What type of oil is compatible with HFC refrigerants?

HFC refrigerants, or hydrofluorocarbons, require specific types of oils for optimal performance and compatibility. Polyol ester oil is particularly suited for HFC refrigerants because it is a synthetic oil that has a low viscosity and is hygroscopic, enabling it to dissolve in the refrigerants effectively. This compatibility enhances heat transfer efficiency and ensures that the oil circulates properly within the refrigeration system.

Polyol ester oils also feature excellent thermal stability and are less prone to breaking down under the high temperatures typically found in refrigeration applications. This stability helps maintain the overall efficiency and longevity of the compressor and other system components when using HFC refrigerants.

In contrast, while alkylbenzene oils can be used with certain refrigerants, they are not as widely compatible with all HFC refrigerants compared to polyol esters. Mineral oils tend to be incompatible with HFC refrigerants because they do not mix well, leading to issues with oil return and system efficiency. Flaxseed oil, being a natural oil, does not have the required properties to effectively function in a refrigeration system using HFC refrigerants. Thus, polyol ester emerges as the preferred and most effective choice for ensuring system reliability and efficiency.