere to form a matrix, and do not interfere with the lubricant’s perature, as shown in Table 4. In practice, the vapor pressure of a
ability to flow. Pour point depressants are not suitable for use with refrigeration lubricant at an elevated temperature is negligible com-
halogenated refrigerants. pared with the refrigerant at that temperature. The vapor pressure of
Standard pour test values are significant in the selection of oils narrow boiling petroleum fractions can be plotted as straight line
for ammonia and carbon dioxide systems, and any other system in functions. If the lubricant’s boiling range and its type are known,
which refrigerant and lubricant are almost totally immiscible. In standard tables may be used to determine the lubricant’s vapor pres-
such a system, any lubricant that gets into the low side is essentially sure up to 101.3 kPa at any given temperature (API 1970).
refrigerant free; therefore, the pour point of the lubricant itself
determines whether loss of fluidity, congealment, or wax deposition Aniline Point
will occur at low-side temperatures. Aniline, an aromatic compound, is more soluble in oils contain-
Because oil in the low-pressure side of halogenated refrigerant ing a greater quantity of similar compounds. The temperature at
systems contains significant amounts of dissolved refrigerant, the which a lubricant and aniline are mutually soluble is the lubricant’s
pour point test, which is conducted on pure oils and in air, is of little aniline point (ASTM D 611). Therefore, the relative aromaticity of
significance. The viscosity of the lubricant-refrigerant solutions at a mineral oil can be determined by its solubility in aniline. In com-
the low-side conditions and the wax separation (or floc test) are paring mineral oils, lower aniline points correspond to the presence
important considerations. of more naphthenic and/or aromatic molecules.
The pour point for a lubricant should not be confused with the Aniline point can also predict a mineral oil’s effect on elastomer
freezing point. Pour point is determined by exposing the lubricant to seal materials. Generally, a highly naphthenic lubricant swells a
a low temperature for a short time. Refrigeration lubricants will specific elastomer material more than a paraffinic lubricant. This is
solidify after long-term exposure to a low temperature, even if the caused by the greater solvency of aromatic and naphthenic com-
temperature is higher than the pour point. pounds present in a naphthenic-type lubricant. However, aniline
Some refrigerant lubricants stored at a low temperature become point gives only a general indication of lubricant-elastomer compat-
unstable. Typically, components of the lubricant separate and form ibility. Within a given class of elastomer material, lubricant resis-
crystals or deposits on the container. tance varies widely because of differences in compounding
practiced by the elastomer manufacturer. Finally, in some retrofit
Volatility—Flash and Fire Points applications, a high aniline point mineral oil may cause elastomer
Because the boiling ranges and vapor pressure data on lubricants shrinkage and possible seal leakage.
are not readily available, an indication of the volatility of a lubricant Elastomers in synthetic lubricants, such as alkylbenzenes, poly-
is obtained from the flash and fire points (ASTM D 92). These prop- alkylene glycols, and polyol esters behave differently than in min-
erties are normally not significant in refrigeration equipment. How- eral oils. For example, an alkylbenzene has an aniline point lower
ever, some refrigerants, such as sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and methyl than that of a mineral oil of the same viscosity grade. However, the
chloride, have a high ratio of specific heats (cp /cv) and consequently amount of swell in a chloroneoprene type O ring is generally less
have a high adiabatic compression temperature. These refrigerants than that found with the mineral oil. For these reasons, lubricant-
frequently carbonize oils with low flash and fire points when oper- elastomer compatibility needs to be tested under conditions antici-
ating in high ambient temperatures. Carbonization of the lubricant pated in actual service.
can also occur in some applications that use halogenated refrigerants
and require high compression ratios (such as domestic refrigerator- Solubility of Refrigerants in Oils
freezers operating in high ambient temperatures). Because such car- All gases are soluble to some extent in lubricants, and many
bonization or coking of the valves is not necessarily accompanied by refrigerant gases are highly soluble. The amount dissolved depends
the general lubricant deterioration, the tendency of a lubricant to car- on the pressure of the gas and the temperature of the lubricant, on
bonize is referred to as thermal instability as opposed to chemical the nature of the gas, and on the nature of the lubricant. Because
instability. Some manufacturers circumvent such problems by using refrigerants are much less viscous than lubricants, any appreciable
paraffinic oils, which in comparison to naphthenic oils, have higher amount in solution causes a marked reduction in viscosity.
