Lubrication of refrigeration and heat pump compressors is a highly complex subject. During refrigerant compression, a portion of the refrigerant dissolves into the lubricant oil. This absorbed refrigerant can significantly alter the lubricant’s physical and chemical properties, making it essential to understand and account for these effects in order to ensure safe, reliable, and energy-efficient operation. This presentation explores the interactions between refrigerants and lubricants, highlighting both the challenges they create and the opportunities they may offer when properly managed.

The presentation begins with a concise overview of fundamental lubrication principles, followed by a review of the most common lubricant chemistries u ...