What is Refrigerant Oil?
1 Answers
Air conditioning compressor lubricant is commonly referred to as refrigerant oil, which can circulate within the air conditioning system along with the refrigerant. Refrigerant oil is a highly refined, foam-free, wax-free, and moisture-free lubricant. In addition to providing lubrication, sealing, and cleaning functions like conventional lubricants, the moisture-absorbing properties of air conditioning lubricant differ from other lubricants. If moisture is mixed with the refrigerant, it can produce hydrochloric acid, which corrodes components and causes the expansion valve to freeze and clog. A small amount of refrigerant oil circulating with the refrigerant in the cooling system can serve a moisture-absorbing function. Therefore, refrigerant oil is dehydrated during production and should be sealed during use to prevent absorption of moisture from the air. Introduction to Automotive Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil: R22, chemically known as chlorodifluoromethane, is a type of Freon and belongs to the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) class. Currently, R22 refrigerant still holds the largest share in air conditioning applications, primarily used in older air conditioning systems. However, R22 refrigerant poses significant harm to the ozone layer and is being phased out gradually. R410A refrigerant is currently positioned as an environmentally friendly refrigerant, composed of a quasi-azeotropic mixture of two components, mainly consisting of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon elements. It is characterized by stability, non-toxicity, and superior performance. While it does not deplete the ozone layer, it does contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. R32, short for difluoromethane, is a cooling agent with zero ozone depletion potential. At room temperature, it exists as a gas and appears as a colorless, transparent liquid under its own pressure. It is easily soluble in oil but difficult to dissolve in water. Additionally, R32 has a low viscosity coefficient and a high thermal conductivity. However, R32 is a flammable and explosive refrigerant.