Lubricant Management Heuristics and Impacts on System Chemistry, Valves and Other System Components

Every component on the refrigerant side of a system comes into contact with the compressor’s lubricant.  This lubricant plays a key role in the performance and life of thermostatic expansion, electric expansion, and solenoid valves.    There are also interactions between the system lubricant and other system components such as piping, contaminant controls, and sealing surfaces.  This presentation explores good lubricant management practices and the challenges this part of a refrigerant system faces when transitioning to new lower GWP refrigerants.