Ester Oil SW 68 is a high-performance synthetic refrigeration compressor lubricant formulated from premium polyolester (POE) base stocks. Specifically engineered to provide unsurpassed performance in HFC and HCFC refrigeration applications, it offers exceptional thermal stability, a high viscosity index, and excellent miscibility with modern refrigerants. SW 68 is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial air conditioning, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems utilizing scroll, reciprocating, rotary, and screw compressors.
Ester Oil SW 68 is a synthetic polyolester (POE) lubricant with an ISO VG 68 viscosity grade (68 mm²/sec at 40°C), designed specifically for modern HFC refrigeration systems. POE oils are essential for HFC refrigerants like R134a, R410A, R404A, and R507 because they provide the miscibility and chemical compatibility that mineral oils cannot deliver with these refrigerants.
This oil serves as a direct, high-quality replacement for premium brands including Castrol Icematic SW 68 (now Aircol SW 68), Carrier Totaline SW-68, Emkarate RL 68H, Mobil EAL Arctic 68, and Summit RPE-68. SW 68 maintains the same performance characteristics and can be mixed with these oils during system top-ups without requiring a complete oil change.
Large-scale chillers, rooftop units, and commercial air conditioning systems utilizing scroll or screw compressors with R410A, R134a, or R404A refrigerants.
Rack refrigeration systems in retail environments running R404A or R507 refrigerants, where consistent oil return and thermal stability are critical.
Cold storage facilities, industrial heat pumps, and process cooling systems requiring ISO VG 68 POE oil for reliable operation under heavy-duty conditions.
Split systems, ductless mini-splits, and packaged units using R410A or R134a refrigerants in residential and light commercial applications.
Refrigerant Compatibility: SW 68 is compatible with R134a, R410A, R404A, R507, R32, and R744 (CO2) refrigerants. Not recommended for CFC refrigerants (R12, R22) in mineral oil systems—use dedicated mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil instead.
| Property | Specification | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Base Oil Type | Synthetic Polyolester (POE) | Essential for HFC refrigerant miscibility and system oil return |
| Viscosity Grade | ISO VG 68 (68 mm²/sec at 40°C) | Optimal viscosity for commercial and industrial compressor protection |
| Flash Point | > 240°C (464°F) | High flash point ensures safety and thermal stability under load |
| Pour Point | < -30°C (-22°F) | Maintains fluidity in low-temperature refrigeration applications |
| Refrigerant Compatibility | R134a, R410A, R404A, R507, R32, R744 (CO2) | Broad HFC and natural refrigerant compatibility for modern systems |
| Compressor Type | Scroll, Reciprocating, Rotary, Screw | Suitable for all major compressor designs in HVAC/R systems |
| Color | Clear to Pale Yellow | Visual indicator of oil purity and quality |
| Packaging Options | 1L, 3.8L, 18.9L (5 gal), 208L (55 gal) | Available in quart, gallon, pail, and drum sizes for all applications |
Ester Oil SW 68 is formulated to meet or exceed the specifications of major OEM refrigeration lubricants. It serves as a direct replacement for the following premium brands:
SW 68 can be safely mixed with any of these products during routine maintenance or emergency top-ups, eliminating the need for complete oil replacement and reducing service costs.
The transition from CFC/HCFC refrigerants (R12, R22) to HFC refrigerants (R134a, R410A, R404A) required a corresponding shift from mineral oil (MO) and alkylbenzene (AB) oils to synthetic polyolester (POE) oils. Unlike mineral oils, POE oils are fully miscible with HFC refrigerants, meaning they dissolve completely in the refrigerant and return to the compressor even under low-temperature, low-velocity conditions.
ISO VG 68 is the industry-standard viscosity grade for commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. It provides sufficient film strength for scroll, screw, and reciprocating compressors operating under heavy loads while maintaining adequate fluidity for oil return through suction lines and evaporators.
Using the wrong oil type or viscosity grade can lead to oil logging (oil trapped in the evaporator), insufficient lubrication, compressor wear, and system failure. Always verify the oil specification in your equipment's service manual before performing an oil change or top-up.
Ester Oil SW 68 is available in multiple packaging sizes to meet the needs of service technicians, fleet maintenance operations, and large-scale commercial installations:
All packaging sizes are shipped sealed to prevent moisture contamination. POE oils are hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing), so always reseal containers immediately after use and store in a cool, dry location.
A: No. SW 68 is a POE oil designed for HFC refrigerants. R22 systems typically use mineral oil (MO) or alkylbenzene (AB) oil. Mixing POE with mineral oil can cause compatibility issues and reduced lubrication performance. For R22 systems, use the oil type specified by the compressor manufacturer.
A: Oil capacity varies by compressor model and system design, typically ranging from 32 oz (1L) to 1 gallon (3.8L) for commercial systems. Always consult the compressor manufacturer's specifications or the system's service manual for the correct oil charge. Over-filling can reduce system efficiency and cause liquid slugging; under-filling leads to insufficient lubrication and compressor damage.
A: Yes. SW 68 is fully compatible with R410A and is widely used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems running this refrigerant. R410A systems require POE oil due to the refrigerant's chemical properties, and ISO VG 68 is the standard viscosity grade for scroll and reciprocating compressors in these applications.
A: Yes. SW 68 is compatible with other premium POE 68 oils such as Castrol Icematic SW 68, Carrier Totalline SW-68, and Emkarate RL 68H. You can top up systems without draining the existing oil, provided the oil in the system is also POE-based and has the same ISO VG 68 viscosity grade.
A: POE oils are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air. To prevent contamination: (1) keep containers tightly sealed when not in use, (2) store in a cool, dry location, (3) use oil from freshly opened containers for critical applications like compressor replacements, and (4) evacuate and dehydrate the refrigeration system thoroughly before charging oil and refrigerant.
A: The number refers to the ISO viscosity grade—SW 32 has a lower viscosity (32 mm²/sec at 40°C) and is used in residential air conditioning and light-duty applications; SW 68 is the standard for commercial systems; SW 100 and higher viscosities are used in industrial screw compressors and high-load applications. Always use the viscosity grade specified by the compressor manufacturer.
Contact us for bulk pricing on 5-gallon pails and 55-gallon drums. Volume discounts available for commercial service operations and OEM installations.
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