flash and fire points. Others prevent them through appropriate design. Two refrigerants usually regarded as poorly soluble in mineral
oil are ammonia and carbon dioxide. Data showing the slight
Vapor Pressure absorption of these gases by mineral oil are given in Table 5. The
Vapor pressure is the pressure at which the vapor phase of a sub-
Table 5 Absorption of Low Solubility Refrigerant Gases in Oil
stance is in equilibrium with the liquid phase at a specified temper-
ature. The composition of the vapor and liquid phases (when not Ammoniaa (Percent by Mass)
pure) influences the equilibrium pressure. With refrigeration lubri- Absolute Temperature, °C
Pressure, kPa 0 20 65 100 140
Table 4 Increase in Vapor Pressure and Temperature 98 0.246 0.180 0.105 0.072 0.054
Vapor Pressure 32 mm2/s Oil 196 0.500 0.360 0.198 0.144 0.108
294 0.800 0.540 0.304 0.228 0.166
Alkylbenzene, Naphthene Base,
393 — 0.720 0.398 0.300 0.222
Temperature, °C kPa kPa
979 — — 1.050 0.720 0.545
149 0.10 0.12 Carbon Dioxideb (Percent by Mass)
163 0.21 0.26
Absolute Temperature, °C
177 0.45 0.50
191 0.89 0.95 Pressure, kPa 0 20 65 100
204 1.73 1.74 101 0.26 0.19 0.13 0.10
218 3.23 3.06 aType of oil: Not given (Steinle 1950)
232 5.83 5.24 bType of oil: HVI oil, 34.8 mm2/s at 38 °C (Baldwin and Daniel 1953)
7.8 1998 ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (SI)
amount absorbed increases with increasing pressure and decreases The use of crankcase heaters to prevent such problems caused by
with increasing temperature. In ammonia systems, where pressures highly soluble refrigerants is discussed in Chapter 2 and by Neu-
are moderate, the 1% or less refrigerant that dissolves in the lubri- bauer (1958). The problems associated with rapid outgassing from
cant should have little, if any, effect on lubricant viscosity. How- the lubricant is more pronounced with synthetic oils than with min-
ever, operating pressures in CO2 systems tend to be much higher eral oils. Synthetic oils release absorbed refrigerant more quickly
(not shown in Table 5), and in that case, the quantity of gas dissolved and have a lower surface tension, which results in a lack of stable
in the lubricant may be enough to substantially reduce viscosity. At foam found with mineral oils (Swallow et al. 1995).
2.7 MPa, for example, Beerbower and Greene (1961) observed a
69% reduction when a 32 mm2/s lubricant (HVI) was tested under Density
CO2 pressure at 27°C. When estimating the density of a lubricant-refrigerant solution,
the solution is assumed ideal so that the specific volumes of the
LUBRICANT-REFRIGERANT SOLUTIONS components are additive. The formula for calculating the ideal den-
sity (rid) is:
Many chlorinated refrigerants are highly soluble in oils at any
temperature likely to be encountered. The only limit to the amount
of these refrigerants that the lubricant can dissolve is established by ρo
ρ id = --------------------------------------------
the refrigerant pressure at a given temperature. Chlorinated refrig- 1 + W ( ρo ⁄ ρR – 1 )
erants such as R-22 and R-114 may show limited solubilities with
some lubricants at evaporator temperatures (exhibited in the form of where
phase separation) and unlimited solubilities in the higher tempera- ro = density of pure lubricant at the solution temperature
ture regions of a refrigerant system. In some systems using HFC rR = density of refrigerant liquid at the solution temperature
refrigerants, a second, distinct two-phase region may occur at high W = mass fraction of refrigerant in solution
temperatures. For such refrigerants, solubility studies must, there-
fore, be carried out over an extended temperature range. Depending on the refrigerant, the actual density of a lubricant-
Because halogenated refrigerants have such high solubilities, the refrigerant solution may deviate from the ideal by as much as 8%.
lubricating fluid can no longer be treated as a pure lubricant, but The solutions are usually more dense than calculated, but some-
rather as a lubricant-refrigerant solution whose properties are mark- times they are less. For example, R-11 forms ideal solutions with
edly different from those of pure lubricant. The amount of refriger- oils, whereas R-12 and R-22 show significant deviations. Density
ant dissolved in a lubricant depends on the pressure and correction factors for R-12 and R-22 solutions are depicted in Fig-
temperature. Therefore, the composition of the lubricating fluid is ure 3. The corrected densities can be obtained from the relation:
different in different sections of a refrigeration system operating at
steady state and changes from the time of start-up until the system Mixture Density = ρ m = ρ id ⁄ A
attains the steady state. The most pronounced effect is on viscosity.
