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  1. #1
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    Thumbs down Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigerant



    Dear all,

    In India in the food industries, use of two stage reciprocating compressors and Ammonia refrigerant for -40C evaporation temperature for various freezers is very common.

    The compressor manufacturer (Kirloskar) recommends synthetic oil, however majority of the food industries are using Mineral oils having pour point around -25C for many years. The data sheets of these oils are attached for ready reference.

    HP Sheetul 68 N68 oil.pdfBPCL MAK FREEZOL 68.pdf

    I wonder what must be the effect of mineral oil on following which these Food Industries may not be noticing?

    1. Compressor maintenance cost
    2. Evaporator performance

    I would like to have comments from the forum on this aspect and would like to know following in case any of these industries opt of change over to synthetic oil:

    a. Procedure for changing the oil
    b. Precausions to be taken while changing the oil.
    c. Whether change over will reduce the maintenance cost and improve the efficiency of the evaporators?

    Sandybapat



  2. #2
    Brian_UK's Avatar
    Brian_UK is offline Moderator I am starting to push the Mods: of RE Site Moderator : and general nice guy
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    What refrigerant is being used?
    Brian - Newton Abbot, Devon, UK
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  3. #3
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Brian

    I have mentioned Ammonia refrigerant already.

    Sandybapat

  4. #4
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    SUNISO 3GS is OK oil.

  5. #5
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Sandybapat
    I would suggest main reason for using mineral oil is cost.
    If compressors throw over a bit of oil then it may cost around 2 to 2.5 times the price.

    New oil would have to be checked for compatibility which is up to you & supplier.
    We are not familiar with your oil & are only giving broad answer to your questions.
    Usually going from mineral to synthetic is better than synthetic to mineral.

    Usually try & change oil in compressors, mop out sumps & drain any other components in the system as possible.

    You may find strainers & filters could block up initially. everyone will panic of course so have a supply handy & labour to do it.

    Synthetic oil is better but there is some good mineral oils as well as blends.
    Some are called "cracked" which are better.
    Synthetic oil behaves better if you have air in system, as it does not break down like mineral oil.

    Theoretically evaporator performance should increase but no guarantee's, same as compressors.

    Good efficient oil seperators is best in all circumstances.

    Don't rush into it until you have done your homework & maybe talk to someone who has done it already if possible.

    We have done it numerous times with no real problems except filters blocking up for awhile.
    Last edited by RANGER1; 15-12-2012 at 04:37 AM.

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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Thanks Ranger1

    Is mineral oil technically correct for use on -40C system with Ammonia and piston compressor?

    Sandybapat

  7. #7
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Quote Originally Posted by sandybapat View Post
    Thanks Ranger1

    Is mineral oil technically correct for use on -40C system with Ammonia and piston compressor?

    Sandybapat
    Yes if correct one is selected.
    The compressor is not really affected, only evaporator with pour point etc.
    We have used Suniso 4SA & 4GS. The 4SA is not perfect but the price is!

    We tend to use a lot of American (CPI) & German (Kluba)oil these days & Suniso.

    It seems that a lot of oil is rebranded, so sometimes it can be a very common oil with different name.

  8. #8
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Thanks Ranger1 for the information.

  9. #9
    Brian_UK's Avatar
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Quote Originally Posted by sandybapat View Post
    Brian

    I have mentioned Ammonia refrigerant already.

    Sandybapat
    My apologies, I misread your post.
    Brian - Newton Abbot, Devon, UK
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    Re: Lube oil for -40C application using reciprocating compressor & Ammonia refrigeran

    Dear Brian

    Your views on this query will be very useful for me.

    Sandybapat

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