What is the Function of Automotive Refrigeration Oil?
2 Answers
Automotive refrigeration oil serves the following functions: 1. Lubrication: Refrigeration oil lubricates the compressor during operation, reducing friction and wear, thereby extending the compressor's service life. 2. Sealing: It acts as a sealant in the compressor, ensuring tight seals between the piston and cylinder walls as well as between rotating bearings to prevent refrigerant leakage. 3. Cooling: While lubricating moving parts, refrigeration oil carries away heat generated during operation, maintaining lower temperatures of these components. This enhances compressor efficiency and operational reliability. 4. Noise Reduction: It effectively minimizes friction loss between compressor components, reducing operational noise. 5. Energy Regulation: For refrigeration compressors equipped with energy adjustment mechanisms, the oil pressure of refrigeration oil can be utilized as the driving force for energy regulation machinery.
After driving for so many years, I pay special attention to air conditioning maintenance. Refrigeration oil is the lifeblood of the air conditioning compressor—without it, the compressor could fail in minutes. It primarily serves four functions: First, lubrication. Inside the compressor, metal components like pistons and bearings operate at high speeds, relying on the protective film formed by the refrigeration oil to reduce friction. Second, sealing. The oil film can fill gaps between parts, preventing refrigerant leaks. Third, cooling. When the compressor is running, temperatures can soar to 70-80°C, and the circulating refrigeration oil acts like a radiator to dissipate heat. Fourth, cleaning. It can carry metal debris back to the oil reservoir. By the way, using the wrong type of refrigeration oil can corrode rubber seals, so always have the technician check the oil level when replacing the refrigerant.