A Basic Study on Selection of Refrigeration Oils for R-134a Refrigerant

R-134a 냉매용 냉동기유 선정을 위한 기초 연구

One of the chlorofluorocarbon compounds. R-12 deplete atmospheric ozone. It leads to international agreement to reduce CFC production. R-134a has similar thermodynamic properties to CFC-12. It has zero ODP(Ozone Depletion Potential). This Paper focuses on the lubricating oils for using with R-134a PAGs(Polyalkylene Glycol's) and esters are primary lubricants that are now being tested for use with R-134a Because of extreme polarity of R-134a. there are many problems in the selection of lubricating oil. This investigation analyzes compressor working conditions and calculates wear parts friction for simulation testing. Miscibility and material compatibility is proved by sealed glass tests. Friction was tested on the closed type pin on disk wear tester. This equipment simulates actual refrigerating compressor. Environment controlled test made more reliable result than field test Conventional oils(mineral oils, Alkylbenzene, PAO(Polyalpha Olefin) are immiscible with R-134a. PAGs and ester oils are miscible with R-134a. Friction coefficient is similar to conventional system(mineral oil/R-12 systems) at operating condition. At start & stop condition, PAGs/R-134a system has high friction coefficient. It provide reliable result on the lubricity, miscibility, material compatibility of R-134a with these new lubricants. It suggests proper selection of refrigeration oil that may improve compressor durability of performance.