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.

Core Analysis of CPI CP-4700-100 Refrigeration Oil

By Qishanr Lubricants January 16th, 2026 61 views

I. Core Positioning and Characteristics

This product is a 100 viscosity grade model in the CP-4700 series, with alkylbenzene synthetic base oil as its core component. Its key characteristics are as follows:

System Compatibility: It integrates the system compatibility of mineral oil and the high performance of synthetic oil, allowing direct filling for upgrading old mineral oil systems without thorough cleaning, thus minimizing shutdown maintenance costs and man-hour losses.
Lubrication & Sealing Performance: Compared with low-viscosity counterparts in the same series, it offers superior lubrication and sealing, forming a stable oil film between moving parts of high-load compressors while ensuring efficient oil return and avoiding energy efficiency degradation due to oil retention.
Low-Temperature Fluidity: With a floc point as low as -55℃ and a pour point of -30℃, it maintains excellent fluidity in extremely cold environments, guaranteeing normal unit startup and operation.
Thermal Oxidation Stability: Boasting a flash point of 221℃ and a fire point of 237℃, it endures high-temperature compressor exhaust conditions, effectively inhibiting oil oxidation, decomposition and carbon deposition.
System Optimization: It enhances system cleanliness, strengthens refrigerant sealing, assists unit heat dissipation, and comprehensively ensures long-term stable operation of the refrigeration system.

II. Key Parameters and Application Scenarios

1. Core Technical Parameters

Kinematic Viscosity at 40℃: 95.18cSt, accurately adapting to the lubrication needs of high-load compressors.
Specific Gravity: 0.86, ensuring good miscibility with refrigerants and system oil return performance.

2. Application Scenarios

It has excellent compatibility with traditional refrigerants such as R22 and R12, and its applicable scenarios include: low-temperature cold storage, commercial office building central air conditioning, old refrigerant system upgrading and transformation, and high-load continuous operation units.

III. Selection and Usage Points

1. Selection Principles

Refrigerant Adaptation: Only applicable to traditional halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant systems; POE ester refrigeration oil is recommended for HFC environmental protection refrigerant systems.
Viscosity Matching: This 100 viscosity grade product is preferred for high-load screw and reciprocating compressors.

2. Usage and Storage Requirements

Storage: Sealed and placed in a cool and dry environment, avoiding moisture intrusion and direct sunlight.
Filling: Clean the system filter before filling, no complex pretreatment is required.
Operation and Maintenance: Regularly monitor the oil color and viscosity changes during operation, and it is strictly prohibited to mix with incompatible oils to prevent performance attenuation.