The crankcase of a compressor can be used as an example. For where A is the density correction factor read from Figure 3 at the
this case, the refrigerant and lubricant are assumed to be in equilib- desired temperature and refrigerant concentration.
rium and the viscosity is as shown in Figure 37. If the lubricant in Van Gaalen et al. (1990, 1991ab) provide values of density for
the crankcase at start-up is 24°C, the viscosity of pure 32 ISO VG four refrigerant/lubricant pairs, namely, R-22/mineral oil, R-22/
branched acid polyol ester is about mm2/s. Under operating condi- alkylbenzene, R-502/mineral oil, and R-502/alkylbenzene. Figures
tions, the lubricant in the crankcase is typically about 52°C. At this 4, 5, 6, and 7 provide data on the variation of density with temper-
temperature the viscosity of the pure lubricant is about 20 mm2/s. If ature for R-134a in combination with a 32 ISO VG polyol ester, a
R-134a is the refrigerant and the pressure in the crankcase is 352 100 ISO VG polyol ester, a 32 ISO VG polyalkylene glycol, and an
kPa, the viscosity of the lubricant-refrigerant mixture at start-up is 80 ISO VG polyalkylene glycol, respectively (Cavestri 1993).
about 10 mm2/s and decreases to 9 mm2/s at 52°C.
Hence, if only lubricant properties are considered, an erroneous
Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena
picture of the system is obtained. As another example, when the Dissolving lubricant in liquid refrigerant affects the thermody-
lubricant returns from the evaporator to the compressor, the highest namic properties of the working fluid. The vapor pressures of refrig-
viscosity does not occur at the lowest temperature, because the erant-lubricant solutions at a given temperature are always less than
lubricant contains a large amount of dissolved refrigerant. As the the vapor pressure of pure refrigerant at that temperature. Therefore,
temperature increases, the lubricant loses some of the refrigerant dissolved lubricant in an evaporator leads to lower suction pressures
and the viscosity reaches a maximum at a point away from the cold- and higher evaporator temperatures than expected from pure refrig-
est spot in the system. erant tables. Bambach (1955) gives an enthalpy diagram for R-12/
Similar to the lubricating fluid, the properties of the working lubricant solutions over the range of compositions from 0 to 100%
fluid (a high refrigerant concentration solution) are also affected. lubricant and temperatures from -40°C to 115°C. Spauschus
The vapor pressure of a lubricant-refrigerant solution is markedly (1963) developed general equations for calculating thermodynamic
lower than that of the pure refrigerant. One result of this property is functions of refrigerant-lubricant solutions and applied them to the
that the evaporator temperature is higher than if the refrigerant is special case of R-12/mineral oil solutions.
pure. Another result is what is sometimes called the flooded start-
up. When the crankcase and the evaporator are at about the same Pressure-Temperature-Solubility Relations
temperature, the fluid in the evaporator (which is mostly refriger- When a refrigerant is in equilibrium with a lubricant, a fixed
ant) has a higher vapor pressure than the fluid in the crankcase amount of refrigerant is present in the lubricant at a given tempera-
(which is mostly lubricant). This difference in vapor pressures ture and pressure. This is evident if the Gibbs phase rule is applied
drives the refrigerant to the crankcase and it is absorbed in the lubri- to basically a two-phase, two-component mixture. The lubricant,
cant until the pressures are equalized. At times, the moving parts in although a mixture of several compounds, may be considered one
the crankcase may be completely immersed in this lubricant-refrig- component, and the refrigerant the other. The two phases are the liq-
erant solution. At start-up, the change in pressure and turbulence uid phase and the vapor phase. The phase rule defines this mixture
can cause excessive amounts of liquid to enter the cylinders, caus- as having two degrees of freedom. Normally, the variables involved
ing damage to the valves and starving the crankcase of lubricant. are pressure, temperature, and the compositions of the liquid and of
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems 7.9
Fig. 4 Density as Function of Temperature and Pressure for Fig. 5 Density as Function of Temperature and Pressure for
Mixture of R-134a and 32 ISO VG Mixture of R-134a and 100 ISO VG
Branched Acid Polyol Ester Lubricant Branched Acid Polyol Ester Lubricant
the vapor. Since the vapor pressure of the lubricant is negligible increased to t2, some of the liquid refrigerant evaporates, and the
compared with that of the refrigerant, the vapor phase is essentially equilibrium point shifts to E2, corresponding to a new pressure P2.
