Oil Separator Efficiency Rating Dilemma

When lubricant in the compressor circulates into the system, it may build up as a thin film on the internal surfaces of heat exchangers and acts as a thermal insulator. This robs the system of efficiency and increases energy consumption.  In addition, refrigeration systems have a fixed volume so circulating oil competes with the refrigerant resulting in reduce cooling capacity.  Oil separator technologies serve to regulate and minimize oil circulation by isolating the lubricant early in the discharge line and return it to the compressor.  This study examines the performance of various oil separation technologies using controlled experiments.