Structure effect of refrigeration polyolester oils for use in HFC-134a compressors

A study of polyolester oils (POE) for compressors using an ozone-friendly refrigerant is presented here. The effect of the chemical structure of POE was studied in relation to three lubricant properties: miscibility with HFC-134a (CF3-CH2F), lubricity (steel-on-steel and aluminium-on-steel contacts), and viscosity. The paper shows the strong structure effect of POE on miscibility and lubricity. Based on the data obtained, some model lubricants were blended, and the performance of these lubricants was assessed on refrigeration test rigs.