pure refrigerant, and only the composition of the liquid phase needs In either case, the lubricant-refrigerant solution exerts a vapor pres-
to be considered. If the pressure and temperature are defined, the sure less than that of the pure refrigerant at the same temperature.
system is invariant, i.e., the liquid phase can have only one compo-
sition. This is a different but more precise way of stating that a lubri- Mutual Solubility
cant-refrigerant mixture having a known composition exerts a
certain vapor pressure at a certain temperature. If the temperature is In a compressor, the lubricating fluid is a solution of refrigerant
changed, the vapor pressure also changes. dissolved in lubricant. In other parts of the refrigerant system, the
Pressure-temperature-solubility relations are usually presented solution is a lubricant in liquid refrigerant. In both instances, either
in the form shown in Figure 8. On this graph, P10 and P20 represent the lubricant or the refrigerant could exist alone as a liquid if the
the saturation pressures of the pure refrigerant at temperatures t1 and other were not present; therefore, any distinction between the dis-
t2, respectively. Point E1 represents an equilibrium condition, where solving and dissolved component merely reflects a point of view.
one and only one composition of the liquid, represented by W1, is Either of the liquids can be considered as dissolving the other. This
possible at the pressure P1. If the temperature of this system is relationship is termed mutual solubility.
7.10 1998 ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (SI)
1 N 32 18.5 13 43 44 3
8 N 46 24.6 0.6 45 55 24
7 N 46 26.7 2.8 44 54 20
5 N 46+ 27.9 22 30 47 -16
4 N 46 28.6 26 28 46 –20
6 N 46 29.7 4 45 51 17
13 N 100 54.5 1.9 41 56 Noneb
12 N 100 60.7 4 41 55 Noneb
11 N 150 69.1 7 40 53 Noneb
10 N 220 93.2 21 27 52 16
9 N 220 109.0 27 24 50 9
18 P 46+ 29.3 0.5 33 67 Noneb
17 P 46 31.6 3.5 34 63 Noneb
16 P 68 35.2 6.4 30 63 Noneb
15 P 68 45.2 14.3 25 61 Noneb
14 P 100 50.0 18.1 22 60 44c
aP = Paraffinic, N = Naphthenic cA second (inverted) miscibility dome was observed above 58 °c. Above this temperature, the oil/R-22 mix-
bNever completely miscible at any temperature ture again separated into two immiscible solutions.
Fig. 32 Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure Chart for Solutions of Fig. 33 Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure Chart for Solutions of
R-502 in 32 mm2/s Naphthenic Oil R-22 in 32 mm2/s Alkylbenzene Oil
lubricant level dampens the noise created by the moving parts of the
compressor. Moderate foam also lubricates effectively, yet it is
pumpable, which minimizes the risk of vapor lock of the oil pump
at start-up. There is no general agreement on what constitutes exces-
sive foaming or how it should be prevented. Some manufacturers
add small amounts of an antifoam agent, such as silicone fluid, to
refrigerator oils. Others believe that foaming difficulties are more
easily corrected by equipment design.
Goswami et al. (1997) observed the foaming characteristics of R-
32, R-125, R-134a, R-143a, R-404A, R-407C, and R-410A with
two ISO 68 polyol ester lubricants. They compared them to R-12
and R-22 paired with both an ISO 32 and ISO 68 mineral oil and
found that the foamability and foam stability of the HFC/POE pairs
were much lower than the R-12 and R-22/mineral oil pairs.
OXIDATION RESISTANCE
Refrigeration oils are seldom exposed to oxidizing conditions in
hermetic systems. Once a system is sealed against air and moisture,
the oxidation resistance of a lubricant is not significant unless it
reflects the chemical stability. Handling and manufacturing prac-
tices include elaborate care to protect lubricants against air, mois-
ture, or any other contaminant. Oxidation resistance by itself is
rarely included in refrigeration lubricant specifications.
Nevertheless, oxidation tests are justified, because oxidation
reactions are chemically similar to the reactions between oils and
refrigerants. An oxygen test, using power factor as the measure, cor-
relates with established sealed-tube tests. However, such oxidation
resistance tests are not used as primary criteria of chemical reactiv-
ity, but rather to support the claims of chemical stability determined
by sealed-tube and other tests.
