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Factors to consider when choosing an Emkarate lubricant

A branded logo for Emkarate RL featuring a polar bear

Modern companies in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry require cutting-edge lubricants to keep equipment protected and running at optimum.

To answer their advanced needs, leading synthetic lubricant maker CPI Fluid Engineering developed the Emkarate RL range. A line of polyol ester (POE) type lubricants, Emkarate is engineered to meet the requirement of several compressor types and refrigeration systems that use Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

When selecting an Emkarate lubricant for an application, there are many factors to consider – including refrigerant compatibility, compressor type, required viscosity, operating temperature range, chemical stability and cost versus value. To inform your ordering process, here we look at each concern in detail.

Refrigerant compatibility

When choosing a refrigeration compressor oil, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with the refrigerant used in your system.

To perform effectively, refrigerant compressor oil and refrigerant must be miscible. When the two mix, parts are lubricated properly and oil returns to the compressors, stopping build-up that impacts key components. Incompatible oils and refrigerants cause corrosion, compressor damage and inadequate lubrication.

Emkarate lubricants have outstanding miscibility with HFC refrigerants. However, Emkarate products are available to work with Hydrofluoro Olefin (HFO) refrigerants, HFC/hydrocarbon blends, hydrocarbon refrigerants like R600a Isobutane and HFC/HFO blends.

Compressor type

Emkarate products are available that suit a wide range of different compressor types. These include reciprocating, screw and scroll compressors designed by leading manufacturers like Danfoss, Carrier and Copeland, among others – providing that they are designed to run with compatible refrigerants.

If you unsure about whether a compressor oil is suitable for your compressor, always consult your original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) recommendation.

The Emkarate series has received OEM approvals across many different industry segments. These include large industrial refrigeration systems, commercial and residential air systems, appliance and aftermarket applications.

Viscosity requirements

When ordering a compressor oil, viscosity is a critical concern.

Viscosity has a direct impact on the compressor oil’s ability to supply adequate lubrication to the components of the compressor, ensure sufficient sealing, maintain effective operation and preventing undue wear and tear on the system and its parts.

If a compressor oil has too low a viscosity, it won’t lubricate effectively, resulting in excessive wear. However, if the oil’s viscosity is too high for your operation, it can reduce efficiency and increase friction, causing potential damage to the system compressor.

With an understanding of the various needs of operations, CPI Fluid Engineering has engineered products in the Emkarate line with a range of different viscosities. Data sheets are available that detail the exact viscosity value for each Emkarate product to ensure users can find a solution that meets their viscosity specification.

Operating temperature range

Temperature range is a vital concern for compressor oils as it directly impacts the oil’s viscosity, which in turn determines its capacity to effectively lubricate.

With outstanding thermal stability and low temperature capabilities, Emkarate lubricants are ideal when your processes require a wide temperature range. As well as offering exceptional thermal stability, these state-of-the-art lubricants present no negative effects on metal components and other common compressor materials.

Chemical stability

Chemical stability is essential for compressor oils as it stops oils from reacting with other substances present in the system – especially the refrigerant.

Reactions can lead to the oil losing its valuable lubricating properties, the creation of harmful deposit build-up and, ultimately, harm to the compressor. ASHRAE-97 sealed tube tests prove that Emkarate lubricants offer excellent chemical stability with HFC refrigerants.

Cost versus value

Synthetic lubricants like the compressor oils of the Emkarate range will always come with a higher price tag than standard solutions with a mineral oil base. However, the value that these high-performance solutions have more than pays for their investment in the long-term.

The superior lubricity of these cutting-edge oils ensures compressor components can operate more efficiently and remain protected against wear and tear and corrosive forces. Emkarate lubricants can also seal parts effectively and remove unwanted contaminants from areas where key processes take place that are impacted by deposits. Effectively, they can prolong the lifespan of compressors and the refrigeration and air-conditioning systems they serve.

Their chemical and thermal stability means that oils last longer and retain their sought-after characteristics for longer. This means less frequent compressor oil changes, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and savings on lubricant use.

Finally, providing that they are stored properly, Emkarate lubricants have an unlimited shelf life. As a result, it is easy to see why advanced compressor oils from CPI Fluid Engineering are often selected for a wide range of applications.

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