Frick #12 and #12B are both PAG compressor oils, but the current Frick oil recommendation table gives #12B a lower listed evaporator-temperature limit and broader hydrocarbon coverage. The September 2024 Johnson Controls document lists #12 at temperatures of -35°F (-37°C) and above, while #12B is listed at -50°F (-46°C) and above. In the hydrocarbon table, #12 is marked for R290 propane; #12B is marked for both R290 propane and R1270 propylene.
This Frick PureOil 12B selection guide uses that comparison for screening, but it is not enough to approve an oil change. The final decision still needs the compressor model, serial range, processed refrigerant or gas, operating conditions, current lubricant and the applicable Frick documentation.
| Selection item | Frick #12 | Frick #12B | Buyer interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lubricant family | PAG | PAG | Same broad chemistry does not establish interchangeability. |
| Listed evaporator-temperature range | -35°F (-37°C) and above | -50°F (-46°C) and above | Below the listed limit, the official table instructs the reader to contact Frick. |
| R290 propane | Marked in the hydrocarbon table | Marked in the hydrocarbon table | Confirm the exact compressor and operating envelope. |
| R1270 propylene | Not marked in the referenced table | Marked in the referenced table | This is a meaningful screening difference, not a blanket approval for every R1270 installation. |
| Application note | Hydrocarbon gas service | Lower-viscosity formulation for lower temperatures and greater gas dilution | Use operating data and the exact manual revision to choose between them. |
The comparison above is drawn from Johnson Controls FRICK Form 160.802-SPC, issued September 9, 2024. It deliberately does not add an ISO viscosity grade because the official recommendation table identifies the oil family and operating limits but does not provide a complete #12/#12B property sheet.
Frick #12B enters the discussion when the installed compressor documentation names #12B, when the application falls inside the #12B hydrocarbon table, or when Frick documentation calls for its lower-viscosity behavior under the stated conditions. A buyer should not start with the assumption that colder always means #12B. Start with the equipment record.
This workflow is especially important when evaluating PAG oil for flooded screw compressors because the lubricant operates in direct contact with the process gas and its effective viscosity can be influenced by dilution and temperature.
For an R290 compressor oil request, the 2024 Frick table marks both #12 and #12B. For an R1270 compressor lubricant request, only #12B is marked in that table. This gives procurement teams a fast way to eliminate an unsupported assumption during initial screening.
It does not mean that any compressor handling propane or propylene can use the oil. The compressor design, seals, materials, pressure ratio, temperatures, gas composition and oil-management system remain part of the decision. R290 and R1270 are flammable hydrocarbons, so lubricant selection also does not replace the equipment's safety, electrical and service requirements.
If the request only says “Frick oil for propane,” ask for the compressor model, current oil and operating temperature. If it says “#12B for R1270,” still verify the exact machine and current Frick document before quoting.
The existing Qishanr product photographs provide useful receiving and quotation evidence. The front label identifies Frick PureOil, formulation #12B and a 55 US gallon / 208 L drum. Another supplied label shows 190 kg net weight. These are photo-backed package facts, not a substitute for the current TDS or batch paperwork.
Do not approve replacement or top-up from the comparison table alone. The two oils share PAG chemistry, but the official document describes different operating limits and application behavior. A system may also contain aged oil, contaminants, an undocumented previous lubricant or a mixture created during earlier service.
Before changing from #12 to #12B, ask for a written procedure covering drain quantity, residual-oil tolerance, flushing or oil-change steps, filters, seals, sampling and the point at which the replacement oil should be rechecked. Before topping up, positively identify the oil already in service.
For a broader explanation of chemistry differences, see the PAG refrigeration oil guide. If a buyer is also comparing PAG with POE or mineral oil, use the POE versus mineral oil guide as chemistry background, not as a Frick approval document.
| Information | Why it matters | Useful evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor model and serial | Connects the request to the correct Frick documentation. | Nameplate photo or equipment record |
| Refrigerant or process gas | Separates R290, R1270 and mixed-gas screening. | System specification or gas composition |
| Operating temperatures | Checks the official listed temperature boundary. | Design data and current operating log |
| Current oil | Prevents undocumented mixing and incorrect top-up. | Oil label, service log or analysis report |
| Quantity and destination | Determines drum count, freight and documentation. | Required volume, port/city and target date |
| Required documents | Allows engineering and EHS review before shipment. | TDS, SDS, COA or label-photo request |
Buyers ready to request availability can review the Frick PureOil #12B 208 L product page. The product page handles package and quotation intent; this article remains the document and application-screening guide.
Yes. Johnson Controls FRICK Form 160.802-SPC lists both as PAG lubricants. Shared chemistry does not mean they can be substituted without checking the compressor and application.
The September 2024 table lists #12B for evaporator temperatures of -50°F (-46°C) and above. For a lower temperature, or for a machine not clearly covered, contact Frick and verify the compressor-specific recommendation.
#12B is marked for R290 in the referenced Frick hydrocarbon table. The mark is an initial compatibility signal; the compressor model, conditions and current documentation still control the final decision.
Yes. The September 2024 Frick table marks #12B for R1270. The same table does not mark #12 for R1270, making this a useful distinction during screening.
Do not approve mixing from product-family similarity. Identify the existing oil and obtain the applicable Frick or engineering procedure covering residual oil and changeover requirements.
The supplied photographs show a 55 US gallon / 208 L drum and a label indicating 190 kg net weight. Confirm current availability, freight weight and documents in the quotation.
Official technical source: Johnson Controls FRICK, Compressor Oil Recommendations, Form 160.802-SPC, issue date September 9, 2024. This source supports the PAG classification, listed temperature ranges, hydrocarbon table and application note.
First-party supply evidence: Qishanr product photographs support the visible #12B formulation, 208 L drum and 190 kg label information.
Final approval level: the exact compressor manual, current Frick recommendation and written project documentation control the final lubricant choice. This article does not report field-test results, customer performance data or Frick endorsement of Qishanr.
Send the compressor model, refrigerant or process gas, operating temperatures, current oil, required drum quantity, destination and document requirements. Qishanr will use those inputs to check the request before commercial confirmation.
Original publication. This article, “Frick #12 vs #12B Compressor Oil: PAG Application and Selection Guide”, was originally published by QishanrLubricants on 2026-07-20 at qishanrlubricants.com. © 2026 QishanrLubricants. All rights reserved.
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