Külmutusõli

Külmutusõli, also known as refrigerant oil or compressor oil, is a specialized lubricant designed for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Its primary function is to lubricate the moving parts of the compressor, which is the heart of any refrigeration cycle. This lubrication reduces friction, wear, and heat generated by the compressor's operation, ensuring its longevity and efficiency.

Beyond lubrication, külmutusõli plays several other crucial roles. It helps to seal the gaps between the compressor's pistons and cylinder walls, preventing refrigerant leakage and maintaining system pressure. It also assists in dissipating heat from the compressor, transferring it to the refrigerant. The choice of külmutusõli is critical and depends on the type of refrigerant being used, as different refrigerants have varying chemical properties and solubility characteristics with different oils. Compatibility is paramount to prevent issues like oil fouling of heat exchangers or degradation of system components.

Common types of külmutusõli include mineral oils, alkylbenzenes (AB), polyalkylene glycols (PAG), and polyol esters (POE). Mineral oils were historically common with older refrigerants like R-12. AB oils are often used with HCFC refrigerants. PAG and POE oils are now widely used with newer, environmentally friendlier refrigerants such as HFCs (e.g., R-134a, R-410A) and HFOs, due to their better miscibility and stability with these refrigerants. Proper selection and maintenance of külmutusõli are essential for the reliable and efficient operation of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.