Compressor Oil 4 Different Types: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Compressor Oils

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Compressor Oil 4 Different Types: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Compressor Oils

The compressor is a vital part of the air conditioning and cooling process. It is responsible for compressing the gas and converting it into a liquid. However, this process requires the use of compressor oil.
Compressor oil is used to lubricate the compressor and reduce friction between its parts, thereby improving operational efficiency. But did you know that there are 4 different types of compressor oils?

Compressor Oil
Compressor Oil


What is the function of compressor oil?


Compressor oil, or cooling oil, is a vital component in the operation of cooling and air conditioning systems, which rely on the periodic pressure and expansion of gases to achieve cooling. Below are the functions of the cooling oil:

Lubricating the internal components of the compressor.


The compressor consists of many moving mechanical components such as cylinders, pistons, valves, crankshafts, gears, and so on. Due to the high speed at which these parts operate, they are exposed to friction and wear, which can lead to their damage and a decrease in compressor efficiency.
Here is where the role of compressor oil comes into play, lubricating these components and maintaining their smooth movement. The oil reaches the inner surface of the cylinders, the piston, and other components, in order to reduce friction between them and consequently decrease wear. The oil also forms a thin layer on the internal surface of the parts, which increases protection against wear and maintains their smooth movement.
The oil is circulated inside the compressor by the rotary motion of the crankshaft, where the oil is drawn from the oil reservoir in the compressor, then it is pumped into the internal mechanical components.

The oil ensures the protection of the rubber seals in the cooling lines and connections.


Compressor oil works to protect the rubber seals in.Air Conditioning SystemIt plays a vital role in preventing the leakage of refrigerant through rubber hoses. When air is pumped into the system, the pressure increases on the internal components of the system, and the refrigerant might leak through any gaps present in the rubber components if there is no factor preventing this.

Prevent electrical damage to the compressor


In hybrid cars, the compressor used in the air conditioning system is an electric compressor, not a mechanical compressor as is the case in conventional cars.
The operation of the electric compressor depends on the flow of internal air, where it compresses the air and converts it into a liquid form. The internal components of the compressor must be properly lubricated to maintain their smooth movement.
The internal components of the compressor can significantly heat up due to the high electrical current passing through the electrical components, which can result in considerable damage.
Here comes the role of cooling oil, which is used in hybrid cars to cool the internal components of the compressor and lubricate them well, thereby maintaining their optimal electrical performance and avoiding electrical damage.
Also read: Discover 4 reasons for the damage of your car's fuel pump.

Compressor Oil
Compressor Oil


What are the types of compressor oil?


There are 4 main types of cooling oil, their usage largely depends on the type of cooling material present and the instructions recommended by the compressor manufacturer as follows:

PAG Oil:


PAG oil is an abbreviation for Polyalkylene Glycol, which is a type of lubricant used in modern cooling and air conditioning systems. PAG oil is used in systems that utilize R134a and R1234yf refrigerants.
There are several types of PAG oil, which vary according to the viscosity of the oil and the type of refrigerant it is designed for. Generally, PAG oil is considered one of the most common options for lubrication in systems that use R134a and R1234yf coolants.
However, PAG oil has some flaws. It is hygroscopic, meaning that it attracts and retains moisture within the system. When PAG oil mixes with moisture, it reacts with it and leads to the formation of acid. Therefore, using PAG oil in cooling might damage components related to the system.
Therefore, it is necessary to avoid using this type of oil in lubricating O-rings, seals, compressor shafts, or cooling line connectors, and it is also important to avoid using PAG oil in hybrid vehicles, as it could cause damage to the electrical parts associated with the compressor.

Mineral Compressor Oil


The mineral cooling oil is a type of oil used in older cooling systems that operate on R-12 refrigerants, which utilize Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as coolants.
R-12 has been replaced with modern refrigerants such as R-134a due to its negative impact on the ozone layer and climate change. However, mineral cooling oil is still used in some old systems that have not been updated.
Mineral compressor oil is used for several purposes in the cooling system, including lubricating the internal components of the compressor, sealing rubber components such as rings, seals, and hoses, as well as improving the thermal performance of the system. Since it does not absorb moisture, it is also used to lubricate rings and seals in R-12 and R134a systems.
It is important to note that using mineral cooling oil in a modern cooling system that uses R-134a could potentially damage the system, as it can react with R-134a and form undesirable compounds, leading to damage of the components and system failure. Therefore, it is essential to use modern, appropriate cooling oils for the type of refrigerant used in the system.

POE Oil


Polyol ester oil, or POE, is another type of lubricant used in cooling and air conditioning systems. It is made from fatty acids and alcohols.
POE oil is characterized by its unique chemical properties that make it perform well under high temperature conditions and heavy load. It also absorbs less moisture than PAG oil, which makes it commonly used in systems that require minimal moisture lubrication.
POE compressor oil is used primarily in hybrid vehicles equipped with an electrically operated compressor. It can protect the electrical insulation on the coils and prevent electrical leakage.

Compressor Oil
Compressor Oil


PAO Oil


Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil is an industrial oil produced by converting olefins into polymer forms. It is characterized by its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures, making it an ideal lubricant for use in air conditioning and cooling systems.
It can be used in a variety of coolants, including R134a and R1234yf, and is compatible with most other lubricants used in the system.
Sorry, the text you provided ("يعد") is not sufficient to provide a translation within the context of car maintenance and repair. It just means "considered" in English. Please provide a more complete sentence or paragraph for an accurate translation.PAO Compressor OilA popular choice for global use due to its good compatibility with many other materials, and it does not form acid when mixed with moisture, unlike PAG oils.
One of the main advantages of using PAO oil in cooling and air conditioning systems is reducing slippage and corrosion, extending the life of components, and improving system performance.
Despite the fact that PAO oil can be used as a substitute for some PAG oils, it is always necessary to check with the compressor manufacturer's approval before using any oil.
In addition, it should be noted that some types of PAO oils may contain substances that impact the environment, and therefore, disposing of them requires special procedures.
It's worth mentioning that different types of oils should not be mixed, as this can lead to component damage and reduced system efficiency. Therefore, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians must follow the correct guidelines and use the right compressor oil for each type of system.

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