What type of refrigeration oil should I use for my screw compressor?

Screw compressors typically require POE (Polyol Ester) oils for HFC refrigerants like R134a and R407C, or mineral oils for HCFC systems like R22. The viscosity grade (usually ISO VG 32-68) depends on the compressor manufacturer's specifications. Brands like Bitzer recommend BSE series POE oils, while FUSHENG systems often use mineral oil formulations.

What is the difference between POE and mineral refrigeration oil?

POE (Polyol Ester) oils are synthetic lubricants designed for HFC refrigerants (R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A) and are hygroscopic, requiring careful moisture control. Mineral oils (MO) are petroleum-based, used with CFC and HCFC refrigerants (R22, R502), and are less expensive but incompatible with modern HFC systems. POE oils offer better thermal stability and miscibility with newer refrigerants.

How do I select the right refrigeration oil for a centrifugal chiller?

For centrifugal chillers, select oil based on the OEM specification (e.g., Trane OIL00037, York PureOil S), the refrigerant type (R123 low-pressure or R134a medium-pressure), and the required viscosity grade. Most modern centrifugal chillers use POE oils with ISO VG 32-68. Always verify compatibility with the chiller manufacturer's technical bulletin and ensure the oil meets the required pour point for your operating conditions.

Lubrizol Solest Refrigeration Oil LT-32

Description

Company Interduction:

Qishanr is the world’s leading supplier of synthetic lubricants to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. We combine technically superior products and services from our industry-leading divisions and brandsand make every effort to create the best compressors for refrigeration and air-conditioning as well as more efficientmaintenance machines in the HAVC field.Our products have been spreadly exported to 100 countries and regions, such as EU, North America,Latin America, OceaniaMiddle East, South East Asia, Africa, etc. and got a good reputation among new and regular clients.

Specification:

Property	LT-32
Viscosity cSt.@40°C	33.1
Viscosity cSt.@100°C	5.7
Viscosity, cSt.@100ºF	36.4
Viscosity cSt.@@210ºF	5.8
Viscosity Index	112
Density @ 20ºC g/ml	0.9636
Density, lb/gal	8.03
Pour point	-52
ºC(ºF)	(-62)
Flash point	240
ºC(ºF)	(465)
Fire Point	260
ºC(ºF)	500
Specific Gravity	0.965

Product Introduction:

Solest LT32isa synthetic polyol ester (POE) lubricating oil with an ISO VG32 viscosity grade. It is designed for use in commercial and industrial applications, for refrigeration and air conditioning compressors.

SolestLT32 is designed to create effective lubrication in systems operating with HFCs. It provides high-class bearing protection due to a higher film density compared to other lubricants for these systems. SolestLT32 protects steel and aluminum surfaces from wear, contributes to increased service life and operating efficiency of devices.

Applications and compressor types

- Refrigeration units operating with HFCs, HCFCs, HFOs

- Piston, screw, rotary, centrifugal, scroll compressors

Performance-Tested Physical Properties

SOLEST® lubricants are designed for standard factory fill of air conditioning and industrial refrigeration equipment, as well as for OEM retrofitting operations. CPI’s laboratory studies and OEM compressor bench tests haveafforded a product line specifi-cally designed to meet key system needs. SOLEST® lubri-cants are not hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200. They provide improved properties over conventional mineral oils in all aspects,including viscosity index, flash and fire points, and pour point.