Oxidation resistance may become a prime requirement during
manufacture. The small amount of lubricant used during compres-
Fig. 34 Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure Chart for Solutions of sor assembly and testing is not always completely removed before
R-502 in 32 mm2/s Alkylbenzene Oil the system is dehydrated. If the subsequent dehydration process is
carried out in a stream of hot, dry air, as is frequently the case, the
hot oxidizing conditions can cause the residual lubricant to become
The ASTM D 877 test is not sensitive below about 60% satura- gummy, leading to stuck bearings, overheated motors, and other
tion. General practice has been to measure directly the total mois- operating difficulties. For these purposes, the lubricant should have
ture content by procedures such as the Karl Fischer (ASTM D 1533) high oxidation resistance. However, the lubricant used under such
method for low moisture levels. extreme conditions should be classed as a specialty process lubri-
cant rather than a refrigeration lubricant.
SOLUBILITY OF AIR IN LUBRICANTS
CHEMICAL STABILITY
Refrigerant systems should not contain excessive amounts of air
or other noncondensable gases. Oxygen in air can react with the Refrigeration lubricants must have excellent chemical stability.
lubricant to form oxidation products. More importantly, nitrogen in Within the enclosed refrigeration environment, the lubricant must
the air (which does not react with lubricant) is a noncondensable gas resist chemical attack by the refrigerant in the presence of all the
that can interfere with performance. In some systems, the tolerable materials encountered, including the various metals, motor insula-
volume of noncondensables is very low. Therefore, if the lubricant tion, and any unavoidable contaminants trapped in the system. A
is added after the system is evacuated, it must not contain an exces- lubricant reacts with the refrigerant at elevated temperatures, and the
sive amount of dissolved air or other noncondensable gas. Dis- reaction is catalyzed by metals. Methods for evaluating the chemical
solved air is removed when a vacuum is used to dry the lubricant. stability of lubricant-refrigerant mixtures are covered in Chapter 5.
However, if the deaerated lubricant is stored under pressure in dry Various phenomena in an operating system, such as sludge for-
air, it will reabsorb air in proportion to the pressure (Baldwin and mation, carbon deposits on valves, gumming, and copper plating of
Daniel 1953). bearing surfaces have been attributed to lubricant decomposition in
the presence of the refrigerant. In addition to the direct reactions of
FOAMING AND ANTIFOAM AGENTS the lubricant and refrigerant, the lubricant may also act as a medium
for reactions between the refrigerant and the motor insulation, par-
Excessive foaming of the lubricant is undesirable in refrigeration ticularly when the refrigerant extracts the lighter components of the
systems. Brewer (1951) suggests that abnormal refrigerant foaming insulation. Factors affecting the stability of various components
reduces the lubricant’s effectiveness in cooling the motor windings such as wire insulation materials in hermetic systems are also cov-
and removing heat from the compressor. Too much foaming also ered in Chapter 5.
can cause too much lubricant to pass through the pump and enter the
low-pressure side. Foaming in a pressure oiling system can result in Effect of Lubricant Type
starved lubrication under some conditions. Mineral oils differ in their ability to withstand chemical attack
However, moderate foaming is beneficial in refrigeration sys- by a given refrigerant. In an extensive laboratory sealed-tube test
tems, particularly for noise suppression. A foamy layer on top of the program, Walker et al. (1960, 1962) showed that color darkening,
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems 7.21
Fig. 35 Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure Plot for 32 ISO VG Polypropylene Glycol Butyl Mono Ether with R-134a
Fig. 37 Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure Plot for 32 ISO VG Branched Acid Polyol Ester with R-134a
Fig. 38 Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure Plot for 100 ISO VG Branched Acid Polyol Ester with R-134a
Lubricants in Refrigerant Systems 7.23
with the flushing material and CFC refrigerant and operated for at Murray, S.F., R.L. Johnson, and M.A. Swikert. 1956. Difluoro-dichlo-
least eight hours. After operation, the lubricant charge is drained romethane as a boundary lubricant for steel and other metals. Mechanical
from the compressor. This process is repeated until the lubricant in Engineering 78(3):233.
the drained material is reduced to a specified level. Chemical test Neubauer, E.T. 1958. Compressor crankcase heaters reduce oil foaming.
kits or portable refractometers are available to determine the Refrigerating Engineering (June):52.
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conditions. ASHRAE Transactions 70:173.
Pate, M.B., S.C. Zoz, and L.J. Berkenbosch. 1993. Miscibility of lubricants
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